Just like people, dogs can get pink eye! This condition, known as conjunctivitis, happens when the moist, pink lining inside your dog’s eyelid and part of the eyeball gets inflamed. It can be uncomfortable for your pup, but the good news is that it’s often treatable.

Let’s break down what causes it, how to spot it, and what you can do.

What Causes Pink Eye in Dogs?

Think of the conjunctiva as a delicate, protective blanket for your dog’s eye. When this blanket gets irritated, it becomes swollen and red. Here are the most common irritants:

Dirt and Irritants: Dust, pollen, shampoo, or even their own hair can get in the eye and cause problems. Dogs with long hair or eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction are especially at risk. If it’s from a foreign object, it might only affect one eye.

Infections: Bacteria or viruses (like the distemper virus) can infect the eye, leading to inflammation.

Other Health Issues: Sometimes, pink eye is a symptom of a different problem, like a skin allergy, a dry eye condition, or an infection elsewhere in the body.
Parasites: In some warmer climates, a tiny parasite called an “oriental eye worm” can infect a dog’s eye, causing a lot of irritation.

 

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Pink Eye?

You don’t need to be a vet to spot the signs. Here’s what to look for:

* The white part of the eye looks red or pink.
* Your dog is pawing at their eye or rubbing their face on the floor.
* There is more goop or discharge than usual (it can be clear, yellow, or green).
* They are blinking a lot, squinting, or seem to have trouble keeping their eyes open.
* Their eyes seem more watery.

• Tip: To get a good look, you may need to gently pull down the lower eyelid, as a dog’s large iris can make the whites hard to see.

 

Are Some Dog Breeds More Likely to Get It?

While any dog can get conjunctivitis, some breeds are more prone to it. These are often breeds with prominent eyes or a tendency for dry eyes:

* Pugs & Bulldogs
* Shih Tzus & Lhasa Apsos
* Pekinese
* Cocker Spaniels
* White Terriers

 

How Will the Vet Diagnose It?

If you suspect pink eye, a visit to the vet is essential. They will do a proper examination to be sure and find the root cause. This might include:

1. A Simple Look: The vet will first ask you about the symptoms and look at your dog’s eyes and eyelids.
2. Tear Test: They might test your dog’s tear production to see if “dry eye” is the cause.
3. Eye Pressure Test: This checks for a more serious condition called glaucoma.
4. Special Microscope: Using a slit-lamp, the vet can get a magnified look at the eye’s surface.
5. Swab Test: They might gently collect cells from the eye to look for bacteria under a microscope.

 

How is it treated?

The treatment depends entirely on the cause:

For Irritants: The vet will gently flush the eye to remove the foreign object.
For Infections: Your vet will prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops.
For Allergies: Anti-allergy or steroid eye drops may be used to reduce the inflammation.
For Underlying Conditions: The main focus will be on treating the primary illness, like allergies or dry eye, which will then resolve the conjunctivitis.

 

How Can I Prevent It?

Be Careful During Baths: Avoid getting shampoo in your dog’s eyes.
Keep Hair Tidy: For long-haired breeds, regularly trim the hair around their eyes.
Wipe Away Debris: After walks, you can gently wipe around your dog’s eyes with a damp, soft cloth.
Manage Allergies: If your dog has known allergies, work with your vet to manage them.

 

Diseases That Can Look Like Pink Eye

Don’t assume every red eye is simple conjunctivitis. Two more serious conditions with similar early signs are:

Glaucoma: A painful condition caused by high pressure inside the eye that can lead to blindness.
Uveitis: A serious inflammation inside the eye that also causes pain and redness.

This is why a proper diagnosis from your veterinarian is so important.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use human eye drops on my dog?
No. Always consult your veterinarian before putting anything in your dog’s eyes. Some human medications can be harmful.

Is dog pink eye contagious to humans?
It’s very rare. The bacteria or viruses that cause conjunctivitis in dogs are usually different from the ones that affect people. However, it can sometimes spread between dogs.

What should I do if I see symptoms?
The safest step is to call your veterinarian. They will tell you if your dog needs to be seen and can guide you on what to do next.