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My dog's eyes are suddenly swollen shut, what should I do now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dogs eyes all the sudden have become swollen within the past hour, she was sleeping in her cage and then I look over and they are almost swollen shut, I’ve given her a Benadryl.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 11th, 2020

Oh no, that's not good at all! Her eyes are extremely swollen and unfortunately without seeing her in person, I can't say what is causing it. Any eye problem is an emergency because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take her into a vet immediately to get this diagnosed and treated. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 19th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. With your description i am concerned that there is trauma to the eye. I would highly recommend getting this looked at by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more severe this could become. Eyes are very delicate and when there is trauma you want to treat early before there are problems. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 5th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the pictures and your description, I suspect that what you are seeing is due to an eye infection, irritation or dry eye. If you are unable to get to your veterinarian right away, there are over the counter drops that you can use. I've recommended Systane eye drops in the past to clients and that helps lubricate the eyes quite well. If this is infections, however, antibiotic eye medication will be needed so you will need to have Leah seen by a veterinarian to have antibiotic eye medication prescribed. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on May 4th, 2019
I would recommend getting this assessed by an emergency vet urgently - it may be swollen due to an allergic reaction but there may also be blood or an abscess pushing on the eye which could damage the eye long term. A cold compress held gently above the eye may help to reduce swelling whilst you organise a vet check
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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