Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become 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 does my puppy have red/pink eyes, ear irritation, and lick a lot?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 10 months and 12 days old | 35 lbs

My puppy has one red eye and one pink, ear irritation, and excessive licking. No eye discharge or scratching

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 13th, 2017

Poor Kai! It sounds like he has a few things going on at the moment. He could have an eye infection, allergies, or suffering trauma to his eyes causing them to be red and pink. The ear irritation could be due to an ear infection caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. The excessive licking can be caused by itching, which in turn can be caused by fleas, mites, allergies, or ringworm. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would have him seen by a vet right away for his eye problems, and the vet can diagnose all of his symptoms and can treat him for them.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

My puppy is frantic, scratching, licking, and has pink eyelids.

Oh wow, Prince is really cute! This sounds like some type of allergic reaction, or perhaps Prince has been stung by an insect. True allergies, such as to something in the food or environment, are very rare at this age, so I would be more suspicious of a bite or a contact allergy. If he's still frantic at this point I would recommend a vet visit to rule out anything serious.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog's eyes are red and irritated. Why does he keep scratching them?

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. I suspect that the scratching is due to allergies. I highly recommend that you have Bodhi evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog itching, licking paws, and has red, dry skin near eyes?

It sounds like Maddy may have allergies. I would have him seen by a vet immediately, as he could have scratched his eyeball while rubbing at his eyes. Scratching his eyeball can lead to infection and ulcer formation. Maddy needs his eyes examined to make sure that he hasn't scratched his eyes, and can diagnose if he has allergies and give him medication for it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's red, shut eye with discharge & ear scratching: Vet needed?

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. There is nothing you can do at home. He needs to be evaluated as soon as possible as this is likely serious and his eye health may be in jeopardy. I highly recommend that you have Tank evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my dog's eyes red, watery, and he keeps pawing at them?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy has red, itchy eyes with discharge and is scratching them.

I would recommend that Sampson get checked out by a vet. The symptoms you have described could be caused by allergies, infection, corneal ulcer or abrasion, among a few others. You can use an OTC saline eye wash to gently flush the eyes to try to remove any dirt or debris that can be causing irritation. Sampson should also wear an e-collar or cone to prevent damage to the cornea from rubbing and itching. But if the eyes don't look better in the morning he should definitely see a vet. Eyes can heal quickly, but they can also get much worse very quickly! I hope Sampson gets to feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog licks paws, scoots, has smelly ears and eye discharge. Why?

Poor Skitzer sounds very itchy! He may have food allergies or environmental allergies triggering ear infections, perianal itching, and paw-chewing. The smell could be a yeast or bacterial infection in the ears. He needs a vet visit so he can get the appropriate antibiotics, ear flush, and anti-inflammatory medication to make him feel better and stop itching!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share