Conjunctivitis is inflammation (swelling) of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the front of the eye. The PDSA says it causes red, itchy, weepy eyes and can affect one or both. It is often called pink eye, and it is really a sign with many possible causes, so speak to your vet rather than guessing which one your dog has.
At a glance
- What it is: inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids and covering the front of the eye.
- Who it affects: dogs of any age, from irritation, allergy, infection or an underlying eye problem.
- Urgency: soon. The PDSA says to always contact your vet if you notice anything wrong with your dog’s eyes, because they are too important to ignore.
- Vet needed? Yes. Treatment depends on the cause, and the vet has to find it.
Signs to look for
The PDSA lists pink or red eyes, watery eyes, swelling, closed eyes, rubbing at the eyes or face, a cloudy or blue-looking eye and blinking more than usual. Some dogs also go off their food and seem generally unwell. Blue Cross adds clear or green discharge, squinting and pawing at the eye, and says it can be in one or both eyes depending on the cause. If your dog stops eating, our guide to how to tell if your dog isn’t eating enough may help you describe it to your vet.
Causes and risk factors
The PDSA’s list is long, which is why a vet check matters. Causes include:
- irritants such as smoke, dust or sand, and something stuck in the eye, such as a grass seed
- bacterial infection (repeated infections may point to an underlying problem)
- allergy, including atopy, where dogs often have itchy skin around the eyes too (see dog allergies)
- dry eye, which the PDSA lists among the causes
- eye ulcers, eyelash and eyelid problems such as entropion (eyelids turning in), and glaucoma
- lumps in or around the eye, uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), lens luxation (the lens moving) and pannus (the immune system attacking the front of the eye)
- viruses such as distemper and adenovirus-1, though the PDSA says these are rare because most dogs are vaccinated
The PDSA also notes that exposure keratitis, where the eyelids don’t protect the front of the eye properly, is very common in short-nosed breeds such as the Shih Tzu.
When to call your vet
Contact your vet about any eye problem. The PDSA warns that conjunctivitis left too long without treatment can lead to serious problems or even loss of an eye, and that eye ulcers can become very serious if not treated quickly. Blue Cross says early treatment gives the best chance of avoiding complications.
Not sure where to start? Our vets guide and sick dog symptoms page can help. Also speak to your vet before putting anything in the eye: the Irish Blue Cross advises against using drops previously prescribed to your dog, or human eye drops, because depending on the cause they could make things worse.
- 1. Notice
Red, watery or squinting eyes - 2. Speak to your vet
Contact your vet about any eye problem - 3. Vet examines
A thorough eye examination to find the cause - 4. Options
Treatment options your vet may discuss: depends on the cause - 5. Ongoing care
Some causes need ongoing care, so follow your vet’s plan
How vets diagnose it
Blue Cross says the vet gives a thorough eye examination to find the cause, and treatment depends on what they find. The PDSA adds that for dogs who get conjunctivitis regularly, investigations may include swabs and tear measurement, and your vet may refer you to a specialist eye vet (an ophthalmologist).
What vets generally do about it
Treatment depends on the cause, and your vet decides it. Blue Cross lists medicated eye drops, eye lubricants, antihistamines or anti-inflammatories, sedation to remove a foreign body, and surgery where there are other serious underlying problems. A protective buster collar may be used to stop rubbing. Most dogs make a full recovery, Blue Cross says, though in rare cases dogs with eyeball damage or underlying conditions can have permanent sight problems or need lifelong treatment.
Living with it and prevention
Some causes need ongoing care. The PDSA says conditions such as atopy and dry eye may need lifelong treatment, so follow your vet’s plan and keep check-ups. Blue Cross notes dogs with allergies may have flare-ups from time to time. The PDSA also advises regular vaccination to protect against conditions like this. Vet bills for repeat eye problems add up, so our pet insurance guide is worth a read.
On sharing germs, Blue Cross says it is extremely unlikely you can catch conjunctivitis from your dog. Neither the PDSA nor Blue Cross says whether it passes from dog to dog, though Blue Cross lists viral causes such as canine distemper, so ask your vet.
Related conditions
- Dry eye in dogs
- Glaucoma in dogs
- Dog allergies
- Grass seeds in dogs
- Cherry eye in dogs
- Cataracts in dogs
- Browse the full A-Z of dog illnesses and conditions
Sources
- PDSA, Conjunctivitis in dogs
- Blue Cross, Conjunctivitis in dogs
- The Irish Blue Cross, Conjunctivitis in Dogs (pink eye)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch conjunctivitis from my dog?
Blue Cross says it is extremely unlikely that you can catch conjunctivitis from a dog. It does not say whether it can pass between dogs, so speak to your vet if you are worried.
Can I use human eye drops on my dog?
The Irish Blue Cross advises against using human eye drops or drops previously prescribed to your dog. Treatment depends on the cause, so speak to your vet first.
Will conjunctivitis clear up by itself?
The PDSA warns that conjunctivitis left too long without treatment can lead to serious problems or even loss of an eye, so don’t wait and see. Contact your vet about any eye problem.
Why does my dog keep getting conjunctivitis?
The PDSA says repeated infections may point to an underlying problem such as dry eye or an in-growing eyelash, and dogs who get it regularly need the cause investigated. Speak to your vet.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.
