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My dog's eye is pink and she's sneezing. Is it an allergic reaction?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 2 months old | 32 lbs

Hello. I just discovered an unusual pinkness on the outer corner of my dog's eye. She's been sneezing a lot, but I'm not sure if its allergies. She also caught a baby possum in the backyard 2 days ago and I suppose it could be something from that event.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Juliana, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 13th, 2017

If the pinkness is on the outside of the eye (the skin around eye) and is puffy this could be the start of an allergic reaction to something in the environment, an insect bite or sting, or even a vaccine if any given in the last 24 hours. If this is the case you may notice the swelling progressing and in that case Bella Bear should see a veterinarian right away for injectable medication to help. If the redness is on the outside of the eye itself (the sclera or whites of the eye) this could be due to something irritating that had gotten into the eye or as part of an allergy to something in the environment. If this is the case I would prevent her from rubbing her eyes and you can flush with sterile saline or a lubricating over the counter drop such as genteal. If the pinkness persists or worsens I would have her evaluated by a veterinarian to see if there is a prescription ointment that may help. I don't think this has anything to do with the baby possum.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 26th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She may have an upper respiratory tract infection. Is she coughing or sneezing at all? An eye infection can be a component of a respiratory infection. If this is the case, she will likely need an antibiotic and maybe an eye ointment. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on November 25th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! 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. It is possible that it is just irritation that will only be transient but it is hard to know without an evaluation. I highly recommend that you have her 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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