As a loving dog owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. However, when your dog's eyes start to look red, swollen, or irritated, it can be a cause for concern. An eye infection in dogs is common and can lead to pain and discomfort. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments of eye infections in dogs so that you can provide them with the best care possible. With the right knowledge, you will be able to recognize an eye infection early on and get treatment quickly before it becomes a serious problem. Read this article now to learn more about eye infections in dogs!
The most common type of eye infection in dogs
Several different types of eye infections can affect dogs such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and anterior uveitis. This article will discuss and focus on conjunctivitis or pink eye, as it is the most common type of eye infection in dogs. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva, which is a thin membrane that lines the eye and part of the eyelid.
Causes of eye infections in dogs
Several factors can contribute to the development of an eye infection in dogs. In many instances, bacterial conjunctivitis results from other existing ocular conditions such as KCS (dry eye), eyelid malformations (e.g. entropion), and corneal ulcers that cause inflammation which then leads to a secondary bacterial infection.
- Primary bacterial conjunctivitis - There is typically a previous history of dog interaction in the days leading up to clinical signs. Dog parks, daycare or boarding facilities, and play dates with other dogs are common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs.
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) - Dry eye can occur when the eye does not produce enough tears, leaving it unhealthy and vulnerable to infection.
- Eyelid malformations - Various eye problems can be caused by malformations of the eye, including entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids) and ectropion (outward rolling of the eyelids). Ingrown eyelashes or ectopic cilia can also contribute to the development of an eye infection in dogs.
- Corneal ulcers - A corneal ulcer or scratch on the surface of the eye will lead to an inflammatory response. Inflamed ocular tissue makes the eye susceptible to an eye infection in dogs.
- Foreign bodies in the eye - Small irritants like dirt, dust, and grass seeds can get lodged in the eye and cause an eye infection if they are not removed promptly.
- Allergies - Allergies such as pollens, molds, and other environmental irritants can cause eye inflammation which can lead to eye infections. Giving your dog an anti-inflammatory eye drop throughout the allergy season can be very beneficial.
Symptoms of an eye infection in dogs
The most common symptom of eye infections in dogs is redness or inflammation of the eye. Other symptoms include excessive blinking, eye discharge (watery or thick and often green or yellow), crusting around the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye, and eye pain.
Treatment of eye infections in dogs
The best way to treat an eye infection in dogs is to get prompt veterinary care. Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s eye and determine which type of eye infection is present and what treatment plan is necessary. Typically, the best form of treatment for an eye infection in dogs is a combination of eye-drop medication containing both an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic. Oral medications are often not successful in the treatment of eye infections in dogs.
It is very important to investigate the root cause of the eye infection, especially if your dog suffers from frequent eye infections.
How can you prevent eye infections in your dog?
Preventing eye infections in dogs involves taking a proactive approach to their overall health and well-being. One of the most important steps you can take is to keep your dog's eyes clean and free of debris. This can be done by wiping their eyes with a clean, damp cloth regularly if they are in high-risk environments such as daycare, dog parks, boarding, etc.
If your dog has a history of eye infections frequently, it's essential to have them examined by your veterinarian to determine if any underlying health issues need to be addressed.
Eye infections in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors such as bacterial conjunctivitis, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), eyelid malformations, corneal ulcers, foreign bodies in the eye, and allergies. The most common symptoms of eye infections in dogs include redness or inflammation of the eye, excessive blinking, eye discharge, crusting around the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye, and eye pain. Treatment for eye infections in dogs is typically a combination of eye-drop medication containing both an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic. Prevention of eye infections in dogs involves taking a proactive approach to their overall health and eye care and having them examined by a veterinarian if they suffer from frequent eye infections. If you have any questions about infections in your dog, please consult with your veterinarian.