The thin, transparent membrane that lines your dog’s eyelid and covers the white portion of the eye is called the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis, sometimes referred to as “pink eye,” is an inflammation of this tissue. This ailment frequently causes discomfort for your dog and can affect one or both eyes.
Knowing how to recognize and handle your dog’s conjunctivitis is significant in helping to maintain their health. In this article, we will learn how you can spot and treat conjunctivitis.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Dogs
Early detection of conjunctivitis can assist you in treating your dog in a timely manner. Once you know what to look for, it’s typically straightforward to identify the symptoms. The illness is commonly characterized by redness in the white portion of the eye, which is why it is sometimes called “pink eye.”
The American Kennel Club states that dogs may squint or blink excessively, and many experience swelling and redness in their eyelids. There is also a chance of congestion in the sclera, or “White art.” Other telltale signs include clear or yellowish-green discharge or watery eyes. The discharge, especially in breeds with long facial hair, can cause the fur around the eyes to get matted.
If that’s the case, the excessive water from the eyes can cause tear stains to appear on your pet’s fur. As rightly stated by Jax & Cali, water coming from a dog’s eyes contains porphyrin, which is a compound containing iron. When the tear dries, the iron residues left on the coat start appearing. This leaves a noticeable reddish-brown color under the pet’s eyes.
Want to know how to clean tear stains on dogs gently? Well, it’s simple; all you need to do is use tear stain wipes to get rid of them. This will make your pet’s fur appear clean and dry. Thus, it can be extremely useful when your dog’s eyes are watery, be it because of any condition or not. However, if there is an underlying condition associated with it, you should quickly visit a veterinarian.
Do Dogs Feel Unwell With Conjunctivitis?
Some dogs may have other symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, etc., depending on what’s causing the conjunctivitis. It’s significant to seek veterinary treatment to be certain because identical symptoms might be presented by other, more dangerous eye disorders.
Causes of Conjunctivitis in Dogs
There are many things that can cause conjunctivitis, and finding the root cause is important to treating the condition. Allergies, environmental irritants, bacterial or viral infections, and underlying medical disorders are among the most frequent causes.
Pathogens entering the eye due to an injury, foreign objects in the eye, or environmental pollution are frequently the cause of bacterial conjunctivitis. Canine distemper and other viral diseases may be linked to viral conjunctivitis.
Another common reason is allergic conjunctivitis, which can be brought on by dust, mold, pollen, or other allergens. Like people, dogs with allergies frequently experience seasonal flare-ups. Irritants that irritate the delicate tissues of the eye, such as smoking, chemicals, wind, and dust, can also result in conjunctivitis.
An NCBI study states that canine allergic conjunctivitis can be classified with the help of the following six signs:
- Conjunctival hyperemia
- Keratitis
- Chemosis
- Epiphora
- Ocular pruritus
- Seromucoid to mucopurulent discharge
Chemosis, ocular pruritus, and hyperemia were the most common signs associated with the condition. They were observed in around 55% of the cases from the study.
Furthermore, some dogs may get conjunctivitis as a result of an underlying ailment, such as irregularities in the eyelids or dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). In some keratoconjunctivitis sicca cases where there is a chance of a malignant tumor, the nictitating membrane gland is removed. Removal of the inflammatory nictitating membrane gland can have a positive impact on tear production.
Why Is it Important to Understand the Origin of Conjunctivitis?
Determining the origin of conjunctivitis is essential since the course of therapy differs based on the trigger. A comprehensive checkup by a veterinarian usually entails testing to rule out any underlying diseases.
Treating Conjunctivitis in Dogs
Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are typically recommended for bacterial conjunctivitis. These drugs work well to eradicate the illness and stop it from spreading. Contrarily, supportive care is frequently more necessary for viral conjunctivitis than targeted antiviral therapy. In such circumstances, your veterinarian could advise lubricating eye drops to maintain your dog’s comfort and stop more discomfort.
Taking care of your dog’s surroundings and limiting their exposure to allergens is essential if allergies are the underlying problem. Corticosteroids or antihistamines may be prescribed by your veterinarian to treat allergies and minimize inflammation. Continuous care may be required for dogs with seasonal or chronic allergies in order to avoid recurring bouts of conjunctivitis.
When an irritant is the source of conjunctivitis, it’s significant to take care of your dog’s eyes by shielding them from the irritation. For instance, washing your dog’s eyes with saline may be helpful if they have been exposed to smoke or toxins. To relieve eye irritation and remove any leftover irritants, your veterinarian may also suggest artificial tears or other eye drops.
Conjunctivitis is a bilateral ocular disease that can affect a dog of any age. However, age does have an influence on the clinical presentation, especially follicular conjunctivitis. A study found that adult dogs (more than 18 months of age) show a better response to treatments. Moreover, follicular conjunctivitis is more severe in young dogs and less likely to affect the nictitating membrane of adult canines.
How to Treat a Dog’s Eye Infection?
Depending on the underlying reason, your dog’s eye infection may require a mix of oral and topical therapies. This can include antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. Sometimes, a single topical therapy or, in certain situations, surgery may also be recommended by the veterinarian.
Dog conjunctivitis is a frequent ailment that, if ignored, can result in severe pain. Early detection of the symptoms and prompt veterinarian care can help guarantee your dog gets the care they require to heal fast.
Your dog’s eyes may be kept healthy and pleasant by following your veterinarian’s treatment plan and taking precautions to avoid recurrence episodes. Maintaining your dog’s general health and avoiding conjunctivitis requires routine examinations and excellent eye hygiene habits.