Conjunctivitis in Dogs: All You Need to Know About It

By June 19, 2022 Dog Diseases, Dog Health, Eye Health, Immune Support, Supplements for Dogs, Vision Support 0 Comments

Conjunctivitis in Dogs: All You Need to Know About It

Conjunctivitis in dogs is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. By lining the eyelid and covering the eyeball, this mucous membrane functions as a barrier to infection and foreign substances.

When it becomes infected and inflamed, it is referred to as conjunctivitis or “pink eye.” Knowing the symptoms of conjunctivitis can allow you to detect an infection before it causes long-term damage.

Continue reading to learn more about canine conjunctivitis, including what causes it and what you can do to help your pet.

Table of Contents

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What Is Conjunctivitis in Dogs?

Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as pink eye, is a frequent ailment in dogs (just like in humans). This condition refers to inflammation (swelling) of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue that covers the eyeball and eyelids. This tissue is a mucous membrane — a layer of cells producing mucus.

Dogs have a nictitating membrane (sometimes known as a third eyelid), which comprises the conjunctiva and is positioned in the inner corner of each eye. Normal, healthy conjunctiva is pink in color.

However, it may be pigmented in certain dog breeds. When this tissue becomes inflamed (conjunctivitis), the mucous membranes enlarge, become irritating and color a brighter pink or red.

There are several forms of conjunctivitis in puppies. Let us see what they are.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

This type of condition is also known as follicular conjunctivitis in dogs. Any breed of dog may get allergic conjunctivitis.

However, it is more prevalent in dogs susceptible to atopic dermatitis (hypersensitivity to various environmental substances). This is most common in young people, although it may occur at any age.

Environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, molds, mites, fragrances and shampoos are common culprits. Similar are dietary allergens (typically specific proteins) and atopy (a genetic tendency to develop allergies).

Viral Conjunctivitis

Any dog breed may acquire viral conjunctivitis if they encounter viruses that cause inflammation in the eye membranes.

These viruses are generally infectious and might take 3 to 4 weeks to become apparent. For example, canine distemper virus and canine herpesvirus are viruses that may lead to the development of these symptoms in dogs.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Primary bacterial conjunctivitis is rare in dogs and there are no known age, gender or breed predispositions. Secondary bacterial infections in the eyes are more likely to result from underlying medical problems.

These medical disorders include chronic dry eye, eyelid abnormalities and corneal ulcers (scrapes to the outer layer). The most prevalent bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, which are very infectious to dogs.

Other medical issues that might make a dog more susceptible to conjunctivitis include:

  • Immune-mediated conditions.
  • Tumors of the eyelids or conjunctiva.
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye).
  • Eyelid anomalies such as entropion (rolling in of the lower eyelid), ectropion (rolling out of the lower eyelid) or abnormal eyelash development.
  • Blocked tear ducts.
  • Eye injury caused by smoke, foreign particles or toxins.
  • Glaucoma (high pressure in the eye).
  • Uveitis (low pressure in the eye from inflammation).
  • Breed-specific disorders, such as nodular episcleritis in Collies.
  • Parasites (uncommon).

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Dogs

When your dog develops pink eye, the membranes of the eye grow red and puffy. They are often itchy, blistering or unpleasant, forcing dogs to rub their faces on carpets or paws.

Squinting or excessive blinking is often seen due to eye pain. Usually, the diseased eye produces a hazy white, yellow or green mucus-like discharge. Green / yellow discharge is often linked with bacterial illness.

In contrast, a clear or white release is more likely to be caused by allergies. Unless the inflammation results from trauma, eyelid deformities, clogged tear ducts or tumors, both eyes are usually afflicted or will become impacted.

Other clinical symptoms include widespread itching, hair loss around the eyes, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing and tiredness.

Causes of Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Conjunctivitis may be allergic, viral, bacterial, immune-related, anatomical, traumatic or malignant. Often, the same clinical indications occur regardless of the underlying etiology. Typically, the reason needs inquiry with your veterinarian during a regular check-up.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Your veterinarian will complete a physical examination and an ophthalmic (eye) test to rule out any medical issues causing conjunctivitis. The primary objective of conjunctivitis diagnosis is to determine what is causing it and how much damage has happened to the eyes.

The ocular examination includes the following steps:

  • A thorough inspection of the surrounding eye components, including the eyelids, fur around the eye, eyelashes, third eyelid and tear ducts.
  • Tear production testing (also known as Schirmer tear testing) is a non-invasive procedure that measures the number of tears generated by both eyes.
  • Corneal stain testing (also known as Fluorescein stain testing) is a non-invasive procedure used to inspect the outer layer of the eye, known as the cornea, for damage such as scrapes and wounds. A yellowish stain is placed in the eye, and a special light in a dark environment is utilized to reveal any underlying damage.
  • Intraocular pressure testing monitors the pressure in both eyes, which aids in diagnosing glaucoma and uveitis.
  • If required, tests including bacterial culture and sensitivity, conjunctival scraping or biopsy, allergy testing, virus testing and ocular ultrasonography are done.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Conjunctivitis treatment for dogs is determined by the underlying cause.

Eye drops or ointments containing steroids are the most often used treatments for allergic conjunctivitis. If there is systemic inflammation, oral steroids and antihistamines are sometimes used.

With allergic conjunctivitis, prevention is critical. Therefore you must avoid the underlying allergens harming your dog. Your veterinarian may advise you on allergic skin tests, flea preventatives, environmental adjustments and diet trials.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically treated with topical antibiotics. However, oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used depending on the severity of the illness.

Viral conjunctivitis is often treated with time and oral antioxidants to stimulate the immune system and oral or topical antiviral drugs.

To prevent persistent problems, dogs with abnormal eyelids or eyelashes need surgical repair. Dogs with chronic dry eyes will need to take drugs for the rest of their lives to increase tear production.

Immunomodulatory drugs (those that alter the immune system) will be required orally and topically in dogs with immunological-mediated medical disorders, frequently for the rest of their lives.

Prevention of Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Some causes of conjunctivitis are preventable. Minimizing exposure to airborne irritants like smoke, fragrances, and dust, for example, may help prevent allergy-related conjunctivitis.

At the same time, watching dogs playing together can lessen the chance of eye injuries. Maintain your dog’s vaccines against conjunctivitis-causing infections (e.g., canine distemper).

Probably you are asking yourself, is dog conjunctivitis contagious? Let us give you advice. Keep your diseased dog apart from other animals until he has been cleared of conjunctivitis.

If your dog is often exposed to other animals, washing out his paws and face when he returns home is a good idea.

Another recommended practice is to wash your hands after handling a dog’s face, bowls or toys: good general cleanliness may help avoid illnesses.

Medications for Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Topical gentamicin, tobramycin, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and triple-antibiotic ocular ointments / drops are all used to treat conjunctivitis.

Some dogs may need topical and / or oral anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisolone or dexamethasone (both corticosteroids). Dogs with chronic dry eyes need medications such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus to stimulate tear production.

Terramycin is an over-the-counter antibiotic ocular ointment that may be advised. However, it is not necessarily the best or most appropriate treatment for canine conjunctivitis.

This has been reported beneficial in many feline conjunctivitis types, including viral and bacterial infections. Still, it is not used as commonly in canine conjunctivitis.

Home Remedies for Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Home treatments may relieve pain and keep the eye clean, but they seldom solve the underlying medical disease. Gently wipe discharge from around your dog’s eye. After that, flush dust, pollens, and debris away from his eye using sterile saline eye wash solutions once or twice daily.

Do not do an eye flush at home without contacting your veterinary staff to ensure no more damage is done to the eye.

Certain natural items may be used locally or orally around the eye to prevent tear duct obstruction, which can cause conjunctivitis in some dogs. Before using any items to address eye issues in your dog, consult with your veterinarian.

Recovery and Management of Conjunctivitis in Dogs

The fundamental cause of your dog’s conjunctivitis will determine how you treat it. If it is allergen-based, keeping the dog from coming in touch with whatever is causing the response might be beneficial. (Because it may be difficult to recognize on your own, your veterinarian may need to do further tests.)

While your dog is healing, keep him away from dusty, dry, and unclean environments and monitor his symptoms. An e-collar or cone may be required to protect your dog’s eyes from self-trauma during the healing period. Medication, whether topical or oral, should be precisely used as directed, even if the symptoms seem to be improving.

Conjunctivitis is often a highly curable ailment that most dogs recover from if diagnosed and treated early. Early detection and adequate follow-up treatment are critical.

The Takeaway

Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as pink eye, is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the soft tissue that borders the inside of the dog’s eyelids and the white area of the dog’s eyes.

Specific steps may assist in reducing the risk of infection. Untreated conjunctivitis in dogs may result in irreversible eye damage in your dog.

The easiest way to prevent conjunctivitis is to monitor your dog’s eye health and take it to the doctor as soon as you detect a problem.

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Image source: Wikimedia / Naviera.

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