Dog Cloudy Eyes — Causes, What to Look For & When to See a Vet
Cloudy eyes in dogs can range from a normal aging change to a sign of serious eye disease. The appearance, your dog's age, and accompanying symptoms help determine the cause and urgency. Here's what to look for and when veterinary care is needed.
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Common Causes
Nuclear Sclerosis (Lenticular Sclerosis)
Monitor at HomeA normal aging change where the lens becomes denser and appears bluish-gray. Usually affects both eyes and doesn't significantly impair vision. Common in dogs over 6-7 years old.
Cataracts
Schedule Vet VisitOpacity of the lens that blocks light from reaching the retina. Appears white or bluish-white. Can be hereditary, age-related, or secondary to diabetes. Causes vision loss and may require surgery.
Glaucoma
See Vet ImmediatelyIncreased pressure inside the eye. The eye may appear enlarged, cloudy, and bloodshot. This is painful and can cause rapid, permanent vision loss.
Corneal Ulcer or Injury
Schedule Vet VisitDamage to the clear outer layer of the eye. May appear as a white spot or general cloudiness. Often accompanied by squinting, redness, and discharge.
Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
Schedule Vet VisitInsufficient tear production leads to a dull, cloudy appearance. Often accompanied by thick, mucus-like discharge and redness.
Anterior Uveitis
See Vet ImmediatelyInflammation inside the eye. The eye may appear cloudy with a constricted pupil. Can be caused by infections, immune disorders, or trauma.
How to Photograph for Best AI Analysis
Getting a clear photo helps our AI provide more accurate insights. Follow these tips:
- Take photos in good, natural lighting — avoid flash which can cause glare
- Capture both eyes in the same photo for comparison
- Get a close-up shot showing the cloudiness clearly
- Take photos from multiple angles (front and slight side angles)
- Include a photo showing both eyes open to compare size
- If there's discharge, photograph that as well
When to See a Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- •Eye appears red, swollen, or larger than normal
- •Your dog is squinting, pawing at the eye, or keeping it closed
- •Cloudiness appeared suddenly (within hours or days)
- •There is discharge (especially yellow or green)
- •Your dog seems to be in pain or is unusually lethargic
- •Vision seems significantly impaired (bumping into objects)
- •Cloudiness is accompanied by changes in pupil size
- •Your dog has diabetes (higher risk of cataracts)
How PetSensAI Can Help
PetSensAI's eye health scanner can analyze photos of your dog's eyes to identify visual indicators of common conditions like cloudiness, redness, and discharge. Our AI is trained to distinguish between subtle differences that may indicate nuclear sclerosis versus cataracts. While not a diagnosis, our scan can help you decide if a vet visit is warranted and give you useful information to share with your veterinarian.
Related Symptoms
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Disorders of the Lens in Dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Corneal Ulcers in Dogs
About the Author
PetSensAI Editorial Team
Pet Health Content
Our editorial team creates pet health guides informed by reputable veterinary sources and reviewed for clarity and safety. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concerns about your pet.
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Last updated: 2025-01-09