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Common Dog Eyelid Conditions in Small Dogs

Reviewed and updated by Janice Jones, former veterinary technician

Last updated: January 2026

Dog eyelid conditions are more common than many owners realize, especially in small-breed dogs. Because the eyes are delicate and constantly exposed to the environment, even minor eyelid abnormalities can lead to irritation, discomfort, or vision problems if left unaddressed.

In small dogs, facial structure, genetics, and prior eye injuries can all contribute to eyelid development and function. Some conditions are present from birth, while others develop over time due to inflammation, trauma, or age-related changes.

While not every eyelid issue is an emergency, changes in your dog’s eyes or eyelids should always be taken seriously. Early recognition and proper veterinary care can often prevent complications and help preserve comfort and vision.

This page provides an overview of the most common eyelid conditions seen in dogs, with special attention to those that frequently affect small breeds. You’ll learn what these conditions look like, why they occur, and how they are typically managed by veterinarians.

Dog Eyelid Conditions

Many of these conditions have a genetic component, but there is also the possibility of environmental trauma that can bring them on. 

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Ectropion

When a dog has a droopy eyelid, it means they have a common condition called Ectropion. The eyelids have their margins rolling outward. The exposed inner eyelid tissue may appear red or irritated.

Because of this abnormality, the palpebral conjunctiva, which coats the inside of the eyelids, gets exposed to external microbes.

This new vulnerability point may lead to other serious diseases that threaten your dog’s vision.

Usually, Ectropion affects large breeds such as St. Bernards, Bloodhounds, and Retrievers.

Because of their loose facial skin, they are genetically predisposed to this kind of condition.

However, small dogs are far from being immune to it. Any scars or other injuries to the eyelid can trigger Ectropion.

Treatment for Ectropion

The veterinarian is the first person you should contact if your dog has eyelid inflammation.

If you find Ectropion right from the beginning, the treatment will be less intrusive for mild cases.

Mild cases may be managed with lubricating eye drops or topical medications as recommended by a veterinarian.

Entropion

Entropion is a common condition in which the eyelid rolls inwards. It is a genetic disorder that can usually be diagnosed around the first year of a dog’s life. The rolling in of the eyelids causes the eyelid hair to rub against the eye, leading to corneal ulcers that can be very painful.  

It affects all breeds, including short-nosed breeds like Shih Tzu, Pugs, Pekingese, English Toy Spaniel, and Brussels Griffons.

The cause of this genetic condition is the facial physiognomy. In some breeds, the eye suffers more tension on the ligaments than normal. 

Because entropion often has a genetic component, affected dogs are generally not recommended for breeding.

Veterinary ophthalmologists can test the eyes of breeding dogs, and results can be sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). 

However, entropion can also be caused by external factors. So, once again, no dog is safe from it.

Canines with a history of eye infections are more likely to develop entropion.

This common eyelid disease can create the right environment for many other conditions to thrive.

Entropion leads to increased sensitivity in your dog’s eyes. At any moment, something as soft as an eyelash can scratch the surface. This can lead to inflammation, infections, and even to corneal ulceration or perforation.

Treatment for Entropion

If left untreated, entropion can cause ongoing discomfort and damage to the eye. The eyelashes constantly irritate them, and the tissue doesn’t have a chance to heal if left untreated.

The treatment can be intrusive, but the results will lessen the pain. They may require eyelid stitches to reposition the lid, lid injections, or anesthetics to numb the nerves.

In moderate to severe cases, a veterinary ophthalmologist may recommend surgical correction.

Lagophthalmos

Simply put, Lagophthalmos is a condition that prevents dogs from fully closing their eyelids.

There can be many consequences of this issue. The eye remains dry, which increases the risk of dryness, irritation, and infection.

This can trigger scarring, unusual coloring, and sores that won't heal easily. The source of Lagophthalmos can be triggered by yet another type of physiological constitution.

Breeds that can catch this disease usually have a short and flattened head, like Pugs, the so-called Brachycephalic breeds.  But any dog that gets a foreign mass in their eye socket can be on the list.

Treatment for Lagophthalmos

If the causes can’t be eliminated, then the treatment may come in the form of surgery. Your vet could try to address this eyelid condition with lubricating ointments first.

Abnormalities of the Eyelashes

Watering eyes, blood vessels in the cornea, corneal scarring, and slow-healing sores are just some of the issues eyelashes can cause.  

When eyelashes are very fine, they may not cause problems, but if they protrude through the eyelid and touch the eye, the resulting pain can be severe.

When eyelashes cause damage to the conjunctiva or cornea, it may be time to surgically remove them along with the follicles.  There is likely a genetic component to these problems.

So, these are the three main dog eyelid conditions that your pup may suffer from. Now that you are aware of them, you can easily identify their presence and contact your vet as soon as possible. The sooner your furry friend gets help, the better.

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