Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why are my German Shepherd's eyes red and irritated? What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 2 months old | 88.185 lbs

My German shepherd bitch is suffering from irritation around her eyes. The area became reddish . How to cure this please help.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 11th, 2017

Common causes of redness or irritation around the eyes like this include bacterial infection, mites (like demodectic mange), allergies, fleas, among others. Since this area is so close to the cornea of the eyeball, I recommend that she be evaluated by a veterinarian so that appropriate medications can be used. Any topical ointment that can be used on skin needs to be safe for eyes. If she is not on flea preventative, start that as soon as possible. Your vet may recommend diagnostics like a skin scrape to look for mites, cytology to look for bacteria, or recommend antihistamines based on their physical examination.
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 28th, 2017

    She may have an infection in the skin around her eyes secondary to an allergy. The eye itself is clear and open and that is the important part! there are no safe topical diver the counter because of how close it is to her eye. Your vet can prescribe some topical medications safe for the eyes.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 5th, 2017

    Hi there. I would recommend a skin scrape to rule out parasites (your veterinarian will perform this). Some other conditions that may present like this include allergies as well as certain immune mediated diseases (these require much further testing including blood work and often a skin biopsy). I hope this helps! My best to you and Dana

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button