PetSymAIPetSymAIPetSymAI
DogSee a vet within 24 hours

Eye discharge and Squinting / won't open the eye in dogs: what to do

When these two symptoms appear together, the likely problem space narrows sharply β€” 2 common conditions are strongly linked. Ranked by match, with urgency and home care.

Possible common causes

Corneal ulcerSee a vet within 24 hoursConjunctivitis / eye infectionMonitor for 48 hours

βœ… Home-care checklist

  • βœ“Use an e-collar
  • βœ“No steroid eye drops on your own
  • βœ“Fluorescein staining at the vet within 24 hours
  • βœ“Clean around the eye with pet-safe eyewash
  • βœ“Use an e-collar to prevent rubbing
  • βœ“Never use human eye drops

πŸ₯ When to see a vet

  • ⚠Eye held shut for hours
  • ⚠A white spot or dent on the cornea
  • ⚠A white cornea or protruding eyeball
  • ⚠Purulent discharge that keeps worsening

Not sure how serious it is? Assess it with the symptom checker

Start symptom check β†’