- Cold compresses.
- Steroid eye drops.
- Artificial tears.
- Antihistamines (oral or eye drops)
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
As pet owners, we all know how important it is to keep our pets healthy, but sometimes, even with the best efforts, our dogs can still come down with illnesses. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common condition that can affect both humans and animals. It is most commonly caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies, and often presents with a thick, gooey discharge, inflammation, and redness of the eyes. While conjunctivitis is most often treated with ointment or drops prescribed by a veterinarian, there are some ways that pet owners can treat their dogs’ pink eye at home. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of pink eye, as well as how to treat it at home. We hope this information will be helpful for pet owners who are faced with this condition in their canine companions.
Infections as the cause of conjunctivitis in dogs
Specific viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that affect only the eyes can cause conjunctivitis in dogs. The condition could, however, also be a sign of a more widespread infection, most frequently a virus. Just picture how your eyes would react if you had the flu or a cold. Numerous viruses could be to blame, but the canine herpesvirus is typically the offender. Or even canine distemper.
Another possible cause is parasitic infections. Leishmaniasis is one instance of this, which can be fatal if it attacks internal organs and is not treated. The parasite can leave behind long-lasting scars if it attacks the mucosa (like the conjunctiva). Tropical and subtropical areas have leishmaniosis, which can infect humans.
Understanding Conjunctivitis in Dogs
Despite having conjunctivitis as its official name, this condition is more commonly known as pink eye. This normally occurs in the pink part around the eye. When the condition is present in the dog, the conjunctiva, which is located in this region, will become inflamed. Dog conjunctivitis is more difficult to diagnose than human conjunctivitis, in part because of the dog’s eyelids covering the whites of the eyes. Some dogs’ first observable symptom is swelling, which makes the third eyelid protrude.
The discharge from the eye can occasionally be puss, mucus, or a clear color. There may be an infection in the eye if there is a discharge. When both eyes are discharge-free, a viral infection is more likely to be the cause. When a pussy discharge is seen around the eye, bacterial infections are typically present. There are both medications and natural remedies for pink eye.
Non-infectious causes of conjunctivitis in dogs
In addition to wounds, non-infectious causes of conjunctivitis include tumors and defects in the eyelids, which cause the lashes to scratch the surface of the eye. Another factor contributing to conjunctivitis is blocked tear ducts, which can also result in dry eyes where insufficient tears are produced.
Conjunctivitis frequently coexists with conditions affecting the eye or other parts of the body. Examples include tumors and glaucoma, a very serious condition that can result in overnight blindness. Therefore, serious conditions that can impair their vision permanently or even prove fatal can cause conjunctivitis in dogs, as can simple eye dust.
In general, dogs with brachycephalic faces, or those with flat faces and prominent eyes, are more likely to experience eye issues. One study published in 2017 found that brachycephalic dogs have a 10 8% chance of developing conjunctivitis, compared to a 7. 76% chance of the condition developing in non-brachycephalic dogs.
You now know that a dog’s red, swollen, and possibly gooey eyes are frequently a sign of an underlying injury or illness. Only a thorough examination by your veterinarian will reveal the true cause of your dog’s conjunctivitis.
FAQ
How can I treat my dogs eye infection without going to the vet?
You can use saline eye drops to effectively remove any irritants from a dog’s eye. These drops won’t hurt and might offer your dog’s inflamed eye some momentary relief. You can get saline eye drops from a pharmacy, online, or a pet store, and you should gently squirt them into your dog’s eye.
How do you cure pink eye in a dog?
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.
How long does pink eye last on a dog?
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.
Do I need to take my dog to the vet for pink eye?
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.