If your dog's eye is swollen and runny, he may have a condition called conjunctivitis. If that sounds alarming, don't panic. The chances that your pooch has caught dog this condition, also called "pink eye" are actually quite slim. To get the lowdown on conjunctivitis in dogs, including what causes it and what you should do to help your pet, keep reading.
Conjunctivitis refers to a condition in which the pink tissue inside the eyelid, which is called the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. There are two types of conjunctivitis in dogs. Infectious conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye, is caused by a viral or bacterial infection and is rare, says the veterinary science magazine dvm360.
More commonly seen in dogs is non-infectious conjunctivitis, which can have a number of possible causes. Typically, these fall along the lines of allergies, an irritating substance getting in the eye, injury or trauma to the eye or a congenital abnormality. Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine adds that conjunctivitis may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as canine distemper.
Non-infectious conjunctivitis in dogs is not contagious. If a case of dog pink eye is caused by a rare bacterial infection or a virus, however, the ASPCA warns that the condition can be transmitted by your dog to other dogs. If you suspect your dog might have pink eye, it's a good idea to keep your pup separated from other dogs and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling him to prevent the infection from spreading to other animals.
If your pooch normally shares food and water dishes or bedding with other pets, he should have his own dishes and bedding until his conjunctivitis clears up, and they should be washed thoroughly. You should let any additional caregivers, such as dog walkers, dog daycare attendants or pet sitters, know about your dog's condition and the precautions that you're taking to contain it.
While conjunctivitis can occur in any breed of dog or mutt, certain breeds are prone to conditions that can place them at a higher risk of conjunctivitis, says Tufts. Cocker spaniels, bulldogs and miniature schnauzers, for example, are prone to dry eye, which is a condition that commonly leads to non-infectious conjunctivitis.
A condition called entropion, which is when the edge of the eyelid rolls inward, may also cause the conjunctiva to become inflamed. This condition is common to shar-peis and chow chows, among other breeds.
As a vigilant pet parent, these are the signs you'll want to keep an eye out for to recognize conjunctivitis in dogs:
If you notice any of these signs, you should have your pup checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will determine whether your dog actually has dog pink eye or a non-infectious case of conjunctivitis.
While non-infectious conjunctivitis is not a serious condition in and of itself, it won't clear up on its own without treatment, and it may point to a more serious health problem that needs to be addressed. Additionally, if left untreated, your dog could sustain a permanent eye injury or even vision loss.
In addition to performing a thorough examination of your dog's eye and eyelids, your vet will want to perform a general physical to determine his overall condition, says Tufts. Diagnostic tests your vet might run include bacterial cultures, a fluorescein eye stain test to check for corneal ulcers or abrasions, a Schirmer's tear test to check your pup's tear production, and a test for glaucoma. They may also perform several blood tests to screen for underlying illnesses.
The course of treatment your vet prescribes ultimately depends on what is causing the conjunctivitis. If they determine that your dog does indeed have pink eye, he'll likely be prescribed a bactericidal or fungicidal ointment to be applied to the eye topically. Your dog might also be given anti-inflammatory medication to help with swelling and discomfort.
If a foreign object is responsible for the irritation and swelling, your pup may need to be placed under general anesthesia in order for the vet to remove it without risking further eye injury. Of course, if your dog's conjunctivitis turns out to be a sign of a more serious illness, your vet will work with you to take steps to treat the underlying condition.
Natural and home remedies may be helpful in providing relief to your pet, although they should never be a replacement for veterinary care. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching his eyes and face to avoid causing more irritation. You should always check with your vet before applying any herbal or homeopathic remedies to be sure the ingredients are safe and won't interact harmfully with any of his prescribed medications or interfere with treatment of his underlying conditions.
Non-infections conjunctivitis, while uncomfortable for your dog may only be an irritant to your dog, but that doesn't mean the signs should be taken lightly. Now that you're armed with knowledge of what to watch for, you'll be able to take prompt action to get your pup a proper diagnosis and treatment to protect his vision and overall health.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Learn about common conditions that lead to dog coughs, signs to help determine why they are coughing, and treatment options your vet might suggest.
Wondering whether walking your dog in winter weather is a good idea? Discover some safety tips to keep your pup safe in the colder winter conditions.
For potential first-time dog owners, learn whether you realistically have time for a dog and what a typical day may look like with a new pup.
If you're planning on transporting or traveling with your puppy any time soon, you should consider following these helpful suggestions to keep them safe.
Brown rice is a common ingredient in many human foods, but can your dog eat it? Learn the truth about brown rice and if it is actually good for your dog.
Learn what essential medical supplies are must-have items in a dog first-aid kit, and learn how to prepare an emergency kit in case of a natural disaster.
Wondering if your dog's play is too aggressive? Learn to spot differences between two dogs having fun & dogs showing aggression toward each other.
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover the causes & symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs, how it affects his joints and how you can help manage the disease.
Learn the basics of acupuncture for dogs, including the conditions it can treat, what to expect during a session and potential side effects.
Stings can be painful and irritating to dogs. Learn about common types of stinging insects, how to identify allergic reactions and simple pain remedies.
Discover what to do if your dog ate soap, including the warning signs to look out for and when to bring them to the veterinarian.
Learn some effective ways to train your puppy, including home, group, and professional training, with these five helpful tips.
If you've recently adopted a small dog, learn some health issues that commonly affect smaller breeds, from tracheal breathing issues to knee displacement.
Read about options for dog-safe hair dye, including which breeds and hair types work best with dyes and how to safely apply it to your dog's coat.
Learn how to make a DIY dog obstacle course at home with items you already own. Follow these instructions and you & your pup will be training in no time!
Satiety is the act of feeling full or satisfied. Learn how you can help your dog feel full on less calories to help him manage his weight.
Learn why many dogs are fascinated with chasing cars, why this behavior can be very dangerous, and training tips to help your dog to avoid this behavior.
Learn about the many causes of your dog's itching, from fleas and ticks to allergies. Explore how you can prevent and address these problems in your dog.
Learn whether dogs can actually get warts and their similarities to other skin growths, as well as whether they can be harmful for your dog.
Learn about common types of lumps & bumps you might notice on your dog, tips for monitoring them over time and when they might become a health concern.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool