Will my dog’s stye go away on its own?
Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.
A stye is a painful infection in an oil gland at the base of an eyelash. Styes are common in dogs, so it’s important for pet parents to be able to recognize them and know what to do if their dog is affected by them. Read on to learn:
- What styes are and what they look like
- If styes need veterinary treatment
- How vets diagnose and treat styes in dogs
Styes are bumps on the eyelid that swell up and become red and painful, but they don’t always need medical treatment. Sometimes a stye goes away on its own or with home care under a veterinarian’s guidance. When needed, treatment often involves warm compresses, draining the stye, antibiotic eye drops, and anti-inflammatories.
It’s important to seek veterinary care if a stye doesn't go away within a couple of weeks, gets worse, or the eye itself begins to look infected. It’s advisable to talk to a veterinarian any time you notice a change in your dog’s eye health and not wait, as there are many other eye conditions that can look like styes.
What is a stye?
A stye is a swollen and infected oil-producing gland on the edge of a dog’s lower or upper eyelid. Dogs have meibomian glands at the base of their eyelashes that secrete oils to lubricate and protect the eye. These eyelid glands can become backed up and impacted, forming a chalazion. Chalazia are usually painless and do not cause problems unless they irritate the eye, block vision, or affect the eyelid’s function. If bacteria enters a chalazion and causes an infection, then it’s called a stye or hordeolum.
Styes in dogs can grow to be several millimeters in diameter and be very painful. They’re a common condition, especially in senior dogs. It’s important to seek veterinary care instead of attempting to pop or otherwise treat a dog’s stye at home.
What does a canine stye look like?
A stye looks like a swollen bump on the margin of a dog’s eyelid. They can be pink, red, or pale in color and may have a pale or white spot in the center of the lump. Dogs with a stye may have various other symptoms, including:
- Eye discharge or increased tear production
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye
- Squinting, excessively blinking, or holding the eye closed
Not all eyelid bumps are styes. Other common eyelid disorders that can be mistaken for styes include:
- Chalazion
- Swollen or red eyelids
- Cherry eye
- Other eyelid and eyelash disorders
- Eyelid tumors
Seeking veterinary care for an eyelid issue ensures an accurate diagnosis so appropriate treatment can be given.
Can a dog’s stye go away on its own?
Some styes go away on their own within a couple of weeks. Sometimes veterinarians recommend applying a warm compress and gently massaging the stye a few times a day to help with inflammation and drainage. You can talk to a veterinary professional in an online virtual care appointment for advice on home care and whether an in-person vet visit is recommended.
It’s recommended to seek veterinary care if:
- The stye doesn’t go away within a couple of weeks or starts to get worse
- Your dog is in pain
- There are other signs of illness or eye infection
Styes can be very painful, so your dog may not tolerate home nursing care. A vet may be able to advise you on better treatment and pain management options.
How vets diagnose and treat styes in dogs
A stye can usually be identified with a physical and ocular exam. Additional diagnostic tests may include bacterial culture and biopsy. Once a diagnosis is determined, a treatment plan can be made. Not all styes require medical treatment. Some at-home treatments, such as warm compresses, may be recommended to help with healing. Additional treatment options may include:
- Draining the stye
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment
- Pain management
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Can I treat my dog’s stye at home?
Do not attempt to treat your dog’s stye at home unless directed to do so by a veterinarian. Most styes in dogs are treated on an outpatient basis and don’t require hospitalization or surgical treatment. “Canine styes are often treated with warm compresses and by gently massaging the swollen gland,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a vet on the Vetster platform. “Do not attempt to treat your dog’s stye at home by squeezing or puncturing it because this may harm your dog or make the stye worse.” Additionally, avoid giving human medications or using eye drops that were not prescribed for your dog because this may also end up doing more harm than good.
When to talk to a vet about your dog’s stye
Some styes do not require treatment, but it’s always beneficial to talk to a veterinarian any time you notice a change in your dog’s eye health. There are other eyelid masses that look like styes that require different treatment. In addition, some styes will require veterinary care or prescription medications.
An online vet can help you decide if an in-person visit is recommended for your dog and can give advice on the appropriate next steps to take. It’s important to visit a vet if your dog’s stye gets worse, does not go away within a couple of weeks, or if there are signs of an eye infection.
FAQ - Will my dog’s stye go away on its own?
How do you treat a stye on a dog’s eye?
Gently applying warm compresses to the bump and massaging the gland can help styes drain and heal. However, styes can be very painful and your dog may not tolerate home treatment. In addition, other eyelid issues that are treated differently can be mistaken for styes. It’s always a good idea to talk to a vet about appropriate treatment. Do not attempt to drain or pop a red bump on your dog’s eyelid unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Should I take my dog to the vet for a stye?
It’s always a good idea to seek veterinary advice when there’s a change in your dog’s eye health. Some styes heal on their own or with nursing care within a couple of weeks. Seek veterinary care if the stye starts to get worse, does not go away, or if your dog shows signs of an eye infection.
Will a dog’s stye go away on its own?
Some styes in dogs will go away on their own and do not require medical care. Other times, a stye will need veterinary care for drainage, antibiotics, and pain relief. Other eyelid conditions can be mistaken for styes, so seeking veterinary advice is always recommended.
