Recognizing Conjunctivitis in Dogs - Symptoms
Conjunctivitis is not uncommon in dogs. Fortunately, the symptoms are easily visible, allowing for a quick recognition of eye inflammation. Frequent rubbing of the eye and tearing discharge are early signs of conjunctivitis. Also, pay attention to the following symptoms:
- squinting of the eye
- increased blinking
- rubbing or scratching of the eye
- watery and/or glued shut eye
- clear and watery or slimy to purulent-yellow eye discharge
- red eye
- in advanced inflammation: small blisters on the eye
Cause of the Inflammation
Before treatment can begin, the cause of conjunctivitis in your dog must be determined. Most commonly, the conjunctiva in dogs becomes inflamed due to irritation, usually from a foreign body in the eye. This can be something as minor as pollen or house dust, to which your four-legged friend →is allergic. However, strong drafts, for example while driving in a car, can also irritate your dog's eye.
An infectious conjunctivitis is caused by an infection with viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. In this case, multiple animals living in the household, including your cat, can be affected.
Additionally, certain dog breeds are said to have an increased potential for conjunctivitis. This is mainly due to a genetically too small or large eyelid gap, which can cause eye problems. Also, if your four-legged friend has particularly long hair that hangs into the eye, it can promote conjunctivitis.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Gerötete Augen mit Ausfluss sind ein eindeutiges Anzeichen für entzündete Augen beim Hund.
Treatment of Conjunctivitis in Dogs
If you notice early signs of eye inflammation in your beloved pet, you should quickly consult a veterinarian. Just like for us humans, conjunctivitis is very uncomfortable for your four-legged friend and is accompanied by itching and a stabbing pain in the eye.
Oh dear! The next veterinary visit is coming up and your dog is not happy about it? Sniff through our snacks and reward your dog after or even during the examination with something very special! This way, the vet visit becomes a positive (and tasty) experience.
Leckere Belohnungen für tapfere Hunde
Mild Conjunctivitis in Dogs
Depending on the cause and stage of conjunctivitis, treatment can be mild or more extensive. For a mild inflammation, for example due to drafts, ointment or eye drops can provide quick relief. Please note that you should never give your dog any eye drops or the eye ointment from last time without veterinary advice!
Severe Conjunctivitis in Dogs
If the conjunctivitis is long-lasting and the discharge is already yellow and purulent, eye drops, eye ointments, or eye gels with an antibiotic active ingredient are often prescribed. In the case of an inflammation caused by fungi or spores, antifungal medications are also administered.
(Chronic) Conjunctivitis Due to Allergy
If your dog suffers from an allergy, for example to grasses, conjunctivitis can also become chronic. Here, prescribed medications from veterinarians can help. To avoid giving the animal permanent medication, hyposensitization may be worthwhile. This is a long-term therapy in which your four-legged friend is gradually accustomed to the allergy-triggering substances.
Conjunctivitis Due to Foreign Bodies or Parasites
Surgical intervention is only necessary in truly difficult cases. This is the case, for example, if a foreign body like a grass awn is stuck in the eye or if a parasite, e.g., a →tick, has settled in your dog's eye. In such cases, it is strongly advised against trying to remove the foreign body from the eye yourself! On one hand, your dog's eye could be damaged, and on the other hand, any remaining debris in the eye could cause serious inflammation.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Bei einer Bindehautentzündung führt der Weg immer in eine Tierarztpraxis. Hier kann deinem Hund geholfen werden.
Is Conjunctivitis in Dogs Contagious?
Whether your dog's conjunctivitis is contagious to you, other people, children, or animals depends on the cause. An inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites is contagious. For this reason, you should pay particular attention to hygiene, always wash your hands, and separate household animals if your dog has conjunctivitis. Also, children should initially stay away from the dog for safety reasons.
