Conjunctivitis in dogs: Signs, causes & treatment

Key Takeaways:

- Conjunctivitis is when a part of your dog’s eye is inflamed and causes irritation.

- Signs include bloodshot, watery, swollen eyes, and discharge that can be clear, watery, yellow, or green.

- Taking your dog to the vet will help you find the cause and get the right treatment.

You’re spending another evening gazing into your pooch’s face when you notice something - they’re blinking more often, their eyes look watery, red and swollen, and they look a little gunky. These could be the first signs of conjunctivitis.

Just like in humans, this condition can be very uncomfortable. So you want to make sure it gets seen to and treated as soon as possible. Here, we explore how to spot conjunctivitis, what to do and how to best take care of your pooch.

What is conjunctivitis in dogs?

Conjunctivitis, also known as ‘pink eye’, is when the part of the eye called the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. The conjunctiva is the thin membrane on the inside of the eyelid, and it protects the front of the eyeball from infection and foreign objects.

There are a range of reasons why the conjunctiva might become inflamed, and it’s usually the sign of an underlying issue. The condition might affect one or both eyes.

What breeds are prone to conjunctivitis?

Certain breeds are more prone to conjunctivitis because of the shape of their face and eyes. This may make them unique, but also makes it easier for debris or irritants to reach their eyes. Some breeds also have conditions, or are more prone to allergies which can make them more likely to catch conjunctivitis. These include:

• French and English Bulldogs, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus and Pekingese breeds because they have shallow eye sockets and lots of facial folds. 

• Cavalier King Charles and Cocker Spaniels have big eyes, are prone to allergies and dry eye conditions

• German Shepherds are more prone to plasma cell conjunctivitis 

• Collie breeds can get secondary conjunctivitis if they have nodular granulomatous episcleritis (NGE)

What does conjunctivitis look like in dogs?

Signs of conjunctivitis that you need to look out for in your pooch’s peepers include: 

• The whites of the eyes turning bloodshot or red

• Weeping or running eyes, this might be tears, mucous or discharge

• Swelling around the eyes or eyelids, which might mean they close slightly or totally

• Blinking or squinting more than usual 

• A cloudy appearance to the front of the eye

• Rubbing their eyes or face with their paws or on other objects

Your pet might also go off their food or be down in their mood and energy.

Types and causes of conjunctivitis

There can be lots of reasons why your dog catches conjunctivitis, some of which may be one-off issues and others that will need long-term treatment.

Infection

Bacterial and viral infections can be caught from other pets and are one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis. Luckily, as long as your dog is up to date with their jabs, they’ll be protected from most viruses, like canine herpes or canine distemper.

Bacterial infections can be one-off or return because of another reason, such as an in-grown eyelash. If you suspect infection, be sure to get them checked out at the vet as they may need prescriptive treatment.

Injuries

Especially if they’re a puppy, your pooch might be putting their head in all sorts of random places. Sometimes, their eyes can come out worse for wear. 

Thorns, dust, seeds and grit can all get into a dog’s eye by accident and cause damage. Bites or scratches around the eye area can also lead to conjunctivitis if left untreated.

Allergies

Just like their human pals, dogs can have allergies, too. Pollen (hay fever), dust, mould and sometimes even food intolerances can cause an immune response like conjunctivitis.

Underlying conditions

Sometimes, another eye problem can lead to conjunctivitis. This could include:

• Glaucoma, when pressure builds up in the eye, leaving it mis-shaped.

• Keratitis caused by the eyelids not protecting the eye properly or a dog’s immune system attacking the eye itself (pannus).

• Eyelash or eyelid problems, such as ingrowing hairs and eyelids that are baggy or turned in.

• Parasites or ulcers that start causing irritation.

Is conjunctivitis in dogs contagious?

Not all types of conjunctivitis are contagious. But some, like bacterial and viral infections, can be spread from pet to pet. Others causes, like allergies, can trigger conjunctivitis without being contagious.

How is conjunctivitis diagnosed?

Vets will diagnose conjunctivitis in dogs by closely inspecting their eyes. To make your pooch more comfortable, they might put anaesthetic drops into their eyes to make the area numb and easier to look at. 

The vet will look for signs of conjunctivitis, as well as any foreign objects that might be stuck in the eye. They might use a magnifier to do this. Swabs, stain and tear tests might also be done to get to the root cause of conjunctivitis.

Does conjunctivitis in dogs go away on its own?

Conjunctivitis may heal on its own in mild cases. But it’s very uncomfortable and may cause more damage to the eye if it’s left untreated, so it’s worth getting checked by a vet. This is especially important if your dog keeps getting conjunctivitis regularly, as this suggests there might be an underlying problem.

Treatment

The treatment a vet recommends will depend on what’s causing the conjunctivitis. It might include: 

• Antibiotic, antihistamine, steroid or anti-inflammatory drops

• Cold compresses 

• Artificial tears or lubricants

• Procedures or surgery to remove foreign objects or fix issues like drooping eyelids

• A buster collar to stop your dog rubbing the eye and causing more damage

A vet or nurse will show you how to use any drops or medication on your dog. You might need to use treats or get someone to hold your pooch when you put in the drops. This might be distressing, but remember that it will help your dog recover and stop any more damage to their sight. Plus, tasty treats as a reward for good behaviour wouldn’t go amiss!

Prevention & aftercare

The way you prevent or care for your dog’s conjunctivitis will depend on the type and causes. 

If your pet has prominent eyes, a flat face or lots of facial skin folds, then having a good hygiene routine will keep that area clean and free from irritants or bacteria. Regular gentle cleaning with warm water (with a little bit of salt) and a soft cloth or dog-friendly wipes will help remove any dirt, tear stains or gunk which could build up and cause problems. 

Getting any potential allergies investigated by a vet is also important. Just like us, dogs can have allergic reactions which make them itchy and can lead to issues like conjunctivitis. They can even have intolerances to things you wouldn’t expect, like Chicken, Beef, and Wheat. Treating these with medication or preventative steps will help your pooch stay comfortable and stop them having further problems.

If your dog is allergic to certain foods, then of course you should remove them from their diet. This might mean switching to grain-free or hypoallergenic foods. Hypoallergenic dog food is often packed with lean novel proteins and free of grain and filler, in order to be easy on the gut, and reduce risks of further reactions.

But even if they can eat everything, making sure your pooch has a diet packed with healthy wholefoods. This will give them the nutrients and vitamins needed to create a balanced gut microbiome, which supports their immune system, resilience, and helps their body fight infection and bounce back from illness.