A Dog's Eye Popped Out: Your Emergency Action Plan

A dog's eye popping out of its socket is one of the most alarming emergencies a pet owner can face. This condition, called proptosis, requires immediate action to save your pet's eye and vision.

Knowing exactly what to do when confronted with a dog eye popped out of socket can make the difference between saving or losing your pet's eye. The next few minutes matter, and having a clear emergency action plan can help you respond effectively during this frightening situation.

Top Questions About an Eye Popping Out

Is a dog's eye popping out always an emergency?

When a dog's eye pops out of its socket (proptosis), it is always a medical emergency requiring quick veterinary attention. This condition can lead to permanent damage to the eye or complete vision loss if not treated right away. Call the nearest veterinary hospital immediately if you notice your dog's eye protruding from its socket.

Should I try to put the eye back myself?

Never attempt to push the eye back into the socket yourself. This can cause additional damage to delicate eye tissues and nerves. Only veterinary professionals should attempt to reposition the eye using proper techniques and medication.

Could my dog lose vision permanently?

There is a risk of permanent vision loss with eye proptosis, but quick action improves the chances of saving both the eye and vision. The outcome depends on how quickly you seek care, how severe the injury is, and whether the nerve remains intact. Even with prompt treatment, some dogs may experience partial or complete vision loss in the affected eye.

What if I'm unsure whether the eye is fully out?

If you notice any abnormal bulging or protrusion of your dog's eye, treat it as an emergency. Even partial proptosis requires quick veterinary attention. When in doubt, it's always safer to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian rather than waiting to see if the condition worsens.

Why Does Eye Proptosis Happen

Eye proptosis most commonly happens due to trauma, such as being hit by a car or fighting with another animal. Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese are particularly susceptible because their shallow eye sockets provide less protection. Pressure around the neck, such as from a tight collar, can also force the eye out of position in these breeds.

Spotting Mild Cases

In milder cases, the eye may appear to be bulging more than normal but still partially within the socket. You might notice redness, swelling around the eye, or your dog pawing at their face. The white part of the eye may be more visible than usual, and your dog might keep the affected eye closed.

Recognizing Serious Cases

Serious cases of eye proptosis are unmistakable – the eyeball will be visibly outside the socket and may appear to be hanging by tissue. The eye might look dry, red, or bloody, and your dog will likely be in obvious pain. You may notice excessive tearing, bleeding around the eye, or a cloudy appearance to the eye surface.

What To Do

Step 1: Protect the eye from further damage

Cover the protruding eye with a clean, damp cloth moistened with water. Apply very gentle pressure only if it doesn't cause your dog additional stress. Keep your dog from pawing or rubbing the eye against objects, which could cause further injury.

Step 2: Keep the eye moist

If available, apply a few drops of sterile saline solution to keep the exposed eye moist during transport. Never use tap water, eye drops meant for humans, or any other solutions unless directed by a veterinarian. A moist environment helps prevent the eye from drying out.

Step 3: Prevent pawing or scratching

Use a protective collar (cone) if you have one available. If not, you can gently restrain your dog or create a temporary protective barrier using a clean cloth. Preventing your dog from touching the injured eye is crucial to avoid additional trauma.

Step 4: Transport safely to a veterinary clinic

Call the veterinary hospital before leaving to alert them of your arrival. Keep your dog as calm and still as possible during transport to prevent further injury. If possible, have someone else drive while you comfort and help your dog.

Potential Life-Threatening Conditions

Eye proptosis can lead to several serious complications if not treated quickly. Infection may develop when the exposed eye comes in contact with bacteria. Damage to the nerve can occur during the initial trauma or worsen if the eye remains out of the socket for too long.

The eye's surface may develop injuries when it dries out or gets scratched. Blood supply to the eye may be compromised, leading to tissue damage. Without proper treatment, these complications can lead to the need for eye removal or infections that spread beyond the eye.

Helping Your Pet Before the Vet Visit

While waiting for veterinary care, keep your dog as calm and comfortable as possible. Minimize movement and bright lights, which can increase stress and pain. Do not give your dog any pain medications unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian, as many human pain relievers are toxic to dogs.

If the eye appears very dry, you may apply a few drops of sterile saline solution as directed earlier. Call your veterinarian for specific guidance on what you can do while en route to their facility.

Preventing Future Eye Proptosis

For flat-faced breeds, use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the neck that could push the eyes forward. Watch your dog during play with larger dogs or children who might accidentally cause injury. Keep your dog away from potential hazards like sharp furniture corners or areas where fights with other animals might occur.

Consider protective eyewear designed for dogs if your pet participates in activities where eye injuries are possible. Regular veterinary check-ups can identify and address any conditions that might make your dog prone to eye problems.

We're Here to Help

Our hospitals are equipped to handle eye emergencies with experienced veterinary teams. We understand how frightening it can be when your dog's eye pops out of its socket. Our veterinarians can quickly assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Treatment options may include medication to reduce swelling, repositioning of the eye, or in severe cases, removal of the eye if it cannot be saved. Our teams work together to provide comprehensive care from the moment you arrive through any follow-up treatment your pet may need.

If you're worried about your dog's eye, don't hesitate to call us. We can help you determine if what you're seeing is an emergency and guide you through the next steps. If you're not sure, call us — we can talk you through the situation.

Key Takeaways

• A dog's eye popping out (proptosis) is always an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
• Keep the eye moist and protected during transport, and never try to push it back in yourself.
• Use harnesses instead of collars for flat-faced breeds to help prevent this serious condition.