Signs, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Updated May 2026
Those big, beautiful Chihuahua eyes are one of the breed’s most lovable features — but unfortunately, they can also be one of their biggest health concerns. Because Chihuahuas have large, prominent eyes and shallow eye sockets, they are more prone to eye injuries, irritation, and certain eye diseases than many other dog breeds.
Some eye problems are mild and easy to treat, while others can quickly become emergencies that may lead to pain or even blindness if left untreated.
Knowing the warning signs can help you get your Chihuahua the care they need before the problem becomes serious.
Why Chihuahuas Are Prone to Eye Problems
Chihuahuas are especially vulnerable to eye issues because:
- Their eyes protrude more than those of many breeds
- Their tiny faces offer less protection from scratches and injuries
- Dry eye conditions are more common in small breeds
- Aging Chihuahuas are at higher risk for vision problems
Even something as simple as rough play, shampoo getting into the eye, or debris blowing in the wind can irritate a Chihuahua’s sensitive eyes.
Common Eye Problems in Chihuahuas
Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
Dry eye happens when your Chihuahua doesn’t produce enough tears to properly lubricate the eye.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
- Thick or sticky eye discharge
- Red eyes
- Squinting
- Frequent blinking
- Pawing at the face
Without treatment, dry eye can become painful and may damage the cornea. Many dogs require prescription eye drops for long-term management.
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers are scratches or wounds on the surface of the eye. Because Chihuahuas have prominent eyes, they can develop ulcers surprisingly easily.
Signs of a Corneal Ulcer
- Squinting
- Excessive tearing
- Cloudy eye appearance
- Light sensitivity
- Holding the eye shut
Corneal ulcers can worsen quickly and should always be treated as urgent veterinary issues.
Cataracts
Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy and can eventually lead to blindness.
Cataracts are especially common in:
- Senior Chihuahuas
- Diabetic dogs
- Dogs with inherited eye conditions
You may notice:
- Cloudy or milky eyes
- Trouble seeing in dim lighting
- Bumping into objects
- Hesitation on stairs
If you have a senior dog, you may also want to read our article on Caring for Your Elderly Chihuahua.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds inside the eye. It is extremely painful and requires immediate veterinary care.
Emergency Signs of Glaucoma
- Bulging eye
- Severe redness
- Sudden blindness
- Cloudy cornea
- Pain or crying
Glaucoma can cause permanent blindness very quickly if untreated.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an inherited disease that gradually causes blindness.
The first sign is often:
- Difficulty seeing at night
Over time, affected dogs may lose vision completely.
Dogs with vision loss can become anxious or clingy. You may find our article on Anxiety in Chihuahuas helpful if your dog is struggling with changes in vision.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye happens when the tear gland pops out of place, creating a red swelling in the corner of the eye.
Although not as common in Chihuahuas as in some breeds, it can still occur.
Treatment may include:
- Prescription medication
- Surgical repair in severe cases
Tear Staining
Many Chihuahua owners notice reddish-brown staining beneath their dog’s eyes.
Tear staining can be caused by:
- Watery eyes
- Allergies
- Irritation
- Blocked tear ducts
- Facial structure
While usually harmless, excessive tearing should still be checked by your veterinarian to rule out infection or injury.
Signs Your Chihuahua Needs a Vet Immediately
Eye problems can become serious very quickly. Contact your veterinarian right away if your Chihuahua has:
- A swollen eye
- Green or yellow discharge
- Sudden blindness
- A cloudy eye
- Squinting that lasts more than a few hours
- Pawing at the eye
- An eye that won’t fully open
- An eye that suddenly looks larger than normal
Never ignore sudden eye symptoms in a Chihuahua.
Eye Problems in Senior Chihuahuas
As Chihuahuas age, vision problems become more common. Senior dogs may develop:
- Cataracts
- Vision loss
- Dry eyes
- Nuclear sclerosis (a normal aging change causing bluish haze)
If your dog is losing vision:
- Keep furniture in the same location
- Use night lights
- Avoid startling them
- Use verbal cues when approaching
You may also want to read:
How to Help Prevent Eye Problems
While not every eye condition can be prevented, these tips may help protect your Chihuahua’s eyes:
- Keep facial hair trimmed carefully
- Avoid letting your dog stick their head out of the car windows
- Keep nails trimmed to reduce self-inflicted scratches
- Use a harness instead of pressure on the neck
- Schedule regular veterinary checkups
- Watch closely for redness, discharge, or squinting
Early treatment often prevents more serious problems later.
When in Doubt, Call Your Vet
Because Chihuahua eye problems can progress quickly, it’s always safer to have symptoms checked sooner rather than later. Even conditions that look minor can become painful or dangerous without treatment.
If your Chihuahua suddenly develops redness, swelling, discharge, or changes in vision, contact your veterinarian promptly.
FAQ About Eye Problems in Chihuahuas
Why are my Chihuahua’s eyes watery?
Watery eyes may be caused by irritation, allergies, blocked tear ducts, dry eye, or an eye injury. Persistent tearing should be checked by a veterinarian.
Why is my Chihuahua squinting?
Squinting usually means the eye is painful or irritated. Common causes include scratches, ulcers, dry eye, debris, or infection.
Are cloudy eyes normal in older Chihuahuas?
Some senior dogs develop nuclear sclerosis, which causes a bluish haze and is usually harmless. However, cataracts and glaucoma can also cause cloudy eyes, so a vet exam is important.
Can Chihuahuas go blind?
Yes. Chihuahuas can lose vision from cataracts, glaucoma, PRA, injuries, or other eye diseases. Early treatment may help preserve vision in some cases.
Is eye discharge normal in Chihuahuas?
A small amount of clear discharge can be normal, but thick yellow, green, or excessive discharge may signal infection or dry eye.
When is an eye problem an emergency?
Eye problems are emergencies if your Chihuahua has:
- Sudden blindness
- Severe redness
- Swelling
- Bulging eye
- Pain
- Cloudiness
- Excessive squinting
- An eye that won’t open
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
Dr. Sara Ochoa
DVM
On the fur under my dogs eye it has gone brown he is a biscuit colour chiwawa why is this pls
If it’s under the eye Tracey, it sounds like tear stains. As a former groomer, we saw this a lot. It’s more noticeable in light colored dogs but you can see it in other colors too.
You can get something called Angel Eyes wipes at your local pet store or on Amazon here http://amzn.to/2qnr51a (that’s an affiliate link) to gently wipe under the eyes to get rid of it.
If it’s only happening under one eye, it could be a blocked tear duct or other eye problem that should be checked by your vet.
My chiwawa is starting to get a cloudy greenish blue tinge to his eyes. But it’s only noticeable in certain lighting, also he paws at he’s eyes a lot. It really has me worried. What could be wrong?
My dear head Chihuahua can only see from side of his head he can’t see straight in front is that normal if not what can be done
No that’s not normal Deborah. Dogs do see better from the side than the front because of the way their eyes are placed, but they still should be able to see in front of them. I would ask your vet what can be done, of anything to help your fur baby see better.
My chihuahua has one eye that at first started with a red conjunctiva and the third eyelid slightly protruding and then orbital swelling. He was initially put on clavamox bid and an anti inflammatory. This didn’t help. We saw a veterinary ophthalmologist and he gave as prednisolone eye drops to use qid. He at first improved but after the 4th day the eye started to exhibit redness and swelling again. He is now pawing at it and squinting. We have an ultrasound scheduled for next week. I am just wondering if you have any thoughts?
Poor little chi! I can’t imagine what that could be. What does the vet say? Could it be a tumor? Keep us updated and let us know what happens with the ultrasound Marketa.
My little chi boy is 7 months old and he seems to be having slight problems seeing close up what should I do? And does that mean he has eye problems he also has runny eyes that some time has eye buggers Please Help.
The runny eyes is pretty common and could be allergies. That could make it harder for him to see too. When you see the eye boogers, wipe them out with a damp washcloth.
Next time you are at your vet’s mention that you think he is having trouble seeing close up and let them check him.
My chi puppy was fine two days ago when I got home from work tonight my pups eyes could not open I cleaned all the eye boogers away but he still will not open them on his own what do I do?
Is he okay otherwise Matthew or is he acting sick? If it’s just the eye thing and otherwise he’s acting normal, it could be allergies or more seriously, an eye infection. If he can’t open them, take him to a vet because you don’t want to risk blindness.
Our Chihuahua had very severe glaucoma and the eye doctor was able to reduce it dramatically (to a 3) with eye drops.
That’s great Kay! What kind of drops are they? Is it a prescription?
I just noticed my Chi has a swollen eye. How do I get the swelling down?
Yikes, get your chi to a vet as soon as possible! You don’t want your fur baby to lose their eye!
My Chihuahua is rougly six years old, she is certainly part of the family just like our children and we noticed something this afternoon that greatly concerns us! Yes we are going to take her to the vet, however, no patience when it comes to our kids we want answers now! In both eyes it look like a busted blister in the center of her eyeballs! Does anyone have any ideal what this could be? I dont normally “wig out” but when it comes to my family and “Coco”, Im starting to wig out! Please someone let me know something!
Did you get an answer? I think my 10y/o Chi has this exact same thing going on with his left eye. It kinda looks like an “eye bugger” stretched across his eye- however when he blinks or I try to remove it -it moves around. Thanks for your reply.
if your chihuahua gets shampoo in the eye- eye swells up – how do you treat it.
Rinse it with cool water and then wipe it with a washcloth wrung out with cool water. If you can, keep the washcloth over the eye for 10 minutes or so. If it doesn’t get better by the next day, you should contact your vet.
My 13 yr old chihuahua recently developed a white cloud over his left eye in 4 days time. I can’t get an appointment near me until 8/17, trying to get one for this coming Friday. My vet must not know much about it so he referred me to Eye Care for Animals a specialist. Until then does anybody think this is serious like a brain tumor or cancer. I’m so scared I just need som advice.
My 4month chuquia has white discharge coming from her eyes I can’t afford to take her to the vet is there any over the counter drops I can buy go help give her some relief ease
Probably not since we don’t really know what the cause of it is. A vet would need to diagnose it to treat it properly.
Check out this post and see if it will give you some ideas on how to get your pup to the vet.
https://ilovemychi.com/what-to-do-when-you-cant-afford-vet-care/
Hello, I have a deer head chi who turned 6 in Sept. Recently his left eye started tearing clear tears, no crust, no colors, no puss. Toke him to vet 1 wk ago. They gave him Neomycin & polymyxin B Sulfates & Bacitracin Zinc Ophthalmic Ointment, USP. (Collar purchased) No change no redness, no swelling, he is not in pain, he is eating, playing like nothing is wrong. What should my next step be?
My dogs eyes have been tearing upvalot lately n under his eyes are turning brown. N theres no smell there but im worried n he has been squinting his eyes alot. Also he has been sneezing a little and hes been acting not like hisself somewhat can u1 teel me what should i do
It sounds like he has seasonal allergies. Your vet can give him medication for it.
My 9 year old chihuahua keeps closing her eyes for the past 2-3 days. She keeps squinting it when she tries to open it. She seems very upset
She needs to see a vet Kristina. She may have an infection or something going on in her head.
My 8 year old Chihuahua has Like a pimple in her eyes lower lid and the other eye lowers lid inside the eye lower lid and swelled up kind off, Vet tomorrow
Poor baby! Let me know how it goes at the vet’s.
@Cathy,
She got Medicine: drops, antibiotics and pills for the swelling
Oh good, glad she’s got some meds to take care of it.
Is there someone I can send a photo to ? My chihuahua has developed something strange in the inner corner of his eyes. Something milky looking in side his eye ball.
You are welcome to email a photo to me at cathy@ilovemychi.com but I’m not a vet so I may not be much help to you.
My four year old chihuahua has a grayish bluish color over his eyes. He is squinting and has a brownish discharge on insides of both eyes. He is otherwise healthy and eating normal. I have been wiping his eyes with warm washcloth and been massaging his tear ducts and giving him anti microbial eye gel. I’m going to take him to the vet because it came on all of a sudden when I started using my fans. I’m very concerned because his eyes are completely clouded over with a grayish, bluish color and he is beginning to keep them closed. Do you know what these symptoms can be?
I don’t know what that could be but please let me know what the vet says. It sounds serious.
i have a 9month old chihuahua her eyes are runny i use angel eye wipes on her but is there a cause or heridity
Yes, sometimes it’s heredity but often times it’s allergies. We have an article about it here: https://ilovemychi.com/dog-tear-stains/
I have a rescue Chihuahua that we know Absolutely nothing about other than he’s probably around 10 when you look at his eyes, they look normal, but he shows signs that there’s vision issues. He startles very quickly. He’ll bite at pillows if you move a pillow that he doesn’t know that’s coming, he wants to be hidden under a blanket. It’s like if the lights are too bright he doesn’t want to be sitting in that area. He wants to be covered up and we noticed that with our other animals if he actually doesn’t see them coming and just kind of gets the shadow of them he wants to run over and attack. It’s like he doesn’t see it , he has troubles with the stairs that we let hi
m out it takes him five minutes to find the door again just curious if this is just a Chihuahua thing or whether that maybe there is actually something wrong with his eyes again he’s a rescue that someone threw out on the highway with his bed and his bowls that we rescued
Poor little guy! It breaks my heart how some dogs are treated. I’m glad he found a good home with you.
In answer to your question, it definitely sounds like a vision problem.
i am concerned about my blue eyed merle chi. behind one eyeball there is a black blob, please tell me if i should go vets with this.
I think I would. It may be nothing but merles often have eye problems. At least call them and tell them situation and see if they think wou should bring your dog to the vet.