If your dog's eyes look less than clear, he may have an eye infection. Eyes are extremely vital, yet sensitive, and any issue should be taken quite seriously. A few symptoms indicate that your dog is suffering from any eye infection and it is important to take your pooch to the vet at the first sign of a problem.
Instructions
Observe your dog for any pawing or rubbing at the eye. Many dogs who have eye infections will often scratch their eyes or rub them on the floor or any available surface in an attempt to relieve the pain and discomfort.
Look around the eyes for any discharge. If there is colored discharge or an amount of clear discharge that is more than normal for your dog, it is likely she has an eye infection.
Note any redness or swelling of the eye. If the sclera, or white part, of the eye is red, it is an indicator of a problem. If you notice the eye or area around the eye looks bigger than usual, it is a problem.
Look at your dog's conjunctiva for any redness. Open your dog's eye and look at the membrane on the inside of the eyelid. The conjuctiva is typically pink; if your dog's is red, there is a problem.
Observe your dog for sensitivity around the eye. Dogs who have infections will often become defensive about their eyes and will resist any attempts to have it touched.
Watch your dog for abnormal behavior with its eye. If the eye is shut, the third eyelid has come out or there is any drooping or slight closure of the eyelid, these are signs of an infection.