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Dog Eye
Infection
"Dog
eye infection and infection in surrounding structures are common and
usually
involve the conjunctiva, leading to conjunctivitis or “pink eye.”
Causes of infections include various bacteria, viruses like the Herpes
virus, foreign material or irritants in the eye and even Lyme disease.
Treatment is either topical via drops or ointment, prescription or
homeopathic."
Dog eye infection has several causes. If your dog’s eyes appear red or
inflamed, if she has unusual drainage from her eyes (some moisture in
the eyes is normal and healthy; you will know what is normal for your
pet), or if she seems to be having trouble seeing or to be especially
sensitive to the light, see your veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Eye infections may become chronic if not
treated and can cause permanent damage if neglected.
If you expect allergies or something in the
environment are the cause, you can try an over the counter saline
solution as an eye wash. If you see no improvement after 2 days then
see your veterinarian. If you suspect an eye tumor see our guide on canine
eye tumors.

Dog eye infection
Superficial infection mucocutaneous on the eye of a dogSource:
Washington
State University
Specific Types
of Dog Eye Infection
Dog Conjunctivitis (dog pink eye)
Dog
conjunctivitis or dog pink eye
is the most common dog eye infection. It is an inflammation of the
membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the front of the eye
also called the mucous membranes of the eye. It often just affects one
eye, although it can affect both. The eye becomes red and inflamed.
There may be clear or mucous discharge from the eye. It is usually
caused by viruses or bacteria. Less often, it may be caused by
parasites or by allergies.

Dog Pink Eye
A common primary cause of canine conjunctivitis is
chronic irritation and/or exposure resulting from anatomical problems
of the lids (entropion, ectropion) or eyelashes (e.g., distichia,
trichiasis). Irritation may also result from nasal folds and exposure
in brachycephalic breeds, as well as exposure to chemicals, wind and
dust.
Canine conjunctivitis does not cause a change in
vision. Pain is not associated with the disease and redness is moderate
to minor. A common primary cause of canine conjunctivitis is chronic
irritation or exposure resulting from the incorrect way the eyelids
(distichia, trichiasis)or eyelashes functioning. Redness may also be
caused by nasal problems and exposure to environmental toxins such as
chemicals, wind or dust.
Treatment for
Dog Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis
is usually treated with medicated (antibiotic) eye drops. These are
administered several times a day and will lead to a dog
conjunctivitis cure.
In addition, the cause of the conjunctivitis must be treated. This may
mean oral antibiotics will be prescribed, or allergy medication given.
An approach you can try at home is to clean the
discharge from your dog's eyelids. Wet a soft, clean cloth or cotton
ball with lukewarm water, squeeze it out and gently wipe away the
discharge from around each eye that is affected. Repeat twice a day or
as often as needed. You can also try a scrub such as an over the
counter eye scrub such as Eye
Clear. Eye scrubs are pH-balanced and may cause less stinging
than water.
Another approach is to help your dog shed some
tears. Eye scrubs help keep the lids clean, you'll also want to wash
the surface of the eye. A good way to do this is with artificial
tears, which can help wash away particles that may be causing
the problem.
For added relief try applying a compress. Covering
your dog's eyes with a damp, warm compress can be soothing. Apply for 5
minutes. Rinse the cloth first is applying to more than one eye.
Grooming can help prevent eye irritations by
keeping hair out of the eye. Hair around the corners of the eye can
cause canine conjunctivitis. Brushing the hair away from the eyes can
help as well.
Dog Eye Infection Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Dry
Eye)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a condition in which there is inadequate
production of tears in the eye. The eyes are too dry and the corneas
can be damaged. There is also the risk of ulcers (sores) on the eye. In
some cases, this is a chronic infection, requiring long-term treatment.
Treatment for
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is treated with artificial tears (eye drops
that are formulated to resemble the composition of natural tears), tear
stimulants, and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Oral anti-inflammatory
medications may also be prescribed.
Uveitis Dog Eye Infection
Uveitis is an inflammation of the interior of the eye. Symptoms include
redness of the eye, sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision,
and eye pain. Blindness can occur if it is not treated.
Causes include infectious disease, including
viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal and rickettsial.
Uveitis
Treatment for Dog Eye Infection
Uveitis is treated with glucocorticoid steroid eye drops, such as
betamethasone, dexamethasone, or prednisolone. Oral steroids, such as
prednisone, may also be prescribed.
Dog Eye Infection Homeopathic Treatment
After checking with your veterinarian, natural approaches to treatment
contains herbal tincture and can effectively treat and prevent eye
infections in dogs as well as improve general eye and visual health.
Common ingredients in homeopathic eye home
remedies include:
- Arctium lappa (Burdock) - cleansing and
eliminating herb and is excellent at detoxifying the tissues and
removing unwanted substances from the body.
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) is
well-known as a topical antiseptic/disinfectant, pain-relieving herb
with anti-inflammatory effects.
- Chelidonium majus is used to boost the immune
system, combat infections, sharpen sight, promote healing and act as an
analgesic (pain killer).
- Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Has
astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is
excellent for soothing and healing infections of the eyes and
conjunctiva.
A good commercial source for these and similar
herbal treatments is
Pet Alive for eye infection. Note that herbal remedies are
for added support, speed healing and prevent future dog eye problems.
They are are not considered to be a specific cure.
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Sources for Dog Eye Infection
Ron Ofri, DVM, PhD, DECVO
Koret School of Veterinary Medicine
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Glaucoma–Is Effective Treatment a Reality?
Peter Bedford United Kingdom
Learn How to
Apply a Dog Eye Drop Medication
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