Pink Eye in Dogs

The pink eye is a condition that involves the swelling of the lining of the eye lids as well as the white of the eyes. The condition is also known as conjunctivitis and can be a major source of discomfort. The pink eye may be due to contact with various allergens or infectious agents. The irritation of the eye can be treated with drops and possibly medications.

Causes of Pink Eye in Dogs

Pink eye in canines is frequently met and may be caused by:

• Allergens such as grasses, dust mites, mold, pollens, domestic chemicals
• Viruses such as the herpes virus
• Fungi or yeast cells
• Bacteria such as the chlamydophila
• An object or insect trapped in the eye that causes irritation

Symptoms of Pink Eye

The pink eye condition will manifest through the inflammation of the conjunctiva and even the eye lids may be swollen. The dog may be affected in 1 or both eyes.

The dog may also experience a discharge coming from the affected eye. The consistency and color of the discharge may vary, according to the main cause of the pink eye:

• A transparent discharge points to an allergic reaction or an object trapped in the eye
• Pink discharge points to a fungal infection. The discharge may also be creamy white if the fungal infection is caused by the candida albicans cells.
• Yellow or green discharge, thicker in consistency is a sign of viral or bacterial eye infection

Other common symptoms of pink eye include:

• Frequent blinking
• Squinting
• Pawing the face
• Partial or total closing of the eye

The pink eye can be easy to detect, the vet will analyze the ocular discharge to determine the cause of the swelling. The vet will also take a look at the affected eye, to see if there are any foreign objects or insects trapped.

Pink Eye Treatment

A pink eye is not a life threatening condition and can be easily treated. The treatment will vary according to the causes leading to the inflammation of the eye.

A foreign object or an insect trapped in the eye will be extracted, but this process should be performed by a vet, to avoid injuring the dog’s eye.

The eye may also require eye irrigation treatment or eye drops.

The eye drops may contain antibiotics or fungicides depending on the test results. Steroids may also be added in the drops, as these will reduce the inflammation and will make the dog feel more comfortable.

If the infection is more severe, the dog should get oral antibiotics, which will eliminate the bacteria or viruses causing the infection.

If the pink eye is caused by allergies, the allergens should be detected and the dog may get some antihistamines to prevent the recurrence of the condition.

The eye drops should be administered for up to 2 weeks, even after the dog looks completely healed.