Your pet is a big part of your family. Humans are hard-wired to form connections with the people and animals who interact with us on a daily basis. So it comes as no surprise that we worry when our furry best friends suddenly start exhibiting symptoms of illness. If you have children, are you putting their health at risk by exposing them to a sick pet? For those who have immediate families, this concern may also extend to the other members of the clan.
Certain illnesses that affect animals can, in fact, spread to other species through a process known as cross-species transmission. A specific term used to refer to an infectious, interspecies illness brought on by bacteria, viruses, and parasites is “zoonosis.” Animal Eye Associates will discuss pet eye infections and whether they can spread to people and other animals in today’s blog.
What Is Pink Eye in Animals?
Similar causes and signs of pink eye (conjunctivitis) exist in dogs and humans. The condition known as “pink eye” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that covers the eye. The small blood vessels become more visible as a result of this inflammation, giving the whites of the eyes a reddish or pink hue.
Pink eye can affect dogs of any age, and it occasionally manifests by itself. Another cause would be an underlying eye condition. While the infection typically begins in one eye, it can become contagious and spread to the healthy eye in extremely rare circumstances. It’s crucial to have your dog checked out by a specialist if you suspect they have pink eye. They can identify the type, cause, and severity before recommending a course of action to help your furry friend regain excellent health.
Both infectious and non-infectious pink eye are the two main types that affect animals. There are a variety of infectious and non-infectious causes of pink eye in dogs, such as:
Dust mites, pollen, viruses, mold, drugs, upper respiratory infections, and tear duct inflammation
Symptoms of Pink Eye in Dogs
It’s critical to have your dog examined by a veterinarian if you suspect your furry friend is experiencing symptoms related to pink eye. A specialist will be able to identify the type of pink eye your dog has and suggest the most effective remedies to treat the infection. Redness, watery eyes, crusty eyelids, stuck-together eyelids, pawing at the eyes, and stringy discharge are all signs of pink eye in dogs.
How Can Pink Eye Be Contracted by Dogs?
Canine conjunctivitis can be caused by many things. One of them is a virus. Similar to humans, dogs with a cold or upper respiratory infection may have eye drainage.
Many veterinary ophthalmologists believe that viral conjunctivitis is species-specific rather than contagious.
Another cause of pink eye in dogs is bacteria. The bacteria Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are known culprits. Although canine conjunctivitis with proven bacterial causes is uncommon, it is very contagious.
The answer to the question, “Can dogs get pink eye from humans?” is yes, so if any of your human family members have it, you’ll want to take precautions to keep the rest of the family from getting it as well. This entails thoroughly cleaning hands, sanitizing communal areas of the house, and avoiding eye contact.
Airborne allergens like dust, pollen, mold, dander, perfume or cosmetics, and smoke can also result in canine conjunctivitis.
Additionally, pink eye could be brought on by an irritant or wound. Your dog’s eyes could get scratched and rubbed while rolling around on the carpet or in the yard. Additionally, because they are on the ground, it is simple for dirt, dust, and other particles to enter their eyes.
Conjunctivitis can also be caused by canine illnesses like keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, which may need long-term treatment. Any condition that hinders your pet’s ability to produce tears can cause dry eyes.
The easiest way to determine if your dog has pink eye is to look into their puppy dog eyes. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your dog most likely has an infection and should be taken to the vet for a checkup.
Clinical signs of dog pink eye include:
If your dog develops conjunctivitis, a trip to the vet is required to diagnose the condition and choose the best course of action. Your veterinarian will determine the best course of action for pink eye based on the cause.
Your veterinarian will most likely recommend antibiotic eye drops or ointment if your dog has bacterial conjunctivitis. It can be challenging to apply eye drops or eye ointment, especially if your dog is jittery. If possible, have someone assist you with the procedure.
Here’s how to give your dog eye drops or ointment:
Your veterinarian may prescribe steroid eye drops or artificial tears to help wash out the goo caused by viral conjunctivitis, which is brought on by the common cold and upper respiratory infection. Your dog will be more at ease while recovering from their illness thanks to the prescription and the gentle removal of any crust or discharge.
When removing buildup, use a clean towel soaked in lukewarm water. Never use your finger or other hard objects to scratch the infected area as this could cause permanent damage. Additionally, applying a cold compress to your dog’s eye can help it feel better.
Consult your veterinarian about your options if you want to try supplementing your dog’s diet with vitamins or make other dietary changes. For advice on how to administer a vitamin or pill to your dog
Veterinarians may recommend an antihistamine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid eye drops, or artificial tears for an allergic pink eye case. Additionally, cleaning the affected area or using a cold compress can help soothe the itching caused by allergens.
Try to calm the area and keep an eye on your dog until the eye heals if an injury, debris, or friction during play led to the infection in your dog’s eye.
Injuries to the eye sometimes include damage to the cornea. To ensure that no corneal damage occurred, your dog’s eyes may need to be examined by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can prescribe the necessary medication if a corneal injury is present. Severe cases might even necessitate surgery. Steroids and other medications for other types of conjunctivitis can exacerbate corneal wounds, sometimes resulting in blindness. That is why it is crucial to consult a veterinarian.
Make sure your dog isn’t pawing, scratching, rubbing their face on the carpet, or engaging in any other behavior that could harm an eye or the skin around it. Your dog may find it difficult to leave their eye alone if they have pink eye, which is a bothersome condition in any form. Ask your veterinarian for a cone if you notice any negative behaviors.
On the internet, there are numerous different home remedies. Some are helpful, and others can cause further harm. You can ask your veterinarian which ones are safe to use.
Every pet parent wants to keep their animal companion content and healthy. These recommendations could aid in avoiding an eye infection in your dog:
You might find some of the advice provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) on dog grooming to be helpful. Another benefit of having pet health insurance is that it can pay for the treatment of common eye infections like pink eye. Get your free quote today!.
Learn how to take excellent care of an older dog.
Understand the signs and causes of dog hernias.
FAQ
How contagious is dog conjunctivitis?
Is It Contagious? Non-infectious conjunctivitis in dogs is not contagious. However, the ASPCA cautions that if a case of dog pink eye is brought on by a rare bacterial infection or a virus, your dog may be able to spread the condition to other dogs.
Is dog conjunctivitis the same as human conjunctivitis?
Pink eye is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the white portion of the eyeball, in both humans and dogs. Because redness is the most typical symptom, conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye. However, a dog’s eye differs from a human’s because the conjunctiva is typically less apparent.
Can you get pink eye from dog hair?
An eye infection brought on by bacteria is what causes bacterial conjunctivitis. This bacteria is sometimes the same that causes strep throat. On the other hand, allergic and foreign-substance-caused conjunctivitis aren’t contagious. The allergens that cause allergic conjunctivitis include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
How did my dog get conjunctivitis?
The most frequent causes of pink eye in dogs are bacterial and viral infections, followed by environmental irritants like smoke and allergens. When conjunctivitis affects only one eye, it might be brought on by a foreign object, tear sac inflammation, or dry eye.