# Why is my dog rolling his eyes back? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/why-is-my-dog-rolling-his-eyes-back/ - Published: 2023-10-30 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- Why is My Dog Rolling His Eyes Back? Hey there! If you‘ve noticed your pup rolling his eyes back, I totally understand your concern. As a vet with over 15 years of experience, I‘ve seen this symptom many times. The good news is there are some common reasons why dogs‘ eyes roll back – and many are treatable with the right care. In this guide, I‘ll walk you through the possible causes, the signs to watch for, when to call your vet, tests we may run, treatment options, ways to prevent eye issues, the outlook for affected pups, and costs. My goal is to give you a comprehensive overview so you feel empowered to get your furry friend the help they need. Let‘s dive in! What Makes Dogs Roll Their Eyes Back? There are three main categories of causes for eye rolling in dogs: ### Medical Conditions Issues like glaucoma, lens luxation, and eye infections can all lead to pain and involuntary eye movements. Ear infections are another common culprit – the inflammation puts pressure on the nerves linked to eye control. According to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, some breeds like Boston Terriers are prone to glaucoma, which can cause severe eye pain and rolling. ### Behavioral Problems Submissive eye rolling is actually pretty common in apprehensive pups who are trying to "apologize" to more dominant dogs. Rolling the eyes back is their way of saying "I‘m not a threat!" according to veterinary behaviorists. It‘s an attempt to pacify the other dog. ### Anxiety Dogs may also roll their eyes back when stressed or anxious. According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, eye rolling and squinting are self-soothing behaviors dogs use to relieve discomfort in uneasy situations. Just like we fidget when we‘re anxious, dogs have their own tells! Signs Your Pup Needs the Vet While eye rolling itself may not be serious, you‘ll want to watch for these other symptoms that point to a possible medical issue: - Excessive squinting - Pawing or rubbing at the eyes - Redness in the eyes or eyelids - Swelling around the eyes - Increased tear production or discharge - Sensitivity to light and blinking more than normal - Cloudiness in the corneas - Head tilting to one side - Loss of balance or disorientation My rule of thumb is – if your dog seems to be in real pain or distress, it‘s time for an urgent vet visit. Catching problems quickly can prevent permanent vision damage! According to the AKC, these breeds are vulnerable to various eye troubles that may cause rolling: | Breed | Common Eye Problems | | --- | --- | | Pugs | Eye injuries, ulcerations | | Shar Peis | Entropion | | Chow Chows | Entropion, ectropion | | Boston Terriers | Corneal ulcers, glaucoma | | Cocker Spaniels | Glaucoma | | Beagles | Glaucoma | Diagnostic Tests Vets May Use To get to the bottom of eye rolling and pinpoint the cause, we have a few tricks up our sleeves: - **Ophthalmic Exam:** We‘ll thoroughly evaluate both internal and external structures of the eye with an optical microscope and slit lamp. I‘ll also stain your dog‘s eyes with fluorescein dye to spot any scratches or ulcers. - **Tonometry Test:** Measures the pressure inside your dog‘s eye. This helps diagnose glaucoma, which causes abnormally high eye pressure. - **CT or MRI Scans:** For a closer look at the skull and surrounding anatomy. This can reveal inflammation, tumors, or structural problems that may contribute to eye issues. - **Electroretinography (ERG):** Measures how your dog‘s retinas respond to light. Very useful for catching issues like progressive retinal atrophy. - **Blood Tests:** Can identify underlying illnesses or systemic infections that have spread to the eyes. Common Dog Eye Problems I See There are a few conditions that crop up frequently in my practice that can cause eye rolling: - **Glaucoma:** Increased pressure inside the eyes damages the optic nerve. Extremely painful! - **Cataracts:** Clouding of the eye‘s lens that leads to blurred vision. Can be hereditary or due to diabetes. - **Cherry Eye:** When the gland in the third eyelid pops out. Looks like a red blob in the corner of the eye. - **Eyelid Issues:** Entropion (eyelids rolling inward) and ectropion (eyelids rolling outward). Irritates the eyes. - **Dry Eye:** When tear production is insufficient. Eyes feel gritty and dry. - **Uveitis:** Inflammation of the vascular layers of the eye. - **Infections:** Bacterial, viral and fungal eye infections happen. Often needs medication. Treatment Options We May Recommend Based on your pup‘s specific condition, here are some of the most common treatments I use: - **Medicated Eye Drops:** Antibiotics, steroids, or other formulations to treat infections, swelling, etc. - **Oral or Injectable Medications:** Antibiotics, steroids, or other meds to reduce swelling and clear up infections. - **Surgery:** For glaucoma, cataracts, cherry eye, ectropion/entropion, lens luxation, and several other conditions, surgery can be curative or help preserve vision. - **Lifestyle Changes:** If anxiety seems to be the trigger, we‘ll troubleshoot ways to minimize stressors at home. More walks, toys, or even anti-anxiety meds can help. Protecting Your Dog‘s Eyes You can help avoid issues down the line by: - Choosing breeds with lower eye problem risks - Feeding a diet rich in eye-healthy omega-3 fatty acids - Avoiding eye irritants like dust and keeping up with grooming - Using goggles/eye protection for activities where debris may fly - Treating minor infections quickly before they spread - Gently wiping away eye discharge daily The Outlook for Dogs with Eye Issues The prognosis really depends on the specific condition involved. With early treatment, many dogs with eye troubles can regain normal vision and go on to live happily. However, some issues like advanced glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness if not treated promptly. That‘s why I recommend twice yearly vet exams to catch problems before they progress. Costs: Diagnosing and Treating Eye Problems I wish I could say this will be inexpensive, but sadly eye issues often come with hefty vet bills. As a rough estimate, expect to spend: - Eye Exam: $50 – $100 - Diagnostic Testing: $150 – $1500+ - Medications: $30 – $100/month - Surgery: $1000 – $5000+ Consider pet insurance and shop around, as prices vary between vets. Ask if mine offers financial assistance programs – many do! The Takeaway: What to Do If Your Dog Rolls His Eyes If your fur baby starts rolling their eyes back, stay vigilant for related symptoms and make an appointment with your vet promptly. We‘ll pinpoint the issue through diagnostic testing, then map out a treatment plan tailored to your pup. While some eye conditions can permanently damage vision if left unchecked, most cases improve greatly with rapid treatment. With your attentive care and our vet expertise, your dog‘s eyes should be back to normal in no time! I hope this overview gives you confidence to handle eye issues. Let me know if you have any other questions! --- Source: [Why is my dog rolling his eyes back?](https://33rdsquare.com/why-is-my-dog-rolling-his-eyes-back/)