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Eye / ear · Cats & dogs

Red eye, squinting, and discharge

Eye pain and squinting are more urgent than a simple watery discharge and should not be ignored.

Compiled by Petwell · Source content version 2.0.0
Source project update: 2026-05-13

Red eye, squinting, and discharge

Educational pet-health and visit-preparation reference. Not a diagnosis, prescription, dosage recommendation or substitute for a veterinarian.

Care & observations

  • Gently wipe discharge from around the eye with clean damp gauze if your pet allows it.
  • Prevent rubbing and record whether the eye is red, swollen, or partly closed.

Seek veterinary care now

  • Severe pain, squinting, sudden swelling, or vision change.

Contact your veterinarian soon

  • Persistent discharge, redness, or both eyes becoming affected.

What to avoid

  • Do not use leftover human or pet eye drops unless specifically prescribed for this problem.

MAKE YOUR OBSERVATIONS USEFUL

Bring a clear timeline to your vet

For the changes covered in this guide, note when they started, how often they happen, whether they are worsening and how they differ from your pet’s usual routine. List recent diet changes, medicines, travel or possible ingestion in time order. Add photos or a short video only when it is safe and will not delay care.

Open local health records

Sources & editorial context

Migrated from the Pet Vet Reference project with its bilingual content preserved. Cited organizations provide background resources and do not endorse this site. Source-based compilation is not individual clinical review; this page does not claim veterinarian sign-off.

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