Superficial defects often heal in about three to five days. Slow-healing or deep ulcers can take considerably longer.
Corneal ulcer in dogs: signs, causes and treatment
Table of contents
A corneal ulcer in dogs is an injury to the cornea that goes deeper than just the top layer of cells. It is very painful: your dog squints, rubs the eye and it waters. The most common cause is an injury, for example a scratch. Because an ulcer can quickly get worse and in the worst case put the eye at risk, your dog should see the vet the same day.
What is a corneal ulcer in dogs?
The cornea is the clear front layer of the eye and consists of several layers. If only the surface is scraped, this is called an erosion. With a corneal ulcer, the defect goes through the entire outer layer into the layer beneath. Fluid collects there and the eye looks cloudy. If an ulcer reaches the innermost membrane, it is an emergency: if that membrane tears, the eye can be permanently damaged.
How does a corneal ulcer develop?
| Cause | Typical features |
|---|---|
| Injury | Most common cause: a scratch, a branch or heavy rubbing of the eye, for example on a carpet. |
| Irritants | For example shampoo or building dust getting into the eye. |
| Short-nosed breeds | Dogs such as pugs or bulldogs are often at greater risk. |
| Eyes and eyelids | Dry eyes, eyelids that roll inwards or eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction. |
| Other causes | Less often infections, inherited changes of the cornea (for example in Boxers) or hormonal diseases such as diabetes. |
How do you recognise a corneal ulcer?
- Squinting: Your dog keeps the eye fully or half closed.
- Rubbing: He rubs the eye with his paw or on the floor.
- Tears and discharge: The eye waters more, sometimes with discharge.
- Redness: The conjunctiva and eye look red or swollen.
- Cloudiness: A spot on the cornea looks milky or bluish.
What you should do straight away
Call the vet the same day. Stop your dog from rubbing the eye any further. Don’t give any eye drops or ointments from your medicine cabinet, not even from earlier treatments: some products, for example those containing cortisone, can slow healing and have serious consequences if used too early.
How does the vet detect the ulcer?
Usually with a dye test: the vet puts an orange dye into the eye. At the injured spot it turns green, making even small defects visible. For deep or poorly healing ulcers, the vet sometimes takes a sample first to identify germs.
How is a corneal ulcer treated?
- Superficial defects: Antibiotic eye drops or ointment, pain relief and a cone collar to stop rubbing. They often heal in about three to five days.
- Slow-healing ulcers: In some dogs, for example Boxers and Golden Retrievers, the surface heals poorly. The vet then removes loose cells or carries out a minor procedure on the cornea.
- Deep ulcers: They need intensive treatment with frequent drops, sometimes drops made from blood serum and possibly surgery.
How to support the treatment at home
- Follow the plan: Give the drops exactly as often as prescribed and never stop them without checking with the vet.
- Keep the collar on: It protects the eye, even if your dog doesn’t like it.
- Keep check-up appointments: The vet usually looks at the eye again after two to three days and repeats the dye test until the defect has healed.
- Watch for changes: If your dog seems more painful after a product or the eye gets worse, contact the vet immediately.
Can you prevent it?
Not always, but you can reduce the risk. Check your dog’s eyes regularly, especially in breeds with short noses and large eyes. When bathing, make sure no shampoo gets into the eyes, and don’t let him stick his head out of the open window in the car. If your dog squints with one eye, don’t wait.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a corneal ulcer in dogs take to heal?
Can my dog go blind from a corneal ulcer?
If an ulcer is not treated or gets worse, eyesight can be at risk. That is why a quick examination is so important.
Can I use eye drops from my medicine cabinet?
No. Some drops, for example those containing cortisone, can slow healing. Only give what the vet has prescribed for this exact finding.
Why does my dog need a cone collar?
If he rubs the eye, the cornea can be injured further. The collar protects the eye until it has healed.
Source
- Barnes C., Weir M., Ward E.: Corneal Ulcers in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals, accessed 2026.
A squinting eye is not something to wait and see about. If a corneal ulcer is detected early and treated consistently, it heals well in many cases.
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The content of the articles is for general information purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be construed as such.
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