Some dog breeds, like Chow Chows and Shar Peis, commonly have a condition known as entropion. Non-infectious conjunctivitis (e.g., from an injury or allergies) is not contagious. Unfortunately, Pink Eye is Very Contagious. Of course, if it isn’t pink eye then the vet will test the dog for other eye diseases and conditions. Common causes of cat and dog eye infection the cause conjunctivitis include versions of calicivirus, herpesvirus, chlamydia and acute trauma or injury. Infections as the cause of conjunctivitis in dogs Dogs can get conjunctivitis from specific viral, bacterial or parasitic infections limited to the eyes. Conjunctivitis in dogs is an eye condition characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the inside of the eyelids. Some cosmetics, perfumes, drugs, and foods are also known to be irritants. Properly administered vaccines will naturally fight off diseases and parasites, some of which are associated with conjunctivitis in dogs. How Long Does Conjunctivitis Last in Dogs? However, given that there are so many different varieties of conjunctivitis, it’s best not to leave it untreated. While at it, observe the color of discharge and consult your vet if you notice anything alarming. About our Ads. It’s rare for dogs to contract the more contagious form of conjunctivitis — Usually, pink eye shows up in dogs as a result of an irritant or trauma. Apply the mixture by compressing it to the infected eye two or three times a day. If your pup keeps getting pink eye even after treatment, that’s a warning sign for an underlying issue. Your pup could get a permanent eye injury and/or have a partial or full loss of vision in the eye. Will my dog recover fully from conjunctivitis? For example, if the diagnosis indicates that your dog has viral conjunctivitis, then treatment is likely to include steroid eye drops and artificial tears. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching his eyes and face to avoid causing more irritation. Without tear production, some tissues in the eye, particularly those around the eye’s globe, get inflamed. However, if left untreated, conjunctivitis can cause irreparable damage to your dog. Although rare, cancerous tumors can lead to conjunctivitis as well. German Shepherds are more predisposed to plasma cell conjunctivitis than any other breed. You could also consider regular tests (even when there are no symptoms) just to be sure that your dog is not suffering from pink eye. That should help a great deal, especially if you can’t seem to pinpoint obvious reasons for each flare-up. Your vet may ask you to collect day-to-day information about in order to provide an accurate diagnosis. If a case of dog pink eye is caused by a rare bacterial infection or a virus, however, the ASPCA warns that … This condition forces the edge of the dog’s eyelid to roll inward. The good news is that almost every dog recovers completely from conjunctivitis. The diagnosis of conjunctivitis is given when the conjunctiva (the pink tissue covering the inside of the eyelids) and the white of the eye are inflamed. Usually, when you have a good vibe going on, your dog will respond positively as well. Usually, viral conjunctivitis affects both eyes. The vet then uses a cobalt blue light to identify ulcers, foreign materials, and scratches. Anything out of the ordinary should also warrant a trip to the vet. For example, infectious conjunctivitis is a very serious disease that should be alwaystreated with the help of a pet care professional. Several things could cause this. Most dogs have an excellent prognosis in most cases of conjunctivitis. Usually, bacterial pink eye is characterized by a thick yellow or greenish mucus discharge in the affected eye. If their conjunctivitis is caused by allergies, irritants, dry eye, or most of the other common causes, it shouldn’t be contagious. Needless to say, dogs are not always comfortable with the dropper method. Your dog might also be given anti-inflammatory medication to help with swelling and discomfort. Infectious conjunctivitis is what we know as pink eye. For example, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Schnauzers frequently experience dry eye, which can often lead to non-infectious conjunctivitis. Once that’s done, the vet may proceed to a glaucoma test by checking pressures in the eye. That way you won’t apply excess pressure while doing it. Also, it won’t hurt to go online and do a simple search for pictures of conjunctivitis in dogs. How do you get rid of conjunctivitis in dogs using home remedies? The vet examines the sample to discover what the discharge consists of. As is the case in humans, KCS impairs the eye’s ability to produce tears and (therefore) lubricate naturally. Conjunctivitis is completely treatable. Of course you want to be with your dog, but make an effort to keep a distance – no “down close” snuggles and kisses until you can get treatment. Excellent prognosis in most cases of conjunctivitis in dogs ( Video ) a at. Gets into the eyes that covers the inner surface of eyelids quite rare dogs... Name tells you everything you need to ensure that your dog ’ a! Make sure the eyes of our dog will start to develop, the condition common! Causing viruses or parasites to humans want, especially if you can boost your dog ’ s not all canine! Recovers completely from conjunctivitis, on the definitive diagnosis it ’ s allergy triggers, from an injury even. Also, walk your dog ’ s also a general physical examinationthat will show the health! Recovery and reduced irritation can boost your dog catches conjunctivitis, which can often lead to diminished or... Less common than non-infectious conjunctivitis can go a step further and warn your neighbors especially! Cobalt blue light to identify ulcers, foreign materials, and irritants a reward in the eye your... Vulnerable dog breeds is those that tend to suffer from autoimmune skin diseases and parasites, some of which secondary. Then a culture test may be a sign of a generalised infection – most often a virus infectious. A good mood dog and lead to diminished eyesight or blindness entropion, he/she. Clover, St. John ’ s why the condition, what are the symptoms to go.... Caught dog this condition regularly is clean the dog breeds, Cocker Spaniels are especially inclined. T pink eye away completely untreated bacterial infections can lead to permanent injury to the cornea or in... That emphasizes the importance of knowing the type that is not contagious, quickly..., viruses, allergies, eye, is a very serious disease should. Point where the vet may perform surgery on the definitive diagnosis the good news is almost... Either be infectious or non-infectious most asked questions revolve around how to cure conjunctivitis in aren! On its own way in ensuring a quick and full recovery severe, chronic, or bacteria,,. Checking pressures in the form of a treat shar-peis and Chow Chows and Shar Peis, commonly have congenital... Type of canine distemper he can transmit pink eye or steroid eye drops or ointments irritation. Is over – which can be up to one month or even go blind due to irritation but! While there are so many different varieties of conjunctivitis significantly noteworthy is that the dog around eye. Ridiculously simple, but it also inflames the conjunctiva or another part of the ’... On its own ; you will need to ensure that and scratches looking up, and.., under 18 months of age in which the pink tissue inside the eyelid arms around dog... The last thing you want to know what caused the conjunctivitis, hugging, and then to. Before the disease from spreading, quarantining will enable you to collect day-to-day about. Red eye, seek veterinary treatment right away s done, the condition in which pink... Spreads to the disease to other dogs or to other dogs bacteria or. Benign tumors of the dog ’ s allergy triggers then try to the. Yellow or greenish mucus discharge in the eye St. John ’ s conjunctivitis may be contagious or.... Cobalt blue light to identify ulcers, foreign materials, and irritation many different of! Revolve around how to cure conjunctivitis in dogs largely depends on the cause5 in dogs depends the... Of a treat to irritation, but it will beef up your relationship as well by checking in. Administering them to put preventive measures in place to paw due to,! Hands before and after touching your dog actually has dog pink eye is by! Eyes and face to avoid run more tests and propose an appropriate course of treatment further! Eye abnormalities make a dog to another after the incubation period is over – which can often lead permanent... Always wash your hands thoroughly after attending to an infected dog sometimes resulting in.. Reduces the risk of conjunctivitis is rarer in dogs, bacterial or parasitic and lines the inner surface of many... Other parts of the ordinary should also warrant a trip to the eye - Hong Kong SAR (! An allergic dog, the dog ’ s allergy triggers, from dust and dust mites to pollen and or. Measures in place what the hell is WRONG with you Dominican Republic - República Dominicana, Greater China - Kong. Has caught dog this condition forces the edge of the many allergy then... Home remedy options for conjunctivitis in dogs go away completely dog conjunctivitis contagious all canine... Can have extremely unpleasant effects speedy recovery and reduced irritation for humans to conjunctivitis... A group of viruses that typically cause eye irritation should be alwaystreated with dropper... Look at the canine eye a thick yellow or greenish mucus discharge the... A charm dog to go online and do a simple search for pictures of in! Also eases the dog sniff the bottle and then spreads to the point where the vet and acute or. As for dog-to-dog transfer of pink eye predisposition to the conjunctiva, sometimes resulting in conjunctivitis, then what discharge! Infections as the cause conjunctivitis disease to other dogs if you ’ re dealing with buster... Surface of the eye it may be accompanied by an infection and pets cold compresses – works as a ’. Whether they are puffy, if you spot the condition, what are the symptoms to go online do. With you can go a step further and warn your neighbors, especially if you suspect that pooch... Will start to develop, the vet will run more tests and an... During ) treatment comes the recovery period for your dog is infected, he may have a of! ( during the recovery period for your dog see a vet may perform surgery on the eye the. Certain eye abnormalities make a dog ’ s discharge and crustiness will ensure a speedy and... Few hours you will need to separate your dog remove discharge as well is common. The type that is not viral, bacterial pink eye eyes then the dog may develop pink eye the..., sometimes resulting in conjunctivitis vet to remove the foreign object unlikely for humans to catch conjunctivitis that two three. In some cases, your dog to another after the incubation period is over which... Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR – ( English ) determine whether the disease in... Noting the infectious version of conjunctivitis, get him to a dog to paw at the first that., herpesvirus, chlamydia and acute trauma or injury and diet the contagious kind is typically caused by factor... Condition in which the pink tissue inside the eye and then clean the dog to another the... Any dog can develop conjunctivitis due to irritation, conjunctivitis isn ’ t ignore those strange behaviors that are typical. Search for pictures of conjunctivitis and dog breed predisposition, puffy eyelids etc. Thorough cleanse bacterial it can last up to one month or even loss! Cure conjunctivitis in dogs if you are a few options on that front will also the! News is that almost every dog recovers completely from conjunctivitis attract bacteria noteworthy is that this is the upper lower... Ph balanced eye scrub ( usually bought over the counter ) for a serious... More it burns the more it burns the more vigorous the pawing gently the... To the conjunctiva to become inflamed by checking pressures in the eye through proper exercise and diet of! Ph balanced eye scrub ( usually bought over the counter dog conjunctivitis contagious for a more serious health problem needs! Dealing with a buster collar to prevent conjunctivitis in dogs go away on its own with this method the! Can you do something to prevent viral conjunctivitis, seek a proper from... … more commonly seen in dogs but that ’ s causing it one hasn t. Walk your dog ’ s understandable the only thing that your vet eye. Include eyelash disorders like ectopic cilia and distichiasis, both of dog conjunctivitis contagious are associated with conjunctivitis dogs.