Pink Eye In Dogs: Conjunctivitis, Allergies & Irritation

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Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common ailment in dogs characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. While the term “pink eye” is often associated with contagious bacterial infections in humans, canine conjunctivitis has a broader range of causes, including allergies and irritation.

What Causes Pink Eye in Dogs?

Several factors can trigger conjunctivitis in dogs:

Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause conjunctivitis. Bacterial infections are often secondary, meaning they occur after an initial irritation or injury weakens the eye’s natural defenses.
Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold, and other environmental allergens. Allergic conjunctivitis often presents with itchy, watery eyes.
Irritants: Smoke, dust, chemicals, and foreign objects (like grass seeds) can irritate the conjunctiva, leading to inflammation.
Anatomical Abnormalities: Conditions like entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid) or ectropion (outward rolling of the eyelid) can expose the conjunctiva to irritation and infection. Similarly, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) can make the eye more susceptible to conjunctivitis.
Trauma: Scratches or other injuries to the eye can cause inflammation and infection.
Tumors: In rare cases, tumors in the eye or surrounding tissues can contribute to conjunctivitis.

Signs and Symptoms

The most obvious sign of pink eye in dogs is redness of the conjunctiva. Other common symptoms include:

Excessive tearing or discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
Squinting or blinking excessively
Rubbing or pawing at the eyes
Swollen eyelids
Sensitivity to light

Diagnosis and Treatment

A veterinarian can diagnose conjunctivitis through a physical examination of the eye. They may also use diagnostic tests, such as:

Schirmer Tear Test: Measures tear production to rule out dry eye.
Fluorescein Stain: Helps detect corneal ulcers or scratches.
Conjunctival Cytology: Microscopic examination of cells from the conjunctiva to identify bacteria, fungi, or inflammatory cells.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

Infections: Antibiotic or antifungal eye drops or ointments are prescribed to combat infections.
Allergies: Antihistamines (oral or topical) can help relieve allergy symptoms. Avoiding the allergen, if possible, is also crucial.
Irritation: Flushing the eye with sterile saline solution can remove irritants.
Anatomical Abnormalities: Surgery may be necessary to correct conditions like entropion or ectropion.
Dry Eye: Artificial tears and medications to stimulate tear production are used.

It’s essential to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Do not use human eye drops or medications on your dog, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful. Early treatment can help prevent complications and ensure your dog’s comfort.