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My dog's one eye has discharge for a week. Is it an eye infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 8 months old

My dog's left eye keeps having more eye discharge than usual on & off for the last week. But only one eye. Do you think he may have an eye infection?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on April 7th, 2020

Eye infection is one of the possibilities. However, conjunctivitis (viral or bacterial) usually affects both eyes. Excessive discharge from one eye can be related to trauma or scratch to the eyebulb, blocked up tear duct, third eyelid problem etc. If Rocco has had the discharge for the last week, you should take him to your local vet to have a full examination of the eye. That will show what is going on and the right treatment can be recommended.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Yes, I suspect that Rocco has an eye infection. Any eye problem needs to be checked out by a vet promptly as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take him into a vet today. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 28th, 2017
Oh no, poor Rocco! Eyes are very delicate structures and can be damaged very easily. Excessive itching can quickly worsen an existing issue, such as a corneal ulcer, and can even lead to eye rupture in severe cases. Unfortunately, the only thing that you can do at home is make sure that Rocco is wearing an e-collar (cone) so that he does not damage his eye further. A vet will need to examine Rocco to determine the cause of his eye issue so that he can be appropriately treated. I hope that he feels betters soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on August 1st, 2017
This could be due to a corneal injury or ulcer. I always am concerned about eye problems and recommend an exam soon. The veterinarian will stain the eye to check for an ulcer and make sure there is nothing in the eye. Then depending on the findings they will prescribe eye medication. Generally when treated right away eye problems usually heal quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rocco.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 30th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rocco. His third eyelid on the right eye does appear to be a bit inflamed. Since it is not bothering him, it is ok to watch it and see if it resolves. Allergies are common this time of year. If he develops a discharge, begins squinting on that side or pawing at the eye, then he will need to see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has red, droopy eyes, and one is shut. Could it be pink eye?

Dogs can certainly get infection of their conjunctiva which is pinkeye. However this could indicate an upper respiratory tract infection or something wrong with the eye it's self which is more concerning. It would be best to have Rocko examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to make sure that eye is OK. If it is a short course of a topical ointment maybe all that is needed. However if the eye is involved or there's an infection he will likely need antibiotics. You should stop him from pawing or rubbing at the eye as well as keeping the discharge cleared with a warm washcloth until he can see a veterinarian.

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