Dog Eye Infection - Causes & Treatment Options

If your dog’s eyes look red, watery, or swollen, you might wonder if a dog's eye infection will go away on its own or if you need to take action. Understanding eye infections in dogs can help you determine the best action to take for your furry friend’s health.

How do you know if your dog has an eye infection?

Identifying an infection in your dog's eye involves looking for specific signs and symptoms like:

• Redness: The whites of your dog’s eyes may appear red or bloodshot.
• Discharge: You might notice a discharge from your dog’s eyes, which could be clear, yellow, or green.
• Swelling: The area around the eye, including the eyelid, may be swollen.
• Squinting: Your dog may squint or keep its eyes closed more than usual.
• Excessive Tear Production: Increased tearing or watery eyes can indicate an infection.
• Rubbing or Pawing at the Eye: Your dog might rub its eye or paw at its face to relieve discomfort.

If you observe any of these symptoms, contact your vet to book an examination.

Types of Eye Infections Commonly Seen in Dogs

Several eye infections in dogs can cause discomfort, redness, or light sensitivity. Here are four common types of dog eye infections:

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) - an inflammation of the mucous membrane that covers the outer portion of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids
• Inflammation of the cornea
• Tear gland issues or physical abnormalities of the eyelid
• Uveitis - an inflammation of one or more inner structures of the eye, such as the iris, ciliary body,  or choroid

Causes of Eye Infections in Dogs

The causes of these various types of infections vary from case to case. If your dog has been diagnosed with an eye infection, one of the following conditions could be to blame:

• Viruses (distemper, herpes, hepatitis, or canine influenza)
• Bacteria (canine brucellosis, leptospirosis, canine ehrlichiosis, or Lyme disease)
• Fungus spores
• Irritants or allergens, such as smoke or shampoo
• Foreign matter or debris (dirt, grass seed, or even your dog's own hair)
• Trauma
• Parasites
• Scratch or cut on the cornea

Other Eye Conditions in Dogs

In some cases, your dog may display the signs of an eye infection but be experiencing a different type of eye problem.

Glaucoma, tear duct problems or eye defects, dry eye, vitamin deficiency, exposure to or ingestion of toxins, tumors, cherry eye, or structural problems with the eye itself, such as entropion, are some of the eye conditions in dogs that are commonly misdiagnosed as infections by pet owners.

Like infections, these eye issues can be painful and require veterinary care as soon as possible.

Will a dog's eye infection go away on its own?

In some cases, mild eye infections in dogs may resolve independently, especially if they are caused by temporary irritants like dust or a mild allergen. However, it is important to remember that many eye infections will clear up without treatment.

When should I take my dog to the vet for an eye infection?

You should take your dog to the vet if you suspect your pup is experiencing any eye sensitivity, pain, or irritation. 

Additionally, if there is a significant increase in the amount of discharge, if the discharge is green or yellow, if there is severe redness or swelling around the eye, or if your dog is more lethargic than usual, you should take your dog to the vet.

Any time you notice symptoms of an eye infection, it is always better to contact your vet to ask for advice and if you should bring your dog in for an eye exam. Your vet will be able to determine the cause of your pup's symptoms and provide effective treatment to help your dog's eyes feel better. 

The earlier an infection or other eye condition is diagnosed and treated, the sooner treatment can start. Early treatment may also reduce your dog's risk of long-term complications like vision loss or blindness. 

Treatment Options for Eye Infections in Dogs 

Treatment options for your dog's eye infection will vary depending on the underlying cause.

Your vet will develop a treatment plan that may include a combination of topical and oral medications such as eye drops, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation, or a single topical medication.

For more severe cases, your vet may recommend eye surgery to correct issues such as eyelid or eyelash abnormalities that cause the lashes to rub against the eyeball. Oral medications may also be prescribed. Specifically, these medications may include:

• Antibiotics and eye drops for bacterial infection, or following surgery if blocked tear ducts are the cause of the condition 
• Antihistamine to soothe your pup's eyes if allergies are suspected to be the culprit 
• Sedation or local anesthetic to numb your dog's body, or a specific area of the body, if a foreign body or debris has been found in the eye and needs to be removed 
• Medications to stimulate tear production, if your dog is suffering from dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS)

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 vet.

If your dog is experiencing eye pain, please contact our vets at Mill Plain Veterinary Clinic today. Our veterinarians at Mill Plain Veterinary Clinic can offer treatments to alleviate your dog's eye discomfort.