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My dachshund's eyes are red and she can't open them. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 10 years and 1 month old | 27 lbs

Hi My 8 year old miniature dachshund has a red eye first on the right and now both , she can barely open the right eye. She didn't have it yesterday.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 13, 2017

Layla may have an eye infection, she may have come into contact with something that irritated her eyes, she may have rubbed and made her eyes sore, whatever the cause, Layla needs to see your vet to get this diagnosed and treated. Left alone, she may rub her face and eyes to the point that she damages the eye itself. Your vet will check for ulcers on her cornea, possibly her tear production and examine the eyes very closely in order to determine what may be the cause and how best to treat it.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on April 14, 2017
This does not sound like an emergency, so don't panic. Laylah may have allergies or something is irritating her eyes. Try to wrap her paws with vetwrap or a sock or something so she can't scratch her corneas with her nails, and if you have an e collar or can get one at a pet store, put this in her. Use a warm water compress (clean facecloth) on her eyes with her lids closed to sooth the itch several times daily until you can get to the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on December 1, 2017
If she will allow, look for any redness or discharge. Ideally, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose infection or corneal injury. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent pawing or rubbing until she sees the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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