If your spaniel is squinting in one eye, it usually means pain or irritation — and it’s something you should take seriously. Eye problems can worsen quickly in dogs, and squinting is one of the clearest signs that something isn’t right.
Related guides: This article is part of our Eye Problems in Spaniels hub. For next steps and related help, see:
Spaniels are especially prone to eye irritation because they love charging through long grass, brambles and hedgerows, and they often pick up debris, pollen, or minor scratches without you ever seeing the moment it happened. Sometimes it’s a mild issue that settles fast. Other times, it’s a painful problem that needs a vet.
This guide will help you understand what one-eye squinting might mean, what you can safely do straight away, and the warning signs that mean you shouldn’t wait.
Why spaniels squint in one eye
Squinting is the dog’s way of protecting the eye. It often happens when:
- the eye surface is sore (scratch or ulcer)
- something is stuck in the eye (seed, grit, dust)
- the eyelid is inflamed or swollen
- the eye is irritated by allergies or infection
- there’s pressure or pain inside the eye (more urgent)
Even if your spaniel seems otherwise “normal”, a sore eye can still be very painful.
The most common causes of one-eye squinting in spaniels
1) A small scratch on the eye (corneal irritation/ulcer)
This is one of the most common causes, especially in active spaniels.
A scratch often causes:
- sudden squinting
- watering
- frequent blinking
- pawing at the face
- reluctance to open the eye fully
A corneal ulcer needs proper assessment and treatment. It can worsen if your dog keeps rubbing the eye.
Do not wait days with squinting — this is the kind of issue where faster action usually means an easier recovery.
2) Something stuck in the eye (grass seed, grit or dust)
Foreign bodies often cause squinting very suddenly, especially after:
- woodland walks
- long grass
- windy weather
- beach trips
- gardening areas
You may see:
- intense watering
- redness
- blinking
- rubbing
- discomfort that comes and goes
If you suspect something is stuck, don’t try to dig it out. It’s safer to get the eye checked than risk scratching it further.
3) Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye lining)
Conjunctivitis often causes:
- redness
- discharge
- watery eyes
- mild swelling
- squinting (sometimes)
Conjunctivitis can be triggered by irritation, infection, or allergies. One eye may be worse than the other.
4) Allergies and seasonal irritation
Some spaniels develop watery, itchy eyes during certain times of year.
Allergy-linked eye issues often come with:
- paw licking
- face rubbing
- itchy ears
- red skin
- recurring ear problems
If your dog has eye symptoms plus paw licking and ear flare-ups, allergies move higher up the list.
➡️ Related hub: /spaniel-health/skin-allergies/
5) Eyelid irritation, eyelashes or hair rubbing the eye
Sometimes the eyelid edge, lashes, or surrounding hair can irritate the eye. This can create:
- repeat squinting in the same eye
- watery discharge
- mild redness
- rubbing that comes and goes
If it keeps returning, a vet check is sensible because ongoing rubbing can damage the eye surface over time.
6) Dry eye (reduced tears)
Dry eye can lead to:
- thick or stringy discharge
- redness
- discomfort
- squinting
- recurring irritation
Dry eye needs vet support because the eye surface becomes vulnerable without a normal tear film.
What to do immediately (safe first steps)
If your spaniel has just started squinting, these steps are safe and practical.
Step 1: Stop the rubbing
If your dog is pawing at their face or rubbing on the carpet, the risk of injury increases fast.
- distract them
- keep them calm
- stop rough play
- consider a cone if they won’t leave the eye alone
Step 2: Check gently in good light
Look around the eye for:
- hair or debris near the corner
- swelling of the eyelid
- obvious redness
- discharge
Don’t pull the eye open forcefully and don’t poke anything into the eye.
Step 3: Avoid long grass and cover for 24–48 hours
Skip brambles, hedges, long grass, and muddy cover temporarily.
Choose calm lead walks and keep your dog away from scratchy environments until the eye is comfortable again.
Step 4: Monitor over hours, not days
Eyes can deteriorate quickly. If your dog is still squinting later the same day — or it worsens — it’s time for the vet.
When to call the vet (don’t wait)
Book vet advice promptly if your spaniel has:
- squinting that lasts more than a few hours
- obvious pain, whining or distress
- swelling around the eye
- thick yellow/green discharge
- a cloudy or blue-grey eye
- the eye looks scratched or damaged
- bleeding or trauma
- sudden vision change (bumping into things)
- the eye is closed tightly and won’t open properly
If you’re unsure, it’s safer to get it checked. Eye problems can become serious very quickly.
➡️ Urgent symptoms hub: /spaniel-health/emergencies/
What NOT to do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- using human eye drops without guidance
- using leftover medication from a previous eye problem
- trying to remove debris with tweezers or fingers
- waiting “a few days” while the dog squints
- letting your dog rub continuously
- using anything harsh around the eye
If your dog is squinting, the eye is almost certainly sore — and the wrong move can worsen it.
How to prevent eye irritation in spaniels
Spaniels will always be spaniels — but you can reduce repeat problems with a few habits.
Keep facial hair tidy if it traps debris
Long hair around the eyes can catch seeds, mud and irritants.
Rinse the face after muddy walks (gently)
Especially during pollen season or after long grass.
Keep recall reliable to prevent bramble crashes
A spaniel charging head-first into thick cover is far more likely to pick up eye injuries.
Manage allergies properly
If your dog has repeated eye irritation alongside paws/ears/skin, allergies may be a key driver.
➡️ /spaniel-health/skin-allergies/
Common questions
Why is my dog squinting but the eye looks normal?
The eye surface can be scratched even if it looks fine to you. Dogs can also have pain from irritation under the eyelid, mild ulcers, or inflammation that isn’t obvious at first glance. Squinting itself is a sign worth taking seriously.
Can a scratch heal on its own?
Very mild irritation can settle quickly, but ulcers can worsen without treatment. It’s always safer to get proper advice if squinting continues.
Is eye discharge always infection?
No. Some discharge is normal (especially after sleep). Thick yellow/green discharge, swelling, or a painful eye needs attention.
Key takeaway
If your spaniel is squinting in one eye, assume discomfort and act early. Keep them calm, stop rubbing, avoid cover, and don’t wait several days — eyes are time-sensitive.