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Why is my dog's eye red, raw, and gunky after I cleaned it recently?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkipoo | Female | spayed | 12 years and 8 months old | 19 lbs

My dog has 2 red “ulcers” around her left eye. I was cleaning hers the other day and when I pulled the gunk from the inside corner of her eye I noticed there was raw skin. I cleaned the area nor the “ulcers” are there.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on May 19th, 2018

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Toots's ( I love that name! ) area around her eye looks very red, inflamed, and painful. The gunk you pulled away might have been eye discharge. This definitely warrants a veterinary exam very soon. Dry eye, corneal irritation or ulcer, bacterial infection, or trauma to the eye are all potential causes among others. I would recommend Toots see her veterinarian for exam eye and a few eye tests so a diagnosis can be made and Toots's eye can get treated.

I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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