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Dog eye stye

Dog Eye Stye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Option

Written by: Dr. Kathryn Dench

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Time to read 7 min

Dog eye stye can appear similar to those in humans, though they may be harder to detect until they have become enlarged enough to cause significant discomfort. Styes are a common canine condition that can cause discomfort and even affect dogs' eyesight. They are caused by bacterial staph infections and cause pain, swelling, and redness.

Dog eye stye, also called hordeolum, is an infection of an oil gland at the edge of the eyelid that looks like a pus-filled lump or pimple. In this article, we will learn the basics about these pesky bumps, what causes them, how to spot them, and how CBD oil and other treatments can help ease your furry companion’s discomfort. Always seek veterinary care whenever you notice any issues with your dog’s eyes.

Understanding Dog Eye Styes

Understanding dog eye stye

Causes of dog eye styes

Understanding the causes of dog eye stye is the first step to preventing and managing them. Dog eye styes have a wide range of causes, but they are commonly caused by a bacterial infection of the Staphylococcus species (Bruce H Grahn et al., 2010). The bacteria is common in the environment and can easily find its way to the eyelids' oil glands.


The meibomian glands, which are the oil glands, become blocked, and the accumulated oil can lead to the development of styes.


Other factors that predispose canines to styes include a weakened immune system from chemotherapy, post-transplant immunosuppression, or an autoimmune disease. Some dog breeds with prominent dog eyes like bulldogs and pugs are more prone to eyelid styes.


By keeping your dog’s eyes clean, and ensuring adequate health, you can greatly reduce the risk of eyelid styes.

Symptoms of dog eye styes

Here are some subtle signs and symptoms you should look out for if you suspect your dog has a dog eye stye.

  1. Eyelid swelling: The affected eyelid can become puffy and red from inflammation.

  2. Redness: A small red bump can appear on your dog’s eyelid, usually the upper eyelid. This is the most obvious sign of a stye. The whites of the dog’s eyes may also appear red or pink.

  3. Discharge: The stye can cause your dog’s eyes to produce thick, foul-smelling discharge.

  4. Itching and soreness: The dog’s eyes may itch and they may experience discomfort when you touch the area.

  5. Excess tears: The dog may produce excess tears.

Treatment Options for Dog Eyelid Styes

Treatments for dog eye stye

Veterinary intervention

Whenever your pet shows signs or symptoms of being unwell, a veterinary visit is highly recommended to rule out any underlying or life-threatening issues. For dog eye styes, a vet may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to fight off any bacterial infection. Systemic issues may require additional oral or parenteral antibiotics.


Surgery is rarely needed for styes. However, in some late-presentation cases where the oil glands have become so inflamed, large, and significantly impair your dog’s vision, the vet may perform surgery to remove the meibomian gland or to drain it (Martin CL. Eyelids. In: Martin CL, editor. Ophthalmic Disease in Veterinary Medicine. London: Manson Publ; 2006. pp. 145–179)

Home remedies

Home remedies aim to reduce the inflammation of dog eye stye as much as possible. 

This can be achieved with:

  • Warm compress: Apply a warm, clean cloth to the stye for 5 to 10 minutes, three times a day. The warmth helps reduce inflammation and causes the stye to drain.

  • Ice packs: An ice pack or bag of frozen veggies wrapped in cloth can cool the area, causing vessel constriction and reducing inflammation. Apply the pack for 15 to 20 minutes, once every hour.

  • Supplements: CBD oils like Happy-Furever™ CBD Oil can help reduce swelling and mitigate the reactions from inflammation.

  • Dogs with impaired immunity are prone to eye styes, thus, your dog can benefit from dietary supplements like Primal-Vitality™ Beef Organ Complex, rich in essential fatty acids to ensure adequate nutrition. Read "Learn About the Benefits of Organic Meats for Dogs" to understand the importance of adequate nutrition.

  • Coconut oil: Put a small amount of coconut oil on a swab and rub it on the eyelid. Rinse off after 15 minutes and repeat 3 times a day.

  • Apple cider vinegar: Dilute in a cup of warm water and rub on the area. Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

You should always remember to keep the stye and the eyelid clean by washing with mild soap and water and wiping away any discharge.

Preventing dog eye styes

  • Maintaining proper hygiene: Form a habit of grooming your dog, especially their face and eyes to prevent bacterial buildup. Keep their surroundings and sleeping area clean.

  • Regular cleaning of your dog’s eyes: Use a soft cloth or cotton swab with a vet-approved eye wash or baby shampoo to remove dirt from your dog’s eyes that may clog the oil glands.

  • Balanced diet: Proper nutrition will strengthen your dog’s immune system, making them less susceptible to bacterial infection that can cause styes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you treat a stye on a dog's eye?

Home remedies are our first line of defense. Apply a warm cloth over the affected area three times a day to reduce inflammation. Keepthe area clean, prevent your dog from scratching, and never try to squeeze or pop the stye.


Veterinary care is the definitive treatment. See your vet for a prescription of topical antibiotics, ointments, or other treatments.

How long does dog eye stye last?

A dog eye stye usually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks with proper care, though this duration varies depending on the time from the infection to when care began. If a stye persists beyond this period, shows signs of severe infection, or gets worse with excessive redness, swelling, and discharge, call your vet immediately.

Will a dog’s stye go away on its own?

Some cases of dog eye stye, especially the mild ones, resolve on their own within a week as the body fights off the infection. The dog’s immune system also plays a vital role in determining how effectively it can fight the infection. Providing supportive care like warm compresses can help speed up the process and prevent complications. Seek professional treatment if there are no signs of improvement.

Conclusion

Your dog’s eyes are essential organs and any pathology can seriously affect their quality of life. Dog eye styes can be uncomfortable for your dog, but with the right knowledge and care, you can help make their troubles go away.


By implementing adequate preventive measures such as good hygiene and a balanced diet, and keeping a close eye on your pet to pick up symptoms early, you can significantly reduce the risk of canine eyelid styes. Remember to always consult a veterinarian.


Your dog’s eyes deserve utmost care just like yours, and with this guide, you are well equipped to navigate the issue of dog eye styes.

Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench, MA VetMB MRCVS

Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench

With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.

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