Pink Eye in Dogs: Causes, Treatment Options and Prevention Tips

If your dog’s eyes look red, swollen or runny, they could have pink eye. Although people may associate pink eye only with humans, dogs can get it too. Also called conjunctivitis, pink eye has many possible underlying causes. Fortunately, in most cases, the condition is easily treatable with medications and not contagious to other dogs.

What Is Pink Eye in Dogs?

Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent, clear tissue that lines the inside of your dog’s eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. This tissue helps protect and lubricate the eye and contains many tiny blood vessels to nourish it.

An irritated or inflamed conjunctiva may turn red or become swollen, causing the classic appearance of pink eye. Pink eye in dogs can be a primary problem — usually in younger pets — or a symptom of other eye issues or diseases. It can affect one or both eyes and usually responds well to treatment.

Types and Causes of Pink Eye in Dogs

Sometimes, a simple irritant like wind or shampoo is the cause of a dog’s pink eye. In other cases, an allergy or infection is to blame. Here’s a look at some common causes and types of pink eye in dogs.

Allergic and autoimmune conjunctivitis

Dogs with seasonal allergies to things like pollen or grass can develop conjunctivitis in response to particles floating in the air. Dogs with allergies usually have other symptoms, such as itchy skin and chronic ear infections. Young, large-breed dogs can develop follicular conjunctivitis, a longer-lasting form of pink eye caused by an immature, overreactive immune system.

Infectious conjunctivitis

Bacteria, viruses or, rarely, fungi can infect the eye and cause pink eye in dogs. Bacterial conjunctivitis may cause yellow or green discharge. Viral conjunctivitis usually occurs secondary to another illness, such as kennel cough or dog flu.

Other causes of pink eye in dogs

Sometimes pink eye is caused by another disease or condition that irritates the conjunctiva, such as:

• Dry eye. Low tear production (i.e., keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS) can cause chronic irritation.
• Eyelid or eyelash problems. Eyelids that roll inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion) or extra eyelashes (distichiasis) can irritate the conjunctiva.
• Foreign objects. Grass seeds, plant material or other debris can get stuck in the eye.
• Trauma. Scratches or injuries to the eye or surrounding tissue can cause pink eye.

Is Pink Eye Contagious?

Most forms of conjunctivitis in dogs are not contagious to humans or other pets, unless caused by a systemic viral infection, such as dog flu. If your dog has pink eye alongside other symptoms like coughing or sneezing, keep them away from other pets and wash your hands after handling them.

Symptoms of Pink Eye in Dogs

Pink eye in dogs usually causes mild symptoms that may include:

• Clear, yellow or green discharge
• Pawing at the eye
• Redness of the white part of the eye
• Squinting
• Swelling around the eye

Diagnosing Pink Eye in Dogs

If your dog shows signs of pink eye, a veterinary exam is the best way to figure out what’s going on. Determining the cause of pink eye in dogs can help your veterinarian develop a treatment plan.

Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s eyes and may also recommend the following tests:

• Allergy tests. Allergy blood or skin tests can help identify environmental allergens in dogs with chronic or recurrent pink eye.
• Fluorescein stain test. A special dye is used to check for scratches or ulcers on the surface of the eye.
• Schirmer tear test. This test measures tear production to check for dry eye (KCS).

If your vet suspects a more serious cause of pink eye, such as an eyelid disorder, or if pink eye doesn’t go away with standard treatments, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further care.

Treatment of Pink Eye in Dogs

Most cases of pink eye in dogs are treated with topical eyedrops or ointments. If allergies are the cause, your vet may also recommend oral medications or allergy injections to reduce their sensitivity.

Simple pink eye typically improves after a few days of treatment. Follicular conjunctivitis in young dogs can require several months of treatment, whereas chronic eye conditions, including allergies and dry eye, usually require ongoing treatment.

Common treatment approaches include:

• Antibiotic eye drops
• Artificial tear drops
• Eye flushing
• Immune-modulating or tear-stimulant eyedrops
• Oral or injectable allergy medications
• Steroid or antihistamine eye drops

Typical treatment costs

The cost of diagnosing and treating pink eye in dogs depends on the underlying cause. The national average cost* to treat a bout of pink eye in dogs is $345 and ranges from $273 to $628.¹ Costs depend on how much your vet charges for an exam, the exact treatment needed and the number of follow-up visits required.¹

How to Prevent Pink Eye in Dogs

Learning to recognize the signs of pink eye and what causes your dog’s specific case can help you prevent future bouts. If your dog is sensitive to irritants or allergens, these tips may help:

• Avoid going outside on windy days and avoid exposing your dog to smoke or chemicals indoors.
• Avoid harsh shampoos and keep them away from your dog’s eyes during bathing.
• Schedule an eye exam if you notice signs of pink eye in your dog.
• Stay on top of chronic eye diseases, such as dry eye, with your vet’s help.
• Use dog eye wipes or eye wash to clean around the eyes and remove irritants.
• Work with your vet to treat your dog’s allergies.

Keeping an Eye on Pink Eye

Pink eye in dogs can be common and treatable. The best way to help your dog feel better is to visit your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and follow their prescribed treatment plan. With the right diagnosis and care, dogs can recover quickly and comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Eye in Dogs

Still have questions? Here are answers to common questions about pink eye in dogs can help you understand the condition in your dog.

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Author Bio

Angela Beal, D.V.M., has more than 20 years of experience as a veterinarian. Leveraging her background in private practice and academia, she uses her passion for writing to convey information to pet owners to help them keep their pets healthy and happy.