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Why is my dog's eye half closed and teary? Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 1 year and 4 months old

I'm very concerned, the right eye of my dog is half closed and tearful. What it could be?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 3rd, 2017

Hello, sorry to hear about Poli. There are several things that could make dogs eyes painful so that they have to squint and tearful. Most commonly, especially if this happened suddenly, a corneal scratch or ulcer could be causing this. Corneal ulcers can take a couple of days to heal but require ointments and sometimes even lenses to protect the cornea thus allowing it to heal. Corneal ulcers can occur due to trauma, a foreign body, an eye infection, or even abnormal eye lashes or hair. Unfortunately these are quite painful and should be evaluated by your veterinarian so that they can give her any medications she may need.

Other less common but more aggressive things that can cause her signs include things such as glaucoma, uveitis, and foreign bodies. These can also be ruled out by your veterinarian.

Hope this helps and best of luck!!!

20Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 15th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding the your dog. You can rinse the eye with a saline eye drop or rinse. This may relive any irritation from soap in the eye. If she continues to squint (which indicates pain), she will need to see her veterinarian. She may require an eye test to rule out a scratch across the surface of her eye. In the meantime, do not allow her to paw at the eye as this can cause further trauma. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on March 13th, 2017
Poor Bebo! It sounds like something is definitely wrong with her eye. She may have an eye infection, or an injury to the cornea such as a scratch or ulcer. I would recommend taking her to the vet today to have this checked - any eye problems need to be diagnosed and treated promptly, since the eye is very delicate and permanent damage can easily occur with any delays in treatment. Your vet can do a thorough ophthalmic exam and may also use a special stain to check for injuries, and will likely prescribe drops or ointment to treat the problem depending on what is found.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on April 27th, 2018
You can try to flush it with some plain eye irrigating solution or artificial tears. You can also gently wipe it will a piece of moistened gauze. If it begins to bother her, I would have your vet take a look at it to ensure it hasn't caused any infection or ulcer on the eye. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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