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Dog eye swollen and rubbing after plant contact. What can I do?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 9 years and 5 months old | 75 lbs

Lake County, northern CA: Our senior black Labrador was nosing in our iris when she suddenly backed out and started rubbing her left eye with her paws. There were no bees, spiders, scorpions, or snakes where she was. There are dried wild oats and small rice grain size burrs. 5 hours later her left upper eyelid was swollen out ½” in a 1” by 2”area. It is tender to the touch. There is no discharge. What is the likely cause and what can we do? All vets are closed and we live in a rural area.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Juliana,  DVM

Answered By Juliana, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 24, 2017

Im so sorry to hear about Rio. It is possible that a burr scratched her cornea (corneal ulcer) or that one of the burrs got lodged in the soft tissues around her eye. It is also possible that some of the plant material caused a topical allergic reaction or that there was an insect you didn't see that bit or stung her causing an allergic reaction. You can rinse her eye out with a saline rinse for eyes. If the swelling is still present in the morning I would have her seen by a veterinarian for sure. they can examine the eye for any foreign material and can prescribe topical ointments that could help. if they suspect a more systemic allergic reaction they can give you a dose of benadryl (we cannot prescribe a specific dose without physically seeing a pet). If you are able to place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent self trauma from rubbing that is also advised. I hope Rio feels better very soon! Please let us know if you have further questions.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Poor Rio - It could be that the plant material poked under he eyelid and caused the eyelid injury and swelling. carefully lift her eyelid and check if you can see any wound or possible plant material under there (leaf or grass seed) it could also be an allergic reaction to the plant? It may be beneficial to give her some Benadryl at the standard dose.
    A compress made by soaking a Teabag in warm water and applied to the swelling will not harm her and may provide a gentle antiseptic to her eye. Take her in to the vet tomorrow if she still has a swelling. If you have an e collar or cone to use overnight, that will help prevent her rubbing her eye.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 19, 2017

    It looks like Roxy has had some sort of trauma to the cornea of her eye. Maybe a small scratch or puncture. She should see a veterinarian as soon as possible for an exam. She should be prescribed a topical antibiotic for the eye. She may need other treatment but your veterinarian can determine that.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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