Sick Dog: Bloodshot Eyes & Itching

Itchy, bloodshot eyes can be a symptom of a serious health problem in dogs.

If your dog has bloodshot eyes and is itching a lot, especially at the skin around its eyes, you should take your dog to your veterinarian. Dogs are susceptible to many different sorts of eye problems. Some, such as allergies, are common and easily treated. Others, such as uveodermatologic syndrome, are rare and need to be treated right away.

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. When this happens, a dog's immune system reacts to something in its environment as though it is a threat and tries to remove it from a dog's system. The allergens that bother your dog might not cause a problem for you or other dogs in your household. Dogs can be allergic to chemicals, pollens, dust and smoke, states the ASPCA. Allergies that cause eye irritation in dogs can trigger conjunctivitis.

Uveodermatologic Syndrome

Uveodermatologic syndrome is a problem in which the immune system attacks the pigment cells located in your dog's eyes and face. Veterinarians do not know what causes uveodermatologic syndrome. It is more likely to occur in breeds including Akitas, Samoyeds, Siberian huskies and Irish setters.

Symptoms

A dog that is sick with allergies can experience eyes that are both itchy and runny. Your dog might scratch at its eyes, which can irritate them. Eye allergens can lead to conjunctivitis, which is characterized by red eyes with a watery discharge. The symptoms of uveodermatologic syndrome include extremely itchy skin around a dog's eyes. Over time, a dog's skin will develop raw sores from all the scratching and its eyes will be inflamed.

Treatment

Allergies can be treated by removing the allergen that causes them from your dog's environment. If that is not possible, cleaning and bathing your dog's area frequently may help reduce the number of allergens. Allergy injections are available from your vet. Sooth the red eyes of conjunctivitis by treating allergies and using saline eye washes. Uveodermatologic syndrome is treated with high doses of steroids. Other immunosuppressive drugs can also help control it.

Considerations

If your dog's bloodshot eyes and itching symptoms are caused by airborne allergies, letting them go untreated could result in your dog developing other health problems, including bronchitis. According to "The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook," uveodermatologic syndrome may be difficult to treat and control. If you and your veterinarian do not act quickly and aggressively, it can lead to cataracts, detached retinas, glaucoma and even blindness.

References

• ASPCA: Dog Allergies
• "The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook"; Betsy Brevitz; 2009