At Companion Veterinary Clinic in Auburn, CA, we know just how important your pet’s eyes are—not just for sight, but for how they experience the world. Whether it’s chasing toys, exploring the backyard, or simply making eye contact with you, healthy eyes help your pet live a full, happy life.

That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye (no pun intended!) on changes in your pet’s vision or comfort. Many eye conditions in pets develop gradually, making them easy to miss—until they become more serious or even irreversible. The good news? With early detection, most eye issues can be treated effectively.

If you’ve noticed your pet squinting, rubbing at their face, or if their eyes seem red, cloudy, or teary—it’s time to take a closer look.

Concerned about your pet’s eyes? Contact Companion Veterinary Clinic today to schedule an exam.

Common Eye Problems We See in Dogs and Cats

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Just like in people, conjunctivitis causes red, irritated eyes and a lot of discomfort.

  • What to watch for: Redness, swelling, watery or pus-like discharge, squinting, blinking, or pawing at the face
  • Common causes: Infections, allergens, irritants, or underlying illness
  • How it’s treated: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops, and treating the root cause

Learn more about conjunctivitis in pets

Corneal Ulcers (Eye Surface Injuries)

These are painful scratches or erosions on the eye’s surface—and they can worsen quickly if untreated.

  • Signs to look for: Squinting, watery eyes, pawing at the face, cloudiness, or sensitivity to light
  • How it happens: Trauma, foreign objects, dry eye, infections, or breed predisposition
  • Treatment options: Antibiotic drops, pain relief, and in serious cases, corneal surgery

What you need to know about corneal ulcers

Cataracts (Cloudy Eyes in Senior Pets)

Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye and can gradually impair your pet’s vision—especially in older pets or those with diabetes.

  • What you’ll notice: Hazy, bluish-white eyes and reduced vision
  • Possible causes: Aging, genetics, or systemic illness
  • Treatment: Monitoring in early stages; surgical removal may be recommended in more advanced cases

More on cataracts in dogs

Glaucoma (High Eye Pressure)

This condition can be incredibly painful and may lead to blindness if not treated promptly.

  • Symptoms to watch for: Redness, swelling, dilated pupils, vision loss, reluctance to be touched around the face
  • Causes: Can be genetic or secondary to trauma, inflammation, or tumors
  • Treatment: Eye pressure-lowering medications, or surgery in advanced cases

Understanding glaucoma in pets

Entropion (Inward Rolling Eyelids)

This condition causes the eyelid to roll inward, which makes the eyelashes scrape painfully against the eye surface.

  • Signs: Tearing, redness, squinting, and rubbing at the eyes
  • Common in breeds like: Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, and Persian cats
  • Treatment: Surgical correction is typically necessary to prevent ongoing irritation or corneal damage

Learn more about entropion

Eye Emergencies: When to Call Us Immediately

Some eye problems are more than uncomfortable—they’re emergencies. Contact us right away if your pet shows:

  • Sudden blindness or confusion
  • Protruding, bulging, or sunken eyes
  • Blood in or around the eye
  • Persistent squinting or shaking the head
  • Yellow, green, or thick eye discharge

Read more about ocular emergencies

How We Diagnose Eye Conditions

Your pet can’t tell you what they’re feeling—but our team uses a variety of tools and tests to get answers quickly and safely.

  • Fluorescein staining: Highlights scratches or ulcers on the cornea
  • Tonometry: Measures pressure inside the eye (used to diagnose glaucoma)
  • Ophthalmoscopy: Lets us look deep into the eye to evaluate the retina and optic nerve
  • Schirmer Tear Test: Measures tear production, especially helpful for diagnosing dry eye

Explore common veterinary eye tests

Treatment Options: What Your Pet Might Need

Medical Management

Many eye conditions can be treated with medication, especially when caught early.

  • Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops
  • Pain-relief medications
  • Artificial tears or lubricants for dry eye
  • Oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatories when needed

Surgical Solutions

In some cases, surgery is the best way to restore comfort and protect vision:

  • Eyelid surgery (for entropion or tumors)
  • Cataract removal
  • Enucleation (eye removal) in cases of severe trauma, glaucoma, or tumors

More on veterinary approaches to ocular tumors

How to Help Prevent Eye Problems in Pets

While not all eye issues are preventable, many are manageable with the right care:

  • Schedule regular wellness exams, especially for pets prone to eye issues
  • Trim hair around your pet’s eyes to reduce irritation
  • Don’t let pets ride with their head out the window—dust and debris can cause injury
  • Use pet-safe eyewash if your pet gets dirt or allergens in their eyes
  • Watch for early warning signs like redness, discharge, or frequent squinting

Learn more about feline vision concerns

Your Partner in Protecting Your Pet’s Vision

At Companion Veterinary Clinic, your pet’s eye health is never an afterthought. Whether your pet needs a simple exam or advanced eye care, we’re ready to help.

Don’t wait for your pet’s eye condition to get worse.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment—we’ll help your pet see the world clearly and comfortably again.