When a Dog Gets an Eye Infection
Eye infections in dogs can be alarming, especially since they usually develop quickly. Although eye infections can be quite problematic, veterinarians can easily diagnose and treat them.
There are several types of eye infections in dogs, and they can manifest various symptoms. Most of the time, dogs with an eye infection will experience symptoms that are fairly easy for any owner to spot.
How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Eye Infection
An eye infection may trigger a variety of symptoms in your dog. Common signs include:
- Redness: The eye appears red or pinker than usual
- Discharge: Various types of discharge, such as:
- Clear discharge
- Cloudy or yellow discharge
- Pus or yellow-green discharge
- Squinting: Excessive blinking or squinting in bright light
- Pawing at the eye: This may indicate that the eye is itchy or irritated
- Swelling of eyelids: The eyes appear puffy
Often, a dog with an eye condition can experience one or more of these symptoms simultaneously. For example, bacterial infections can result in swelling (inflammation), redness and discharge all at once.
Some issues or conditions can cause symptoms that look like an eye infection. This is why it is important to bring your furry friend to the veterinarian for an eye examination at the first sign of discomfort.
Causes of Infections in a Dog's Eye
Many factors, including environmental, illness, disease, or injury, can contribute to the development of eye infections in dogs.
Some of the most common causes of eye infections in dogs include:
- Bacteria and viruses
- Allergies
- Trauma or injury
- Foreign bodies
Will a dog's eye infection go away on its own?
You should never wait for an eye infection to clear up on its own. Home remedies are generally not recommended as they can cause serious complications, including blindness. The eye condition will also likely be causing your dog a great deal of pain or discomfort, so the sooner it is treated, the sooner they can feel better again.
When should I take my dog to the veterinarian for an eye infection?
If you spot any of the signs mentioned above, you should bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately.
When evaluating your dog's condition, the veterinarian may do the following:
- Conduct a thorough physical examination of your dog's eye
- Review medical history
- Perform diagnostic testing
If your dog is experiencing bleeding from the eye or other symptoms such as fever, vomiting or lethargy, you should reach out to our emergency department at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital right away. We are available day or night, 365 days a year.
How to Treat a Dog's Eye Infection
Depending on the cause of your dog’s eye infection, treatment options may include:
- Antibiotics
- Topical treatments, such as eye drops
- Antiviral medications
- Antifungal medications
- Antihistamines for allergy management
- Eye drops for dry eyes
It's important to finish any prescriptions or treatments when treating your dog's eye infection, such as antibiotic medicines or eye drops, even if they are no longer showing symptoms. This will help ensure the condition is fully treated and prevent a reoccurrence and possible complications.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.