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Why does my dog keep pawing at both eyes while healing from an ulcer?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 8 months old | 3.6 lbs

Need advice. Confirmed corneal ulcer in left eye. Treating for a week and getting smaller/healing. Keep cone on always except to eat. When it is off, after a little she will try to paw at both eyes. Was white discharge in corner of both eyes but has been gone for two days. On BNP ointment for a week in left eye, 5 days in right eye. Stain showed nothing in right eye. What could cause her to want to paw or rub face on carpet in both eyes?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 16th, 2017

Hi! Glad to hear that Bella's ulcer is resolving. As corneal ulcers heal, dogs may experience some itchiness or discomfort that makes them want to paw at their eyes even including the eye that is not affected. This is why it is always advised to keep the cone on until finishing therapy/resolution. Good luck! It seems like Bella is going in the right direction.
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