Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Problems in Dogs and Remedies

Like humans, dogs too suffer from conjunctivitis, also called pink eye problems. It is a painful condition that can happen at any stage of their lives. The first visible sign is the color of the eye turning red, becoming swollen, and a white puss coming out from the lid. Sometimes, you may notice a milky discharge from the infected eye.

An abnormality occurs at the time of blinking. It is the usual thing humans and dogs experience. This condition develops due to an infection between the eyelid and the membrane protecting our eyes.

However, it is a curable condition. Vets prescribe eye drops depending on the reason behind the situation.

The Reason behind Conjunctivitis in Dogs dogs

It occurs due to swelling of the eye. In simple words, the node inside the eyelid is responsible for protecting our dogs’ eyes. Conjunctivitis occurs due to various reasons.

The following are the common reasons that cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) in dogs:

• Different types of bacteria
• Virus
• Fungus
• Allergic reaction
• Dryness of the eye

Sometimes, airborne particles are also responsible for developing conjunctivitis in dogs. Those particles include:

• Dander
• Smoke
• Dust
• Perfume
• Pollen
• Cosmetics

It also occurs due to any damage caused to the eye of your furry friend. Usually, the infection occurs in the eyelid or white portion of the eyes. It may occur in both eyes or one eye. But usually, in case of an infectious reason, it spreads from one eye to another.

Commonly, the following few types of pink eye problems are noticed: 

• Allergies may develop due to seasonal changes.
• Viral is more infectious and contiguous and can take three weeks to heal the condition completely.
• Conjunctivitis develops due to bacteria. It also spreads to other canines.

Though almost every dog has a possibility of developing conjunctivitis, some are more prone to this. It is due to facial structure or attributes.

This list of dogs encompasses larger breeds like Hounds and Retrievers and smaller dog breeds like Pug, Poodle, Pekingese, and Cocker Spaniel.

Read Also: 8 Excellent Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy

Sign of conjunctivitis in dogs

The ideal indication or sign of conjunctivitis is red eye or bloodstain on the white portion of the eyes. Also, there may be some other signs you may observe depending on the severity of the situation.

Unusual blinking or trouble with vision and puss discharge from the eye may be in different colors like white, greenish, yellowish, or sometimes without color. All these arise due to mild to severe inflammation around the eyes sticking both eyelids together.

Eyes full of fluid, excessive itchiness, and rigorous rubbing on household goods or by paws can indicate a problem. If you notice any vision problem in your dog, you should go for a vet consultation immediately. No self-healing happens in the case of this disease.

If you ignore this situation, it may damage the eye, and dogs can become blind. So, it is significant to treat properly through medical or vet consultation.

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis in canine

Pink eye is sometimes infectious, while it is noninfectious in some cases. Physical exams are the first step toward detecting and confirming the cause of conjunctivitis, followed by a comprehensive diagnostic process. An eye drop consisting of an anesthetic proves effective in desensitizing the eye for trouble-free observation.

If dogs are blinking their eyes rapidly and unusually due to irritation caused by infection, the vet will try to find any outer object inside the eye. Another possible cause for rubbing the eye or any structural deficit of the size, shape, or trait may develop the situation.

Sometimes, the condition develops due to an infection of the respiratory tract. Then both need treatment to resolve this condition. Maybe, it’s a symptom developed due to an ulcer in the cell of the cornea.

For perfection in diagnosis, fluorescein has to spread over the eye surface. This chemical is orange in color. So the vet spreads it over the eye surface, and it helps detect any scratches, an ulcer, or any foreign particle inside the eyes under blue light.

As different individual cause needs a particular treatment procedure, it’s essential to go for a thorough examination before starting the treatment with the vet.

Therapy for dog conjunctivitis

The dog’s pink eye treatment requires vet consultation. Human medicines are not always suited to canines as they may increase or worsen the situation. The medication could lead to Even immense damage too. The path of therapy varies due to the reason for conjunctivitis development.

In times of allergic reaction, you can do some compressing with cold water with various eye drops, including steroid in one, antihistamine in another, and anti-inflammation eye drops. Of course, an artificial eye drop will give an added advantage.

When it occurs due to a virus, eye drops with steroids and artificial tears and compresses with cold water come in handy to cure the condition.

Bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotic eye drop mandatorily. Also, compressing with cold water, artificial tears, and eye drops of steroids are good.

In a time of damage to the cornea, conjunctivitis medicine could damage the eye. It can even make the dog blind. The vet should confirm any damage to the cornea. If the medicinal process fails, surgery may be the last option. You can use an electronic collar to prevent them from rubbing their eyes.

Read Also: Ways To Monitor Your Dog’s Health At Home

Home treatment

It would be best to wash the surrounding of the eye with a soft hand. Remember to grab the dog in such a way that it can’t wiggle. Then, when you feel the dog is calm down, pour the recommended drops into your dog’s eye.

Conclusion

Pink eye can be mild. However, taking your dog to the vet for a checkup would be best. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the eyes. Also, please remember that you should apply human medications to your dog.

Some ingredients that are suitable for humans are unsafe for dogs. Once the vet starts the treatment, you can see improvement within a few days. However, full recovery can take up to 3 to 4 weeks.