What Is Conjunctivitis in Dogs?
Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye," is an eye infection that can be extremely irritating, and potentially damaging if it goes untreated.
The eye is covered by a mucous membrane that protects it from infections and foreign objects. If this membrane becomes infected it may cause conjunctivitis. Dogs can get conjunctivitis due to irritation of foreign objects in the eye, allergies, bacteria, viruses, parasites, obstructed tear ducts, glaucoma, ulcers, or eye tumors. In some cases, dogs can be infected by other dogs.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Dogs
Because conjunctivitis is so uncomfortable, one of the first signs will probably be your dog blinking, squinting, or trying to scratch her eye. If you take a closer look, you might notice the whites of the eyes look pink or red, or that the eyelids are inflamed and swollen. There may also be a clear-colored or yellow-green discharge from your dog's eye.
Conjunctivitis usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other, but sometimes it can affect both eyes at once.
Treatment for Conjunctivitis
If you suspect your dog might have conjunctivitis, consult a veterinarian immediately as the condition can lead to permanent eye damage.
In many cases, conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics, eye drops, or allergy medications. In some cases, the vet may need to flush out the dog's eye. Sometimes dogs may need surgery to treat the underlying cause of conjunctivitis. The course of treatment will depend upon the underlying cause of conjunctivitis, so your vet will need to do a thorough eye examination and possibly some other diagnostic tests.
The good news is, if treated promptly, most dogs will recover from conjunctivitis.
How We Can Help Your Dog with Conjunctivitis
The Animal Doctors have provided high-quality care to pets and their owners in Palo Alto and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. We offer state-of-the-art medicine combined with old-fashioned service so you and your dog will have the best possible experience.
Our clinic is among only 15% of veterinarian clinics in the country to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This means our team voluntarily meets the highest standards of cleanliness, professionalism, patient care, and quality of veterinary medicine. We have held our accreditation since 1987.
Our facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, an on-site lab, and a highly qualified team of veterinary experts to help diagnose, determine the underlying cause, and treat conjunctivitis in dogs. When we feel it is necessary, we consult with specialists and work with them to ensure your dog is getting the best possible care. We prioritize communicating with you every step of the way, answering your questions, and outlining options.
If your dog is showing symptoms of conjunctivitis, contact us for an appointment today. We provide service to patients in the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
