What causes swelling under a dog’s eyes?

There are several causes of swelling under a dog's eyes. These may include temporary allergies or an insect bite, as well as more serious issues such as eye disease, tumors, or dental infections. The most frequent cause of swelling under the eyes is an abscess from a dental infection. It is important to seek prompt veterinary care if symptoms persist or worsen, as this can lead to further health problems if left untreated.

Common causes of swelling under the eyes in dogs

• Infected teeth

  The most common cause of swelling under a dog's eyes is an infection in the teeth, which can result in an abscess and cause swelling in this area. The teeth most frequently involved in chewing food are the maxillary premolars and mandibular molars, also known as carnassial teeth. These teeth have sharp cutting surfaces for shearing food and, unlike other teeth with one or two roots, they have three roots. When teeth become weakened with age, from chewing hard objects, or due to injury, germs can enter the fracture and spread through the long roots, resulting in swelling below the eyes.

• Bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections

  Under-eye inflammation and swelling can be caused by a range of bacterial infections. Symptoms can also result from diseases caused by parasites, viruses, etc.

• Insect bites and allergies

  Severe allergic reactions to insects and insect bites, or exposure to other allergens can cause swelling under a dog's eyes.

• Trauma

  The symptoms may be caused by a traumatic event, such as a bite or scratch from another animal.

• Tumor

  Tumors of the mouth, face, or skull can cause swelling under the eyes.

• Eye disease

  In cases of glaucoma, where the pressure inside a dog’s eye increases, symptoms may present as swelling in the eye. Additionally, if your dog is suffering from keratoconjunctivitis or dry eye, it may not produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated, leading to dry, inflamed, and swollen eyes.

Signs and symptoms of swollen eyes in dogs

Swollen eyes due to an eye condition, symptoms may include excessive tear production, a foul odor from the tears, excessive blinking, frequent frowning around the eyes, and itching or scratching around the eyes. In the event of an allergic reaction, swelling may occur not only around the eyes, but also on the face, feet, and in the area around the anus.

Dangers of swelling under the eyes in dogs and when to see a vet

If swollen eyes are due to an infection in the teeth that is severe and has spread throughout the body, the prognosis may be poor. If there is an underlying disease, such as an endocrine disorder, the prognosis may also be unfavorable. It is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible if these causes are suspected to drastically improve prognosis. In case of symptoms caused by an allergic reaction, if any symptoms of breathing difficulties occur, immediate medical attention at a hospital is required.

Home treatment for swollen eyes in dogs

Since there are many possible causes of swelling under the eyes in dogs, it is advisable to schedule a visit to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Using warm compresses around the eyes can help alleviate symptoms before the appointment. Ensuring the affected area is clean with saline solution can help prevent the spread of infection.

Diagnosing swelling under a dog’s eyes

Various tests may be performed to determine the cause of the swelling under the dog's eyes. If a dental problem is suspected, dental radiographs and intraoral and head CT scans can be performed to check for broken teeth and accurately determine the condition of the teeth. A CT scan can also be used to check for tumors in the mouth, face, or skull. If an infection caused by bacteria or parasites is suspected, a PCR test can be performed to determine the exact infectious agent.

Treatment for swollen eyes in dogs

Depending on the cause of the swelling under the dog's eyes, various surgical, dental, and medical treatments may be performed.

• Infected teeth

  Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection, but it's important to note that they are only a temporary solution. There's a possibility of recurrence if the underlying problem isn't addressed. To prevent this, it's essential to treat the root cause, such as removing tartar through scaling and performing tooth extractions. If the pus is excessive, additional treatments such as drainage may be necessary.

• Allergies

  If your eyes are puffy from an allergic reaction, antihistamines or steroids may be prescribed.

• Eye diseases

  Antibiotic eye drops appropriate for ocular diseases are prescribed. If the disease is specific, treatment with eye drops to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma and to treat keratoconjunctivitis may also be prescribed.

• Tumor

  Tumors may be surgically removed or treated with chemotherapy.

How to prevent swelling under the eyes in dogs

Regular dental check-ups and daily brushing can help prevent tooth infections. To avoid dental trauma, it is important to be cautious when feeding hard foods. If you are aware of a substance that triggers an allergic reaction, avoid contact with it. Checking and keeping the eyes and face area clean can also prevent skin infections caused by bacteria.

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