How to spot eye infections and other eye problems in dogs and cats

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 18 September 2026.

Noticed your pet’s eye looking red, watery or half-closed? Eye problems can be worrying, and it’s not always easy to know what’s causing the discomfort or how serious it might be.

Eye infections and other eye problems can affect both dogs and cats, and many different conditions can cause similar-looking signs. What seems like an infection could actually be dry eye, irritation, or even a scratch on the surface of the eye. That’s why it’s best not to play the guessing game. If something doesn’t look right with your pet’s eye, it’s a good idea to seek vet advice promptly.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the common causes and signs of eye problems and infections in dogs and cats, a few conditions worth knowing about, how they’re usually treated, and when an eye problem needs urgent veterinary attention.

Table of contents

• What causes eye infections and other eye problems in dogs and cats?
• Signs your pet may have an eye problem
• Common eye conditions in dogs and cats
• Are flat-faced pets more prone to eye problems?
• How are eye infections and other eye problems treated in dogs and cats?
• When is an eye problem an emergency?
• Pet insurance and your pet’s eye health

What causes eye infections and other eye problems in dogs and cats?

There’s no single culprit behind eye problems. Infections and irritation can happen for all sorts of reasons, including:

• Bacterial infections, which can occur on their own or develop after the surface of the eye has been damaged.
• Viral infections, particularly feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus in cats.
• Irritants such as dust, smoke, or chemicals in the environment, as well as allergic reactions to pollen or plants.
• Accidental scratches and injuries from everyday activities, play, thorns, or grass seeds.
• Eyelid or eyelash problems that repeatedly irritate the eye.
• Reduced tear production, better known as dry eye, which leaves the eye without its usual protective tear film.

Cats and dogs with weakened immune systems may also be more prone to eye infections and other eye problems. In cats, common examples include feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).

Signs your pet may have an eye problem

You know your pet’s face better than anyone, so even a small change can stand out. Dogs and cats share many of the same signs of eye problems, including:

• Redness in or around the eye
• Squinting or keeping an eye partly or completely closed
• Blinking more than usual
• Watery or thick discharge from one or both eyes
• Pawing or rubbing at the face
• An eye that looks dull, dry, or cloudy
• An eye that seems shut, particularly after sleep
• Swelling around the eye

Some pets may also show other signs. For example, a pink, fleshy lump in the inner corner of the eye may be a sign of cherry eye, while cats with some eye infections may also sneeze or have a runny nose.

Common eye conditions in dogs and cats

Not every red or watery eye is caused by an infection. There are several conditions that can cause similar signs, which is why it’s always best to consult your vet.

Conjunctivitis

You’ve probably heard of conjunctivitis in people, and pets can get it too. It’s inflammation of the conjunctiva, the pink tissue lining the eyelids and covering part of the eyeball. In cats, feline herpesvirus is a common cause of conjunctivitis and can spread between cats, particularly where multiple cats live together. In dogs, conjunctivitis can have several causes, including infection, allergies, and irritants.

With the right veterinary treatment, many cases can be managed successfully.

Corneal ulcers

The cornea is the clear surface at the front of the eye. If it becomes scratched or damaged, an ulcer can form. Corneal ulcers can be caused by injuries, dry eye, eyelid abnormalities, or infection. Some superficial ulcers can heal relatively quickly with the right treatment, but deeper or infected ulcers can become serious quickly.

So, if your pet is suddenly squinting, seems to have a painful eye, or their eye looks cloudy, it’s best to have your vet take a look promptly.

Dry eye

Dry eye happens when the eye doesn’t produce enough tears. Without that protective moisture, the surface of the eye can become sore and inflamed. In dogs, the most common cause is immune-mediated inflammation of the glands that produce tears, although other health conditions can also contribute.

Your vet can test your pet’s tear production and, if dry eye is diagnosed, ongoing treatment is usually needed to keep the eyes protected and comfortable.

Cherry eye

Despite the rather sweet-sounding name, cherry eye is something that needs veterinary attention. It happens when a gland in the third eyelid moves out of place, creating a smooth pink or red lump in the inner corner of the eye. It’s more common in certain breeds and often appears in younger dogs. Treatment often involves surgery to put the gland back where it belongs rather than removing it, helping to preserve normal tear production.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma happens when fluid can’t drain properly from the eye and pressure begins to build. Early signs can be surprisingly subtle (think mild redness or squinting). As it progresses, the eye may become cloudy or bulging, the pupil may look enlarged, and vision can be affected.

Glaucoma can lead to blindness if it isn’t treated, so it’s important to seek vet advice as soon as possible.

Are flat-faced pets more prone to eye problems?

Yes, the features that give flat-faced or brachycephalic dogs and cats their distinctive appearance can also make them more vulnerable to eye problems.

In flat-faced dogs and cats, skull shape, eye shape, and abnormalities of the eyelids or tear ducts can contribute to problems, including corneal ulcers, dry eye, excessive tear production, inflammation, conjunctivitis, and eye injuries.

If you share your home with a flat-faced dog or cat, regular vet checks and paying close attention to changes around their eyes can help catch problems early.

How are eye infections and other eye problems treated in dogs and cats?

There’s no universal eye drop that works for all eye conditions in pets. Treatment depends on what’s actually causing the problem. Bacterial infections may be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by your vet. Some viral eye problems in cats may need antiviral treatment and supportive care. Conditions such as cherry eye, eyelid abnormalities, or severe corneal ulcers may require surgery, while dry eye often needs ongoing medicated drops.

And as tempting as it might be to reach for something from the bathroom cabinet, never put human eye medication, essential oils, or home remedies in your pet’s eyes unless your vet has advised you to. Some products made for people can be harmful or even toxic to pets, and signs of eye problems can have several different causes that require a vet’s diagnosis.

When is an eye problem an emergency?

Eye problems can worsen quickly, so it’s important to seek vet advice promptly if you notice any changes to your pet’s eyes.

Seek urgent veterinary care if:

• Your pet’s eye becomes very red, painful, or cloudy.
• Their eye looks like it’s bulging, sitting unevenly, or coming out of its socket.
• One pupil suddenly looks like it’s a different size from the other.
• Your pet seems to lose their vision or starts bumping into things.
• Something is visibly stuck in their eye or there’s been an injury.
• Your pet is unable or reluctant to open their eye.
• Your pet is pawing at their eye or rubbing their face.
• You notice any other sudden changes in the appearance of your pet’s eye or their behaviour.

Even if the change seems small, it’s worth getting your vet’s advice promptly. Catching eye problems early can often mean simpler and more comfortable treatment for your pet.

Pet insurance and your pet’s eye health

Eye problems can appear out of nowhere. One day your pet’s eyes look perfectly fine; the next, you might notice redness, swelling, discharge, or signs that something just isn’t right.

Sometimes, getting them back to their bright-eyed best might involve relatively simple treatment. Other eye conditions can require more involved care, including surgery. And when treatment is unexpected, the vet bills that come with it can be unexpected too.

That’s one reason many pet parents choose pet insurance. For eligible conditions and treatments, insurance can help cover a portion of the vet bill, so you don’t have to manage the full cost on your own.

And with RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can choose cover that suits your pet and budget. Our PetFlex cover is one of the most customisable pet insurance options on the market, with annual cover options up to $35,000, benefit percentage options up to 90%, a zero excess option, and no sub-limits. Every policy also helps support the RSPCA’s animal welfare initiatives, so while you’re helping to protect your own pet, you’re also making a difference for animals in need across Australia too.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure the cover suits your needs.

 

References 

[1] RSPCA Australia. What do I need to know about brachycephalic dogs? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs/

[2] RSPCA Australia. What are the health and welfare issues associated with exaggerated physical features in cats? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-health-and-welfare-issues-associated-with-exaggerated-physical-features-in-cats/

[3] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Conjunctivitis. Available from: https://vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/conjunctivitis

[4] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Corneal Ulcers. Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/corneal-ulcers

[5] Colorado State University Veterinary Health System. Corneal Ulcers. Available from: https://csuveterinaryhealth.org/corneal-ulcers/

[6] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) in Dogs. Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/keratoconjunctivitis-sicca-kcs-dogs

[7] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Cherry Eye in Dogs. Available from: https://vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/cherry-eye-dogs

[8] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Glaucoma. Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/glaucoma

[9] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Small Animal Toxins. Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/pharmacy/consumer-clinical-care-guidelines-animals/small-animal-toxins