Updated October 13, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Eye problems in dogs can worsen quickly, so most need a vet sooner than other issues. Mild clear tearing in a comfortable dog can be watched for a day. See a vet the same day for squinting, redness, cloudiness, thick discharge, or pawing at the eye, and go to an emergency clinic for a bulging eye, sudden blindness, injury, or chemical exposure.
Emergency: go now
- Eye bulging or out of the socket
- Sudden blindness
- A very red, painful eye with a dilated pupil (possible glaucoma)
- Injury or object in the eye
- Chemical splash (flush with lukewarm water first)
Same day
- Squinting or holding the eye closed
- Cloudiness or a blue haze
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Swollen eyelids
Within a day or two
- Mild clear discharge that isn’t improving
- Tear staining changes
- A small bump on the eyelid
While you wait
- Prevent rubbing with a cone
- Gently wipe discharge with saline
- Don’t use human eye drops or leftover medications
More: dog eye emergencies and causes of eye problems.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Corneal ulcers in small animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Glaucoma in animals
- American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO): Pet owner information
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.