Oh no! My Dog’s Eyes Are Red! A Simple Guide to Aankh Aana (Conjunctivitis)

Just like us humans, our loving dogs can get conjunctivitis—where the white or pink lining of their eye gets red, swollen, and irritated. This lining is called the conjunctiva, and when it gets inflamed, it causes a lot of discomfort for our furry child.

It’s usually fixable, but we need to find the cause quickly so we can treat it correctly!

Part 1: Why Does This Happen? Kaaran Kya Hain? (The Reasons)

Your vet has to be a detective to pinpoint the exact problem, as the causes are numerous:

1. Outside Dirt and Hair (Bahar ki Gandagi)

• Irritants: Just like when mitti (dust), smoke, or pollen gets into our eyes, tiny particles can irritate your dog’s eyes.
• Grooming Gone Wrong: Getting shampoo or soap in the eyes during a bath is a big irritant.
• The Hair Problem: For long-haired breeds, the hair around their face can constantly scratch the eye. Sometimes, the eyelashes themselves grow inwards and scratch the surface.

2. Infections (Jeevanu ka Hamla)

• Germs in the Air: Bacteria or viruses can easily infect the eye. Be especially aware of serious viruses like distemper, as well as common bacteria that cause typical infections.

3. Hidden Health Issues (Chhupi Hui Beemariyan)

• Sometimes, the red eye is just a symptom of a larger issue, such as severe body allergies (like skin atopy), a chronic sinus infection, or another eye disease.

4. Tear Film Problems (Aansoon ki Kami)

• Tears are meant to wash and protect the eye. If your dog isn’t producing enough tears (called Dry Eye), the eye surface gets dry, red, and sticky.

5. Parasites (Keede)

• In warm areas, a tiny parasite called the Oriental Eye Worm can be carried by flies into the eye, causing severe redness and pain.

Part 2: Symptoms You Must Spot Aap Kya Dekh Sakte Hain?

Since a dog’s dark eye is so large, you may not easily see the “whites” getting red. However, these signs are impossible to miss:

• Redness: The pink or white parts of the eye look bloodshot (laal) and angry.
• Discharge (Ganda Paani): You see sticky, yellow, or greenish pus/mucus coming from the eye.
• Itching: Your dog is constantly rubbing their eye with a paw or dragging their face on the floor/sofa.
• Squinting: They blink a lot or seem to be struggling to keep the eye open (aankh sikodna).
• Swelling: The eyelids or the inner pink lining look puffy and thick.

Part 3: What to Do Next? Turant Doctor ke Paas! (Go to the Doctor Immediately!)

Never try home remedies like kajal or traditional eye drops without your vet’s approval. They can make things much worse!

The Vet’s Treatment Plan:

Once the vet finds the cause, the treatment is straightforward:

• For Dirt/Shampoo: The vet simply washes (flushes) the eye with a special liquid to clean out the irritant.
• For Bacteria: They will prescribe specific antibiotic eye drops to kill the infection.
• For Allergies: They use special steroid drops to calm the inflammation. You’ll then need to figure out the allergen (dust, food, etc.) to prevent future episodes.
• For Dry Eye: Treatment involves regular use of artificial tears and sometimes medication to help the eye produce its own moisture.

Part 4: Simple Prevention Tips Hamesha Khayal Rakhiye!

• Bath Time Care: Be very careful when lathering your dog! Hold their head up and ensure no shampoo or soap enters the eyes.
• Trim That Hair: Regularly trim the hair around their eyes so it doesn’t poke them and cause irritation.
• Post-Walk Wipe: After a dusty walk, gently wipe your dog’s eyes with a damp cloth or a pet-safe eye-cleaning wipe to remove dust before it can cause problems.
• Manage Allergies: If your vet confirms an allergy, your main job is to avoid the trigger (e.g., changing their diet if it’s a food allergy).

Your quick response and gentle care make all the difference in protecting your pet’s vision and ensuring their eyes stay clear and healthy!