What Is Conjunctivitis in Dogs?
You wake up one morning and notice your dog’s eyes are looking a little red and goopy. Uh oh. It’s probably conjunctivitis, or as it’s more commonly known – pink eye. Don’t freak out just yet though. Conjunctivitis is pretty common in dogs and usually clears up on its own within 7-14 days. But there are some easy home treatments you can try to help your pup feel more comfortable while their eyes heal. Treating conjunctivitis in dogs will also help prevent it from spreading to your other pets. In this article, we’ll go over the causes of conjunctivitis in dogs, when you should take them to the vet, and the most effective home remedies to get them back to their happy, healthy selves in no time.
Treating Conjunctivitis in Dogs: At-Home Remedies
If your pup’s eyes don’t start to clear up within 3-5 days of home treatment or get worse at any point, it’s time for a vet visit. Severe or persistent conjunctivitis can lead to eye damage if left untreated.
Watch for signs that the infection has become more serious, like swollen eyelids, thick yellow or green discharge, squinting or keeping the eye closed, or a visible white coating over the center of the eye. These can indicate a secondary eye infection that requires prescription antibiotic eye drops to clear up.
If your dog’s eyes are protruding or bulging, or there is blood in the eye or discharge, see the vet right away as this can indicate glaucoma or injury to the eye. Glaucoma, in particular, is an emergency as it can lead to permanent blindness within hours if left untreated.
In some cases, your vet may want to stain and examine your dog’s eyes to check for scratches on the cornea or other eye injuries that could be causing or complicating the conjunctivitis. They can also check for underlying health issues, like eyelid abnormalities or blocked tear ducts, that may need treatment to prevent repeat infections.
For severe, chronic or recurrent conjunctivitis, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or steroids in addition to eye drops to fully eliminate the infection. Hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and intensive treatment may even be needed in some situations to save a dog’s eyesight.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s eyes. If home treatments don’t seem to be helping or you have any concerns about your dog’s eyes or vision, schedule an exam with your vet right away. They can properly diagnose the cause of the conjunctivitis and prescribe medication to get your pup back to seeing clearly again.
When to See the Vet for Conjunctivitis Treatment
So there you have it. Conjunctivitis in dogs is no fun for you or your pup, but with the right treatment, your furry friend will be back to their happy, healthy self in no time. The key is catching it early and using the medicated eye drops as directed. It may take a little patience on your part, but it’s worth it to see your dog’s eyes clear up and know you helped ease their discomfort. Just remember that prevention is the best medicine. Keeping your dog’s eyes clean and watching for early symptoms can help avoid a full-blown case of this pesky eye infection. With some TLC and a watchful eye, you and your pup will be back to belly rubs and playing fetch before you know it!
