A dog eye injury can present with various symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the injury. One common sign is swelling of, or around, the eye socket. This swelling can be quite painful for the dog, and you may notice that they are reluctant to open their mouth or eat due to the discomfort.
In addition to the swelling, you may observe redness and swelling of the insides of the eyelids. This can give the appearance of bloodshot eyes and may be accompanied by increased tear production. The third eyelid, which is normally not very noticeable, may become more obvious and protrude slightly due to the swelling.
Another indicator of an eye injury is if the eyeball itself appears to be pushed forward by any swelling. This can cause the eye to bulge or protrude, and the dog may be sensitive to light or have difficulty focusing.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the specific injury. For example, a scratch or a foreign object in the eye may cause excessive blinking, squinting, or pawing at the affected eye. On the other hand, a blunt trauma or more severe injury may result in visible bleeding, cloudiness, or even a change in the color of the eye.
In my personal experience, I once had a dog who suffered a minor eye injury while playing in the backyard. I noticed that her eye was slightly swollen, and she kept pawing at it. Upon closer inspection, I could see that the insides of her eyelids were red and the third eyelid was more prominent than usual. Though the injury was not too severe, it was still painful for her, and she was hesitant to eat or open her mouth fully. After seeking veterinary care and receiving appropriate treatment, her eye healed within a few days.
A dog eye injury can manifest with symptoms such as swelling around the eye socket, redness and swelling of the eyelids, protrusion of the third eyelid, and the eyeball appearing pushed forward. These signs may be accompanied by pain, reluctance to eat or open the mouth fully, excessive blinking or squinting, and other indications of discomfort. It is crucial to seek veterinary attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment of any eye injury in dogs.