Why is my dog rubbing his eye, has gunk, and seems in pain?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Milo. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. Both of his third eyelids appear to be elevated and the squinting can indicate that his eyes are painful. He could have a scratch across the surface of his eye, inflammation within the eye itself or an infection. In other cases the eyes are not making adequate tears making them very dry and painful. Based on his exam findings, eye tests may be necessary to determine the best course of treatment. In the meantime, keep the eyes free of any discharge and do not allow him to paw at them. I hope this information helps!

Poor Blue! It sounds like he has an eye infection. It's important to have any eye infection examined and treated promptly, as untreated eye infections can lead to vision loss. I would take him into a vet now for an exam. The vet can confirm the eye infection, and can give him an antibiotic eye ointment to treat it.

Sorry, I see this was posted 3 days ago - not sure why it took so long for this question to be answered. The eye tends to close when it's in pain. A painful eye can be due to trauma to the outside of the eye; such as a scratch or possible bump on something. This breed tends to get these types of injuries, because of how much their eye sticks out. It could also be due to an infection of the eye and/or increased pressure in the eye. These conditions tend to be rather painful, so that would explain why Romeo is not as energetic. It is best to have a veterinarian look at the eye, so they can identify the problem and give him some medication to make it feel better. I hope that helps and Romeo feels better soon.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ryker. Oh my, no wonder he's pawing at his face. His eye looks really bad, and I see some swelling. This has to be treated by a vet now. Please take him 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. Best of luck.

That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

If he is pawing at it or squinting, then he should be seen by your veterinarian. Potential causes include infection, injury or even allergies. If he is pawing or rubbing at it, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.

Since it has not improved, consider an exam with your veterinarian. Kylo may have an infection, corneal injury (scratch or ulcer) or foreign body. Your vet can stain the eye to aid in diagnosing. The tear duct may also be flushed to clear obstruction. Place an e-collar (cone) on Mylo to prevent pawing or rubbing until he sees the doctor.