Conjunctivitis is a very common condition in dogs. In most cases, dogs affected by conjunctivitis are younger and the signs of conjunctivitis are seen in young adults between the ages of 4 months to 2 years old.
However, conjunctivitis can also be a condition associated with underlying conditions and can persist or become exacerbated later in life.
How do dogs get conjunctivitis? 5 common causes
A variety of conditions and predisposing factors can lead to conjunctivitis in dogs. Some of the reasons your dog might be suffering from conjunctivitis are:
- An immature immune system. While dogs are young, their immune system is constantly exposed to new things in the environment or around the household, including allergens, dust, pollen etc.
- Abnormalities of the eyelids, such as entropion, ectropion or aberrant eyelashes (distichia or ectopic cilia) can lead to constant irritation of the eye and the conjunctiva, and lead to conjunctivitis in dogs
- Some washing products, washing powders and detergents, in addition to candles and scent diffusers can lead to irritation and reactions causing conjunctivitis
- Skin allergies not only cause irritation and discomfort of the skin but can also affect the eyes and eyelids and lead to conjunctivitis in dogs
- Eye conditions, such as dry eye or corneal ulceration, can be mistaken with conjunctivitis in many instances
How to treat conjunctivitis in dogs?
Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the underlying condition. In cases where young dogs are affected by conjunctivitis, washing the eyes with cooled down boiled water and trying to avoid long grass, swimming in ponds and rivers can reduce the frequency of the flare ups while their immune system is maturing.
In cases where an underlying problem is leading to conjunctivitis, target treatment is required, and this has to be formulated by your vets.
Are home remedies effective for the treatment of conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis treatment in dogs heavily relies on the underlying problem as some conditions leading to conjunctivitis will require medical or surgical options to fully address the problem.
If your dog is suffering from recurrent episodes of conjunctivitis, it is recommended you speak to your vets about the problem. Unfortunately, home remedies can sometimes exacerbate the problem as they can cause more reaction and lead to deterioration of conjunctivitis in dogs.
Apart from washing any excess discharge with cooled down boiled water, no other treatments are recommended without seeking veterinary advice.
How to prevent conjunctivitis in dogs?
In cases that conjunctivitis is caused by environmental irritation or allergens, walking your dogs in paved areas and away from grass and plantation can reduce the severity of the problem but is unlikely to eliminate the problem altogether.
Concerned about your dog’s eyes?
If your dog experiences a condition like conjunctivitis, we are here for you. Request an appointment and get in touch with one of our specialised ophthalmologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most common causes of conjunctivitis in dogs?
Bacterial causes, environmental allergens and irritating factors like dust and pollen are the most common causes.
2. Can I treat my dog’s conjunctivitis at home?
Not without getting some medication from your vets.
3. Why does my puppy keep getting conjunctivitis?
Some dogs are more prone to it and tend to “grow out” of this problem once they reach adulthood. Other dogs will keep experiencing conjunctivitis as part of a generalised skin problem or skin allergies.
4. When should I take my dog to the vet for “pink eye”?
Any signs that indicate significant pain (keeping the eye shut or persistent rubbing and pawing) or any significant discharge persisting for longer than 24 should raise concerns.