How to tell if my dog ​​has conjunctivitis: causes, symptoms and care

  • Conjunctivitis in dogs is the inflammation of the membrane that covers the eyelids and can have an allergic, infectious, traumatic or dry eye origin.
  • The key signs are redness, tearing, secretions, difficulty opening the eye, itching, and aversion to light, and may affect one or both eyes.
  • Diagnosis and treatment should always be carried out by a veterinarian, who will prescribe specific eye drops or ointments and, if necessary, other drugs or surgery.
  • Good eye hygiene, avoiding irritants, controlling allergies, and providing a balanced diet help prevent conjunctivitis and protect the dog's vision.
Mónica SánchezUpdated on

8 minutes

conjunctivitis in dogs

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition that we humans can have, but unfortunately also our four-legged friend. It is characterized by inflammation of the inner membrane that lines the eyelidscausing itching, discomfort, and secretions.

In more serious cases, this membrane can become infected and, unless treated as soon as possible, the dog could develop partial or total loss of visionTo avoid this, we explain in detail. how to know if my dog ​​has conjunctivitisWhat types exist, how are they diagnosed, what is the most appropriate treatment, and what you can do at home to care for your eyes.

Causes of canine conjunctivitis

dog with red eyes due to conjunctivitis

There are many causes that can cause conjunctivitis in our furry friend. The most commons are:

  • AllergyWhether it's dust, pollen, or the products we use to clean the house. In this case, we're talking about allergic conjunctivitiswhich is usually occasional, not contagious and is triggered by contact with an allergen (insect bites, mites, plants, perfumes or household chemicals).
  • InfectionsBoth viral and bacterial diseases can cause conjunctivitis. bacterial conjunctivitis y viral They are highly contagious and can appear in isolation or as part of a general illness of the body.
  • UlcersIf you've had an accident and developed an eye ulcer, the inner membrane of your eye may become inflamed. Blows, scratches from branches, or vigorous rubbing of the eye can cause these lesions and worsen conjunctivitis.
  • Malformation of the eyelidIf the eyelid has not developed as it should (for example, entropion or ectropion), the dog is at high risk of having chronic conjunctivitis, as the eye is more exposed or the eyelashes rub against the ocular surface.
  • Distemper or hepatitisBoth diseases can present this condition as one of the first symptoms. In these cases, conjunctivitis is part of a... systemic picture more complex and requires strict veterinary control.

In addition to these general causes, veterinarians often classify conjunctivitis into several types according to its origin:

  • Foreign body conjunctivitisThis occurs when a particle of dust, sand, a splinter, or even an eyelash enters the dog's eye. Until the foreign object is removed, the eye will remain irritated and discharged.
  • Dry conjunctivitis or dry eye syndromeThe eye does not produce enough tears, and this causes a Chronic inflamation of the conjunctiva, cornea, and tear glands. It is common in dogs with protruding eyes and usually requires lifelong treatment.
  • Infectious conjunctivitisCaused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In dogs, bacteria and some viruses, such as canine distemper, are very common triggers.
  • Traumatic conjunctivitisIt is due to blows, scratches or direct irritations to the eye, for example when running through bushes or playing with other dogs.
  • Autoimmune or secondary conjunctivitisIt appears in association with immune system disorders or other systemic diseases. In these cases, in addition to the eye, the underlying pathology must be treated.

Symptoms to know if your dog has conjunctivitis

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs

The symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs are quite noticeable and usually affect one or both eyes. You should look for:

  • Difficulty opening the eyesThe dog keeps its eye half-closed, blinks frequently, or may not even be able to open it completely due to pain and inflammation.
  • Eye secretionsThey will be watery and colorless if it is mild, but they will become greenish or yellowish If it worsens or there is a bacterial infection. Often these secretions form crusts that can stick the eyelids together.
  • Rejection of lightThe animal avoids brightly lit places, turns its head, or closes its eye when it receives direct light because it has photophobia.
  • ItchingYou will notice that they rub their eye with their paws or against furniture and floors to try to relieve the discomfort, which can worsen the injury and cause ulcers.
  • Redness of the eyesThe white part of the eye (sclera) and the conjunctiva are visible redder and more irritated than normal, a clear sign of inflammation.

Other signs that may also be present include:

  • Swollen eyelids or inflamed (blepharitis), especially in allergic or traumatic conjunctivitis.
  • Excessive tearing, with drops continuously falling down the dog's face.
  • Behavior changesSome dogs become more lethargic, irritable, or hide, as eye pain and poor vision cause them stress.

Conjunctivitis can be unilateral (only in one eye) or bilateralOften it starts in one dog and, if it is infectious or the dog touches itself a lot, it ends up affecting the other one as well.

Breeds with a greater predisposition

dog breeds predisposed to conjunctivitis

Although conjunctivitis can affect any dog, there are breeds that are more prone to it. shape of their eyes and eyelids They are more susceptible to it. This mainly affects brachycephalic dogs and those with protruding eyes, such as:

  • Pug or Pug.
  • English Bulldog and French Bulldog.
  • boston terriers
  • Pekingese.

In these dogs, the eyes are more unprotected from air, dust and impactsThey tend to dry out easily. Therefore, it's crucial to check your eyes frequently, maintain good eye hygiene, and consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes.

Tips, treatment and home care

Veterinarian checking for conjunctivitis in a dog

If you suspect that your friend has conjunctivitis, take him to the vet as soon as possible. There, they will examine your eyes, rule out the presence of foreign bodies or ulcers, and determine the type of conjunctivitis. Depending on the diagnosis, they will give you a antibacterial, antiviral, antiallergic, or anti-inflammatory medication (usually eye drops or eye cream) that you will need to apply regularly and for the indicated time.

In some cases, especially if there are ulcers, embedded foreign bodies, or eyelid malformationsMinor surgery or other specific treatments may be necessary. Never attempt to remove objects you cannot clearly see yourself, and never use human eye drops, as this could cause permanent damage to the eye.

To apply the treatment correctly, It is very important that you wash your hands before and afterOtherwise, you could become infected or spread the infection to other animals. For this reason, if you have children, you should also make sure they wash their hands before and after touching the animal, especially if it has pus.

As a support to veterinary treatment and provided the professional authorizes it, it is useful to maintain a gentle eye hygiene Cleaning the eyes with saline solution and sterile gauze to remove eye discharge and secretions. In mild allergic conjunctivitis or conjunctivitis caused by foreign bodies that have already been removed, these cleanings help soothe irritation and reduce the risk of complications.

If your dog scratches a lot due to itching, the veterinarian may recommend the use of a elizabethan necklace to prevent eye damage or ulcers from trying to touch them. And even if you see rapid improvement, you should comply with all guidelines the number of days needed to avoid relapses or the conjunctivitis becoming chronic.

How to prevent conjunctivitis in your dog

Prevention of conjunctivitis in dogs

The best tool to protect your dog's eyes is the daily preventionSome very simple habits can make all the difference:

  • Keep a regular eye hygieneFrequently cleaning the area around the eyes to remove dirt and small particles that may irritate them.
  • Keep the dog out of environments with smoke, dust, or irritating chemicalsVentilate the house after using strong cleaning products and do not allow the animal to enter the rooms until the smell has dissipated.
  • Ask your dog groomer to Trim the hair around your eyes In dogs with abundant bangs, to reduce the entry of dirt and prevent the hair from touching the eye surface.
  • If your dog has known allergies, work with your veterinarian to control them and thus reduce the risk of allergic conjunctivitis episodes.
  • Make sure that your a balanced and high-quality dietbecause a strong immune system helps to better fight infections and maintain good eye health.
  • Performs periodic veterinary check-ups to detect any eye problems early, especially if your dog belongs to a predisposed breed or has already had previous episodes.

dog with watery eyes due to conjunctivitis

With this care, proper hygiene, and veterinary help when necessary, your dog will be able to get back to his normal life. clear, bright, and discomfort-free visionEnjoying good vision and a more comfortable life by your side. This way your dog can regain his beautiful eyes 😊


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