Why Is My Shih Tzu Squinting?

Squinting usually means an eye is uncomfortable or painful. In a Shih Tzu, prominent eyes are exposed to hair, dust, scratches, dryness, and trauma, so a newly closed or half-closed eye should be taken seriously. Corneal ulcers and other painful eye problems can worsen quickly even when the eye looked normal earlier in the day.

Do not wait several days to see whether persistent squinting resolves. Compare both eyes, prevent rubbing, and contact a veterinarian promptly—especially when the change is sudden or one-sided.

Seek Urgent Care for These Signs

The eye stays closed or the dog resists opening it.
The surface looks cloudy, blue, dented, or visibly injured.
There is marked redness, swelling, blood, or thick discharge.
The eye appears pushed forward or out of position.
Squinting follows trauma, grooming, rough play, or chemical exposure.

Common Reasons a Shih Tzu Squints

A scratch or ulcer on the cornea is a major concern. Hair rubbing the surface, a foreign particle, dry eye, eyelid or eyelash abnormalities, inflammation inside the eye, glaucoma, and trauma can produce similar behavior. The cause cannot be identified safely from appearance alone.

Veterinarians may use stain to look for a corneal defect, measure tear production or eye pressure, and examine beneath the eyelids. These tests guide treatment because medication appropriate for one condition may be harmful in another.

What to Do Before the Appointment

Prevent pawing and face rubbing.
Keep the dog in dim, calm surroundings if light seems painful.
Note when the squinting began and any possible injury.
Photograph both eyes in the same light.
Bring a list of all eye products previously used.
Do not use leftover or human eye drops.

Products to Avoid

Do not use redness-relief drops, steroid eye medication, peroxide, essential oils, homemade rinses, or an old prescription. Steroid-containing drops can worsen a corneal ulcer, and contaminated bottles can introduce infection.

If a chemical entered the eye, call a veterinarian or poison service immediately for flushing instructions and transport advice.

Protecting the Eyes Day to Day

Keep facial hair trimmed or secured away from the eye, check the face after outdoor activity, and supervise rough play. During grooming, use blunt-tipped tools only with excellent control and stop when the dog moves unpredictably.

A dog with chronic dry eye or another diagnosed condition needs medication exactly as prescribed. Missing doses may allow discomfort and surface damage to return.

Squinting Questions

Can a loose hair cause squinting?

Yes, but a scratch or deeper problem can look the same. Persistent squinting still needs examination.

What if the eye looks better after an hour?

Temporary improvement does not rule out an ulcer or intermittent pain. Contact the veterinarian when squinting was pronounced, recurrent, or associated with trauma.

Should I try to remove something from the eye?

Do not probe beneath the eyelid or pull at embedded material. Protect the eye and seek veterinary help.