Conjunctivitis in dogs

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition usually caused by infection or allergies. Occasionally, it can resolve itself, but most cases need medication.

What causes conjunctivitis in dogs?

• Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva is inflamed or infected

• The conjunctiva is the tissue that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye (sclera)

• It’s mainly caused by bacterial infections and allergies

• Other causes of conjunctivitis in dogs:

  • Foreign objects, such as grass seeds

  • Dry eye

  • Cherry eye

  • Eye ulcers

  • Trauma 

  • Defects of the eyelid or eyelashes

  • Tear duct diseases

  • Tumours of the eye or eyelid

  • Systemic diseases

  • Glaucoma (a disease that increases the pressure inside of the eye)

  • Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)

  • Viral infection

  • Environmental irritation (dust, smoke, chemicals, air fresheners)

Is conjunctivitis more likely in some dogs?

• Any breed or age of dog can develop conjunctivitis

• Certain breeds are more likely to get conjunctivitis. Some of these breeds include:

  • Shar-Pei

  • English and French Bulldogs

  • Shih Tzu

  • Great Dane

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Hounds

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

• Eye discharge (yellow, green, or clear)

• Pink or red eye

• Pawing or rubbing at the face

• Blinking more than usual or squinting

• Swelling of the tissue that lines the eyelids and surface of the eye (conjunctiva)

How is conjunctivitis diagnosed?

Vets may need to use various tests to help find out the cause of the conjunctivitis:

• Visual examination using a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope

• Dye test checking for corneal ulcers

• Tear production test to check for dry eye

• Testing the pressure inside the eye

Vets will sometimes take eye samples for special tests to send to a lab. This may include:

• Conjunctival swabs for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing

• Testing for viruses

• Blood tests to check for other illnesses affecting the body and the eyes

Your vet may need to sedate your dog to check their eye, especially if the eye is painful or a foreign body is suspected.

What’s the treatment for conjunctivitis?

Talk to a vet if your dog’s eye looks abnormal or is weeping. Until then:

• Bathe the eye with boiled cooled water or sterile saline and a clean cotton pad.

• Use a buster collar on your dog to prevent further damage to the eye 

Don’t use human medications for your dog without speaking to a vet first!

Vets prescribe different treatments depending on what’s causing the conjunctivitis. Treatments include:

• General treatment for mild conjunctivitis:

  • Eye cleaners: washes, wipes, gels

  • Lubricating, soothing treatment: gels, ointments

• Prescription medicines depend on the underlying cause:

  • Antibiotics

  • Steroid anti-inflammatory drops

  • Ointment to prevent further damage to tear glands

• Other treatments or surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of conjunctivitis, such as cherry eye or glaucoma.

What to expect

The progression and outcome of conjunctivitis depend on the underlying condition. In most cases, it can be easily resolved.

How to prevent conjunctivitis in dogs

• Clean your dog’s eyes with water and cotton pads as needed to prevent build up of crusts or discharge

• It may  also be useful to bathe the eyes with cooled down boiled water if they have been swimming or been in areas with lots of dust or pollen.

Is conjunctivitis contagious in dogs? Will I catch it?

• Unlike people, most forms are non-contagious, but there are some infectious forms that dogs can spread to each other

• Even though it’s very unlikely you will get conjunctivitis from your dog, you should always wash your hands after applying medications or touching your dog’s face during treatment.

When to worry about conjunctivitis in dogs

If your dog shows any of the following signs call your vet:

• Squinting or inability to hold the eye(s) open

• Signs of pain, including pawing at the face

• Signs of systemic illness, including coughing, tiredness, decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Failure to improve despite treatment

Call us at Joii if your dog has any of the following:

• Runny or red eye

• Pawing or scratching around their eyes

• Swollen eye or face

• If you’re not sure, it’s best to be safe

The vets and nurses at the Joii app are always available to give you advice and answer any questions.