Watery, Bloodshot Eyes

Question
Our 1 year old Chihuahua just developed watery, bloodshot eyes.  They
always seem partially closed and she rubs them often.  Are these
allergies, or could she be sick?  There are a lot of mosquitos around this
time of year and in the back of my mind I am nervous that it could be West
Nile Virus symptoms.  Is this common.

Answer
Hi Matthew,

Bloodshot eyes are a common occurrence for the simple reason that dogs and cats are energetic, curious creatures that approach the world headfirst. They don't always have time to duck or blink when running face-first through high grass, under branches, or under the bed. Even a little scratch or irritation in the eye can cause major redness in their eyes, not just for an hour or two, but sometimes for a few days.

There is another reason dogs can get bloodshot eyes. Unlike people, dogs and cats have third eyelids, which are designed to protect the eyes from foreign objects. Sometimes, bits of wood or other debris get trapped under the lid, making the eye sore and irritated. A foreign body in the eye is the most common cause of bloodshot eyes. In fact, when only one eye is bloodshot, you should suspect that's the cause.

When both eyes are bloodshot, however, you can be pretty sure that something is happening elsewhere in the body. Pets with allergies, for example, will sometimes get watery red eyes. High blood pressure or conjunctivitis (caused by a virus or bacteria) may be the blame. Other serious problems such as glaucoma or tumors can cause bloodshot eyes.

I'd give it a couple of days to see if it clears up, but since bloodshot eyes can be a symptom of some potentially serious conditions, I would suggest that you make an appointment with your vet, to see what is the cause of your dog's problem.

Best of luck,

Patti