Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid edges, the rim where the lashes grow. It causes red, swollen, crusty eyelids and is easy to confuse with a simple eye infection. Here is what it looks like, what causes it, whether it spreads, and when to see a vet.
Screen your dog's eyes free ↗Blepharitis in dogs is inflammation of the eyelid edges. It shows as red, swollen, crusty eyelid rims, hair loss around the eye, and discharge, and the dog often rubs the area. Common causes are bacterial infection, allergies, blocked oil glands, and mites. Most cases are a Monitor, but an eye held shut, cloudy, or painful is Urgent, see a vet.
| What you see | What it may point to | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Slight redness at the lid edge, a little crust | Early irritation or mild blepharitis | Monitor |
| Thick crust along the lashes, hair loss, yellow or white discharge | Established blepharitis, often with infection | Monitor |
| Eye held shut, cloudiness, visible pain, pawing, sudden swelling | Possible deeper eye involvement | Urgent |
| Clear, open, bright eye with no discharge | Likely normal | Normal |
Severity labels follow PawCheck's Normal / Monitor / Urgent screening scale. They are a guide, not a diagnosis.
The eyelid margin, the edge where the lashes grow, becomes red, thickened, and crusty. It can affect one or both eyes and is often itchy, so the dog rubs its face on the floor or paws at the eye.
Red, puffy eyelid edges with crusty or scaly debris along the lash line. Hair loss around the eye area, yellow or white discharge at the corners, and the dog frequently rubbing the eye area.
Dust, pollen, and bacterial skin infections are the most frequent triggers. Blocked Meibomian (oil) glands cause a type called Meibomianitis, more common in older dogs. Mites and food allergies also play a role.
German Shepherd, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Pug, and Shih Tzu are commonly affected. Dogs with heavy facial folds or prominent eyes are more prone to eyelid margin irritation.
These two are often mixed up because both make the eye red and weepy. The difference is location: blepharitis is on the eyelid rim, conjunctivitis is on the pink lining inside. A dog can have both at once.
| Blepharitis | Conjunctivitis | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Eyelid edges (the rim with the lashes) | Conjunctiva (pink inner lining of the eye) |
| Main sign | Crusty, scaly, thickened lid margin; hair loss | Red or pink membrane; watery or mucus discharge |
| Swelling | Thickened eyelid rim | Puffiness around the whole eye |
| Itch / rubbing | Common | Common |
| Usual severity | Monitor | Monitor |
An eye problem can change fast. When in doubt, a vet visit is always the safe choice. PawCheck helps you judge how quickly to act, it does not replace that visit.
Blepharitis itself is inflammation, not an infection, so the condition on its own is usually not contagious. What can spread is the underlying cause. A bacterial infection, ringworm, or mites behind the blepharitis can pass to other animals and, less often, to people.
If more than one pet in the home develops crusty, itchy eyes, or if anyone in the family gets an unexplained skin rash, mention it to both a vet and a doctor. Wash your hands after touching the affected eye, and keep the dog's bedding clean.
PawCheck screens for blepharitis as one of 7 dog eye conditions from a single photo, returning a Normal, Monitor, or Urgent severity read in under 10 seconds. Point your phone at your dog's eye, and PawCheck gives you a first read on how quickly to act. It is free on Android, with 5 scans a month.
Further reading: MSD Veterinary Manual (Disorders of the Eyelids in Dogs); Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. This page is general information and does not replace an examination by a qualified veterinarian.
PawCheck's AI eye scanner covers 7 dog eye conditions in a single scan.
Related reading: Dog eye discharge, normal crust or warning sign · Cloudy eyes in dogs
PawCheck screens for blepharitis and 6 other dog eye conditions in under 10 seconds.
Download Free, Android ↗PawCheck is a wellness screening tool. Not a veterinary diagnostic device. Always consult a qualified veterinarian.