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My dog's eyes are swollen, gunky, and hard to open. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Black and Tan Coonhound | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 36.4 lbs

My coonhound gets droopy eyes with a lot of gunk in them every now and then. I assume it's allergies but the last couple days they have been so bad he can barely keep his eyes open and they look swollen. He has not gotten into any poisonous weeds or been fed anything different that he could have a reaction to. He could have been bit by mosquitoes but that's unlikely. Is there any kind of eye drop I could use to take the swelling down and help keep the gunk at bay? He is majorly an inside dog.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 17th, 2017

He can have a possible infection or conjunctivitis since it is affected both eyes. Since the discharge is getting worse and he does not want to open his eyes, it is best he sees a vet to determine if there is a scratch on the cornea or just an infection. There is topical antibiotics +/- a steroid to help clear them. The only thing you can do at home is rinse with sterile eye wash and try to apply a warm compress to help with the swelling.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 9th, 2017
If he can't open his eye and there is a lot of discharge he needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. This can be an infection or conjunctivitis or a possible corneal ulcer caused by a scratch or a foreign body. Rinsing his eyebwith saline eye watch is less irritating than water
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on September 19th, 2017
Any time we are dealing with the eyes I get concerned because they are so fragile. IF something has changed in his healing process - now has clear discharge -- I would recommend taking him back to the vet for a re check on his eye. With all the effort you have put in to his healing so far it would stink to take a step back. I hope that helps
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on November 3rd, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am afraid that going to a veterinarian is the best and only option. This cannot be treated at home without knowing what it is. This could be due to an eye injury or conditions such as a corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, dry eye (also known as KCS), among many other conditions. I highly recommend that you have Tina evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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