Why Do My Dog’s Eyes Look Weird in Photos? Is This Normal?

As you’re scrolling through your gallery filled with countless pictures of your precious pup, you might notice their eyes glowing green—kind of like a spooky Scooby-Doo character—in some photos. Weird? Yes. Normal? Also yes! 

It all comes down to their eye anatomy. 

Dogs can see better in low light than us, thanks to a special structure in their eyes, says Nicole Kohanski, CDBC, CBCC-KA, FDM, CBATI-KA, ADT-IAABC, CPDT-KA, founder and lead behavior consultant of Wiggle Butt Academy in Plano, Texas.  

“That spooky glow you see in photos is actually a cool piece of biology,” adds Sabrina Kong, DVM, a veterinary consultant at We Love Doodles in San Mateo, California.  

It’s caused by the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina that acts like a mirror, Dr. Kong explains. It helps dogs see in the dark and causes that eerie glow when light from your camera flash bounces off it.  

If your dog is excited or stressed, their eyes may dilate more, allowing for more of this glow to show in photos, says Kohanski. 

While the glow in dogs’ eyes may look like red-eye in humans, the causes are very different. 

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, red-eye happens when someone looks directly at the camera and has healthy, unobstructed retinas. The flash reflects off the blood vessels at the back of the eye, causing that red appearance. 

Your pooch is already picture-perfect—no doubt about it. But if you’re looking for steps on how to keep your dog’s eyes from looking weird or neon green in photos, try these photography tips from our experts: 

• Use natural light whenever possible. Take pictures when your dog’s pupil is as small as possible, aka when the light is bright. This eliminates the need to use a flash. 
• Use flash effectively when necessary. If you need a flash, bounce it off a ceiling or wall instead of using the direct flash on your camera or phone and pointing it at your dog. 
• Take a photo of your dog looking away from the camera. Getting your dog to look slightly away from the camera lens will change the angle of the reflection and prevent that ghostly green glow. 
• Use certain camera modes or editing tools to reduce the glow. Use “pet eye” or “red-eye reduction” mode on your camera if available. You can also use a simple photo-editing app to tone down the glow after taking pictures. 
• Wipe their eyes. Use dog-safe wipes, like Miracle Care Sterile Eye Wash Pads, to gently clean around their eyes before taking photos. 

• Use positive reinforcement. If your dog is camera shy, Dr. Kong recommends using positive reinforcement. Keep photo sessions short, upbeat, and treat-filled. Try high-value dog treats, like Hill’s Natural Jerky Mini-Strips, or calming treats like Nutramax Solliquin Soft Chews. 

• Capture candids. Instead of trying to force a pose, snap photos while your pup is relaxed and enjoying themselves. 
• Most importantly, have fun! Whether your photos live in your camera roll or on Instagram, those snapshots capture memories that matter—glowy green eyes and all. 

Why does only one of my dog’s eyes glow in photos? 

Usually, it’s just about the angle. If your dog’s head isn’t facing the flash directly, only one eye might reflect the light, explains Dr. Kong. However, if one eye consistently doesn’t glow or looks dull, mention it to your vet—it could indicate an underlying eye problem, such as cataracts, corneal damage, or glaucoma. 

Should I worry if my dog’s eyes glow different colors? 

Generally, no, you shouldn’t worry if your dog’s eyes glow different colors.  

Dogs’ eyes can glow green, blue, yellow, or even red depending on breed, age, and how light hits the eye, Dr. Kong says. Kohanski adds that lighting angles can affect the glow too. But if the glow suddenly changes, disappears from one eye, or you notice signs like eye cloudiness or your dog bumping into things, check in with your vet.