Symptom: Eye Injury – When Should I Contact a Vet?
Eye injuries can range from a minor scratch to a serious injury that threatens your pet's vision. Because eye problems can worsen rapidly, any suspected eye injury should be examined by a vet as soon as possible.
Common signs include:
Squinting or keeping one eye closed
Excessive watering or discharge from the eye
Redness of the eye or surrounding tissues
Pawing or rubbing at the affected eye
Cloudiness, swelling or blood within the eye
A visible wound or foreign object in or around the eye
Some pets become reluctant to go into bright light or may seem painful or distressed. In more severe cases, the eye may appear to bulge, shrink, or have a change in shape. Any sudden change in the appearance of your pet's eye or vision should be treated as an emergency.
'My pet has an eye injury' - Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons that my pet has an eye injury?
– Trauma: scratches from branches, cat claws, thorns or other objects can damage the surface or deeper structures of the eye.
– Foreign objects: grass seeds, dirt, sand or other debris can become trapped under the eyelids or on the surface of the eye.
– Bites or fights: injuries caused by other animals can affect the eyelids, eye surface or the eye itself.
– Chemical irritation: shampoos, cleaning products or other chemicals can cause pain and damage if they come into contact with the eye.
– Blunt injuries: a knock from a ball, stick, hoof or other object can damage the eye even if there is no obvious wound.
DOs - My pet has an eye injury, what to do at home:
– If your pet has a suspected eye injury, contact your vet as soon as possible. Early treatment can help protect their vision.
– Keep your pet from rubbing or pawing at the affected eye. An Elizabethan collar (cone) can help prevent further damage if you have one.
– Keep your pet calm and avoid unnecessary activity until they have been examined by your vet.
– If possible, keep the affected eye clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily until your pet can be examined.
DON'Ts - My pet has an eye injury, what not to do at home:
– Don't let your pet rub or scratch at the affected eye. This can make the injury much worse.
– Don't try to remove an object that is stuck in the eye. This could cause further damage.
– Don't use eye drops or ointments unless they have been prescribed for this injury. Some medications can make certain eye conditions worse.
– Don't delay seeing your vet. Even minor eye injuries can worsen quickly and threaten your pet's vision.
My pet has an eye injury - when is it an emergency?
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet:
– Has a suspected penetrating injury or an object stuck in the eye.
– Is unable to open the eye, or the eye appears swollen, bulging or has changed shape.
– Has blood in or around the eye.
– Has suddenly lost vision or is bumping into objects.
– Has severe pain, persistent squinting, or the eye becomes cloudy or blue.
Written by Gill Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published July 2026 | Review date July 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet