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My dog has green eye discharge, redness, and squints. Vet or home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 50 lbs

I noticed thick green goop from my lab/collie one eye. He can open it, squints when I pet his head and it's red in the outer area. Maybe a bit swollen. I can't see a cut or anything. We've never seen a vet, so I'm not sure it's vet worthy or just home treatment. He seems fine otherwise.

6 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2017

If it's just the one eye there may be something going on on the corneal surface that you can't see with the naked eye. A vet would need to stain the eye to see a scratch. I would recommend taking him in to check that and get medications to heal it fast. Eyes can go from bad to worse very quickly. Good luck and kisses to Tucker!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
It could be caused by an allergy or an infection. You could gently clean the discharge away with a warm cloth and then try some artificial tears, like GenTeal drops, in his eye and see if that helps. Otherwise, he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can do an eye exam, stain his eye, and/or measure the pressure to help diagnose. He may need an antibiotic and/or other medications to treat. If the discharge and/or squinting increases then he should be seen right away.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
This looks like mild conjunctivitis. Rinse the eye with sterile eye wash several times a day. If the squinting and discharge continue I recommend a veterinary visit. Tucker could have a corneal scratch which is hard to see. Your veterinarian will use a yellow stain in the eye to check the cornea for a scratch or ulcer. Then they will prescribe antibiotic eye ointment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tucker.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on March 14th, 2017
Poor Schnook! Redness, swelling, and greenish discharge like this are most often caused by an eye infection, or an injury to the eye such as a corneal scratch or ulcer. Schnook will need prescription eye drops to treat the problem, so I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on March 22nd, 2019
When regular bathing and cleansing does not help after 3-5days, a full eye check by your vet is required to check for underlying medical causes. Dry eye, where there are insufficient tears produced to wash the surface of the eye when she blinks, an infection or muscle weakness are al possible contributing factors and the treatment opr=tions vary depending on the findings from the physical exam. I strongly recommend a senior health check as soon as possible
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Elva Ma DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 11th, 2017
Thank you for the detailed description and photos. If Maui is not feeling herself, it would be worth taking her to the vet sooner than your scheduled visit tomorrow. This may be a simple eye infection, or it could be something more serious such as a corneal ulcer, which can get much worse if she rubs or further scratches the eye herself. I hope this helps, and your dog is feeling better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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