If you have ever had a stye, you know just how painful it can be. If your dog is showing eye irritation with an all-too-familiar appearance, you might wonder—can dogs get styes?
In short, yes, dogs can get styes just like humans can. In this article, we are going to explore what a stye is and how you can help your dog heal.
What Is a Stye?
A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a tender, swollen bump that develops on the edge of the eyelid. If you have ever had one, you certainly know, as these bumps are very painful. It occurs when a gland or follicle in the eye clogs with dirt or debris.
Dogs Can Get Styes
Dogs, just like humans, can get styes—and yes, they probably hurt just as bad! So, if you have noticed a spot on your dog’s eyelid that looks a little familiar and you think it might be a stye—you might be right, but there are some other diagnoses to consider.
Causes of Styes
If your dog has a stye, it was likely caused by a clogged gland, which developed into bacterial overgrowth and then developed an infection.
Signs of Styes in Dogs
Signs of styes in the eyes are non-specific and can be caused by other problems.
They include:
- Swelling
- Discharge from the eye
- Crusting of the eyelid
- Soreness and itching
- Excess tear production
- Redness
Treatment for Styes
If you think your dog has a stye, you should visit a vet to confirm the diagnosis. Your vet might prescribe an antibiotic or other ophthalmic medication to resolve the infection. Surgery could be needed in a few cases if the issue doesn’t respond to medication or is more severe.
Can You Prevent Future Styes?
Proper hygiene and frequent eye wipe-downs can prevent styes. If you have a dog that gets frequent styes, start making it a point to keep their eyes clean and clear. Sometimes allergies or other eye problems can predispose your dog to developing styes so talk to your vet about any underlying issues and make a plan to keep these under control.
When to Seek Vet Care
If you think your dog has a stye, you should plan to visit a vet within a few days. If your dog is in pain, rubbing their face, or can’t see properly this warrants an urgent vet visit. Sometimes, it isn’t a stye at all but rather a similar eye issue that is easy to mistake. Below are some of the most easily confusable issues that might mimic a stye.
Eyelid Tumors
Eyelid tumors are fairly common in dogs and are usually benign. However, they can lead to clogged eyelid glands or eye irritation as they become larger. They can be surgically removed by your vet to prevent any further issues. Most people think their dog has a stye when in fact they have an eyelid tumor causing the issue.
Cherry Eye
Dogs Dogster Reviewed Signs Styes Treatment Vet