If you’ve ever wondered, “Can dogs get pink eye?,” you might be surprised to learn that pink eye is actually the most prevalent type of eye infection in dogs, per ASPCA Pet Insurance1.
Dog pink eye is officially known as conjunctivitis, which is extremely uncomfortable for animals and, if untreated, can permanently harm an eye.
In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of pink eye in dogs, how to spot the signs of the condition, how to treat canine conjunctivitis, and more.
Pro Tip: Pet insurance may reimburse you for a portion of eligible expenses if your dog has an eye infection and needs to see a vet.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that surrounds the eye and eyelid, is referred to as conjunctivitis. When a dog has conjunctivitis, the pale, translucent membrane becomes red and swollen, making it nearly impossible to see in healthy dogs. The condition typically only affects one eye, but it can also happen in both at once.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Conjunctivitis in Dogs
In order to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be the source of the conjunctivitis, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination and ophthalmic (eye) examination on your pet. Finding out what’s causing conjunctivitis and the extent of eye damage is the main goal of the diagnosis process.
The ophthalmic examination consists of:
When necessary, additional tests and procedures like tear duct flushing are carried out, including bacterial culture and sensitivity, conjunctival scraping or biopsy, allergy testing, viral testing, and ultrasound of the eye.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the conjunctivitis.
Eye drops or ointments containing steroids are the most popular treatments for allergic conjunctivitis. If there is systemic inflammation, it may also be advised to take oral steroid medications and antihistamines. With allergic conjunctivitis, prevention is key, so you must keep your dog away from the underlying allergens that cause it. Your veterinarian might advise allergic skin testing, flea preventatives, environmental modifications, and food trials.
Topical antibiotics are frequently used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, but depending on how severe the infection is, oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed. Treatment for viral conjunctivitis frequently includes rest, immune system-boosting antioxidants taken orally, and topical or oral antiviral medications on occasion.
Dogs with abnormalities of the eyelids or eyelashes will need surgery to correct them in order to prevent long-term problems. Chronic dry eye in dogs will require lifelong medication to increase tear production. Immunomodulatory drugs (those that affect the immune system) must be administered topically and orally to canines with immune-mediated medical conditions, frequently for the rest of their lives.
In general, the key to healing the eye is to stop further injury while attending to the underlying problem. To prevent your dog from rubbing their face or scratching their eyes, which could result in abrasions (scrapes) or even perforations (holes) in the cornea, an Elizabethan collar or pet cone is helpful.
It is frequently advised to have frequent veterinary checkups to monitor healing and adjust treatment as necessary. If clinical symptoms persist, quickly deteriorate, or recur and become chronic problems, your veterinarian may advise a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or dermatologist.
Topical forms of gentamicin, tobramycin, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and triple-antibiotic ophthalmic ointments/drops are used to treat conjunctivitis. Prednisolone or dexamethasone (both corticosteroids), which contain anti-inflammatories, may be needed for some dogs as topical or oral medications. For dogs with chronic dry eyes, medications like cyclosporine or tacrolimus are needed to promote tear production.
Although it is not always the best or most effective treatment for canine conjunctivitis, terramycin is an over-the-counter antibacterial ophthalmic ointment that may be advised. This has been found to be effective in numerous feline conjunctivitis cases, including those caused by viruses and bacteria, but it is less frequently used for canine conjunctivitis.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs?
An uncomfortable condition called conjunctivitis can make your dog paw at their eye, blink, or squint. Additionally, you might see your dog’s eye discharge clear or green, or your dog’s eyelids, eye whites, or surrounding area may appear red and swollen.
While allergies, viral infections, or other conditions can cause conjunctivitis, it frequently begins in one eye and quickly spreads to the other through contamination. However, in some cases, both eyes may be affected from the beginning.
Even if symptoms appear to be very mild, if your dog is exhibiting conjunctivitis symptoms, you should call your veterinarian right away. Left untreated conjunctivitis can lead to permanent eye damage.
Can I get conjunctivitis from my dog?
While it is unlikely that you will contract conjunctivitis from your canine friend, it is possible if a parasite like roundworms is the root of your dog’s eye condition.
FAQ
How long does dog conjunctivitis last?
The duration of clinical signs depends on the underlying cause of canine conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically clears up completely after 5 to 7 days of treatment. The full recovery from viral conjunctivitis can take up to 3–4 weeks.
How do you get rid of conjunctivitis in dogs?
The specific cause of conjunctivitis is addressed during treatment, which may involve both topical and oral medications. Ophthalmic ointments and solutions containing topical gentamicin, tobramycin, chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, or triple-antibiotics are frequently prescribed.
What happens if conjunctivitis goes untreated in dogs?
Even if symptoms appear to be very mild, if your dog is exhibiting conjunctivitis symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Left untreated conjunctivitis could lead to permanent eye damage.
Is conjunctivitis permanent in dogs?
Important. Consult your veterinarian right away if you suspect that your dog has conjunctivitis, even if the symptoms are mild. If the condition is not treated right away, permanent damage may result.