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My dog's eye is swollen with green discharge. Is it an ER emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 6 years and 3 months old | 26 lbs

Daycare attendant babysat dog, took him to daycare daily and have bath, she noticed him keeping his left eye closed the past day or 2 before I got him back. I noticed it so took him to vet the next day (this was 2 days ago). Was told it's a small abrasion and will heal on own but given isathal gel as precaution. Today eye is worse, eyelids very swollen above and below and did discharge is green. Still barely opening eye. Do I need to take him to an ER vet? Reg vet not available for 24 hours.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on August 29th, 2017

Unfortunately, I would recommed taking Doug to an ER vet. Anytime an eye condition worsens, I consider it an emergency. Eye conditions can become severe enough to permanently damage the eye very quickly and Pugs are prone to having some significant eye problems. I personally think it's well worth the emergency fee to make sure my dog doesn't have a permanent eye problem. Good luck! I hope Doug is fine!
Please let me know if that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 14th, 2020
It looks like Silas is squinting, and if you found nail debris in the eye I'd be worried about a corneal ulcer. I wouldn't recommend waiting until Monday to be seen - if a corneal abrasion or scratch on the surface of the eye gets infected it can get worse rapidly. I'd recommend seeing an emergency veterinarian this weekend. Conjunctivitis or allergies could cause similar symptoms but it is best to be safe with eyes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 21st, 2019
Hello. Honestly, I would try to get Blue into your vet as soon as possible. The green discharge could be an indication that the cornea was scratched & an infection is beginning to develop. Waiting 3 days may allow a simple scratch to develop up into a deep corneal ulcer, something that will be much more difficult to deal with. I hope the eye is fine, but I would not wait to have it looked at. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 22nd, 2019
I’d be worried now. Any eye problem should be considered an emergency because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. His eye may have been scratched by the cat, and the fact there is green discharge means it’s infected. Please take him into a vet immediately.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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