Do dog infections go away

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Dog Eye Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Jan 09, 2024

The main signs of a dog eye infection include green or yellow eye discharge, eye redness, and scratching at the eye.
Any eye issue in a dog should be promptly examined by a veterinarian because eye infections in dogs can quickly get worse without treatment.
This article will discuss what dog eye infection medicines may be used for a dog eye infection and how to apply those medications.

Dog Eye Infection Symptoms

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

One of the main symptoms of dog eye infections is green discharge. In addition, the eyes may appear red. It is challenging to diagnose a dog eye infection solely based on symptoms alone as many of the symptoms of dog eye infections overlap with other more dangerous eye conditions including eye ulcers, dry eye, and glaucoma.

It is important to visit your veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms because this may indicate an eye infection or a more serious eye condition:

Green or yellow eye discharge
Eye redness
Squinting
Itchy eye
Pawing at the eye

Common Causes of Dog Eye Infections

Dog eye infections are typically caused by bacteria or viruses. They can also be caused by a variety of other issues including fungal infections and foreign debris in the eye. Your veterinarian will likely run a few different tests to diagnose the eye infection. They will want to stain the eye to make sure there are no scratches present and check the tear production to make sure the eye is not too dry. Your vet may also want to check the pressures of the eye to ensure your dog does not have a condition called glaucomahigh pressure of the eye that can quickly lead to blindness.

Can a dog eye infection spread to humans?

It would be unlikely for a dog to spread an eye infection to a human. Most causes of dog eye infections are limited to dogs. To be safe, if your dog has eye issues, be sure to wash your hands well after touching your dog near the eyes or applying eye medications to the eye.

Essential Eye Care Products for Happy and Healthy Dog

Ensure your canine companions bright and sparkly eyes with our curated selection of essential eye care products. From gentle eye wipes to soothing tear stain removers, our range is designed to maintain the clarity and comfort of your dogs eyes. Regular eye care is vital to prevent irritation, remove debris, and address tear staining, promoting optimal ocular health.

9.4

Made in the USA with antibiotic-free, natural ingredients.
Presoaked, textured wipes help to remove dried mucus, dirt and discharge from the eyes and coat.
Helps to keep the eye clean and reduce the risk of irritation and itching.
No bleaching agents or artificial ingredients.
Chamomile extract and aloe vera help to soothe irritated areas.

9.4

Cleans the eyes by creating an unpleasant space for germs and bacteria.
Combats eye infections and irritations from foreign particles that might enter your dogs eyes.
Helps minimize tear stains and their cause.
Even sensitive eyes make use of this gentle formula.
A safe solution for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes.

9.4

Helps clean and flush discharge from your pet's eye caused by allergies or other eye problems.
Cost-effective, pain-free and natural alternative to medicated eye drops.
Veterinarian-recommended maintenance solution to keep your pets eyes clean and prevent tear stains.
Provides relief for your pets burning, irritated or red eyes.
Recommended for every pet parent to keep on hand.

9.4

Hypoallergenic and cruelty-free wipes are made with FSC-Certified plant-based fibers.
Extra-large wipes help remove dirt and reduce tear stains.
Formulated with chamomile extract to help soothe skin around the eye area.
Thick 5" x 5" wipes are designed to clean both eyes with just one wipe.
Thick, easy to use dog eye wipes are designed to clean both of your pups eyes with just one wipe.

9.4

Made in the USA!
Specifically designed to help remove tear and saliva stains around the eyes and mouth.
Features soothing aloe as an added benefit.
Suitable for daily use.
Safe for dogs and cats aged 12 weeks and older.

Treatments for Eye Discharge in Dogs

The treatment for eye discharge in dogs depends on the cause of the eye discharge. If the eye discharge is caused by a dog eye infection, then your veterinarian will prescribe dog eye infection drops which are essentially topical eye antibiotics specially formulated for use in dogs. Some of the most common antibiotics prescribed by veterinarians include tobramycin ophthalmic, triple antibiotic ophthalmic ointment (this is not the same thing as neosporin), or ofloxacin ophthalmic. Within a few days, your dogs eye should be improving drastically.

You may be wondering how to treat a dog eye infection at home. Unfortunately, there are no safe or effective home treatments available for dog eye infections. Do not use apple cider vinegar for dog eye infection or any other home remedies for dog eye infections described on the internet. Substances like vinegar can be extremely harmful if applied to the eye and can cause severe damage to the eyes. I do not recommend putting any substance into your dogs eye unless you first speak with your veterinarian to make sure it is safe to go in the eyes.

Steps for Applying Your Dogs Eye Medication

Once your veterinarian has prescribed your dog eye medication, you will have to learn how to apply the medication to the eye. This job is much easier with two peopleone person to hold the dog and another to apply the medication. If you are doing it by yourself, to apply dog eye infection medicine like an eye antibiotic, follow the steps described below.

Wash your hands well.
Hold the jaw and head gently with one hand using this hand to also hold open the lower eyelid.
Place your other hand with the medication bottle just above your dogs eye. Use this hand to hold open the upper eyelid.
Place the directed number of drops into the eye. If using an ointment, place a to inch strip of medication in the eye. Dont touch the eye with the eye medication bottle.
Give your pup a special tasty treat or a new bouncy fish toy for a job well done.

What can I do if my dog has an eye infection?

First and foremost, contact your veterinarian. If you are noticing symptoms of an eye infection, this could indicate your dog has an eye infection or something more serious. Some eye conditions can lead to permanent blindness if not treated promptly by a veterinarian. Even if you think your dog just has an eye infection, you may risk missing a more serious issue if you wait too long to see your vet. I have seen some dogs with glaucoma go permanently blind within 24 hours because owners delayed getting their dog seen for eye symptoms.

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

You should call your vet now if you think your dog has an eye infection. Your pet should be seen promptly. Most veterinarians will make an effort to examine eye cases within the same day of an owner calling because of the risk of other serious eye issues. The good news is that the vet cost for dog eye infections is not usually extremely pricey. Your vet may want to run a few tests, but overall, the cost of the appointment will likely range from $100-300 depending on what your veterinarian recommends.

Can a dogs eye infection go away on its own?

No, a dog eye infection will not go away on its own. You must get veterinary prescribed dog eye antibiotics to treat a dog eye infection.

Preventing Eye Problems in Dogs

Unfortunately, there are not many good ways to prevent eye infections in dogs. The AKC suggests having a groomer keep the hair trimmed around the eyes so the fur doesnt mat around the eyes. Many dogs will get eye infections from visiting dog parks or doggy daycare, so one way to prevent eye infections may be to visit these places less often. In addition to eye infections, dogs can also develop kennel cough from being around other dogs. If you are interested in learning more about preventing kennel cough, visit this article on the Bordetella vaccine.

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Dog Eye Infections: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Eye infections in dogs are a common health issue, and as a pet parent, you should know what to do if your pet develops this problem.

As a mobile veterinarian with BetterVet, I will share with you what causes dog eye infections, how to identify the signs, and when you should see a veterinarian.

Let's dive in.

What are Eye Infections in Dogs?

Eye infections in dogs refers to inflammation caused by bacteria or viruses. There are a variety of different types and causes of dog eye infections, each needing a specific treatment. Most conditions require veterinary attention, and some need further investigation to find the underlying cause.

Types of Dog Eye Infections

There are several different types of eye infections in dogs, and usually a dog with an eye infection will have noticeable symptoms like eye redness, swelling, and irritation.

The most common types of eye infections in dogs are:

Canine Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis in dogs is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the lining that protects the eye globe and eyelids. While it can develop from bacterial and viral infections, conjunctivitis refers to inflammation and irritation rather than the cause.

Conjunctivitis can be secondary to another problem affecting the eye.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

An allergic reaction to environmental substances, such as pollen or grasses can trigger this type of eye problem. The eyes may be pinkish, accompanied by sneezing and tearing or other discharge from the eyes.

Viral Eye Infections

Your dog could be suffering from an eye infection caused by a viral disease like distemper or canine herpesvirus.

Bacterial Eye Infections

Bacterial eye infections are caused by common environmental bacteria and some bacterial illnesses and diseases. Bacteria can also penetrate the eye through injury or trauma.

Fungal Eye Infections

Just like it sounds, fungal eye infections are caused by fungi from the environment that can affect a dog's eyes, leading to inflammation.

Causes of Eye Infections in Dogs

In my experience there are many factors that can lead to canine eye infections, including environmental, illness, disease, or injury.

Here are some common causes of dog eye infections:

Bacteria and viruses from the environment and other pets.
An allergic reaction due to environmental substances like chemicals, pollen, dust mites, or mold.
Trauma or injury, for example, if your dog accidentally scratched their eyes, something poked them such as a stick, or if the eyes were in contact with a chemical (like certain shampoos).
Foreign bodies like a speck of dirt, bits of metal, or tiny pieces of glass and wood can damage the eyes surface and lead to a bacterial infection.
Non-infectious conditions, such as cataracts, uveitis, and glaucoma may look like an eye infection.

Signs of Infections in Dog Eyes

If your dog's eye is infected, you may observe one or more of the signs and symptoms below. Any issue with your dogs eyes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Common signs of a dog eye infection include:

Redness and inflammation
Swelling of eye area
Eye looks closed
Excessive tears
Abnormal discharge - yellow or green
Itchiness or signs of pain - pawing at the eye or rubbing on the ground
Blinking more frequently

When Are Dog Eye Infections Serious?

Dog eye infection is serious if your dog has pain, excessive discharge, can't open their eyes, has no energy, or has a fever. However, any eye irritation or injury should be conveyed to your veterinarian right away so that they can guide you on the next steps to take.

Diagnosing Dog Eye Infections

As part of the diagnostic evaluation process for a dog eye infection, your veterinarian may:

Conduct a thorough physical examination of your pet. This includes the outer parts of the eyes, such as the cornea, eyelids, and tear ducts as well as using an ophthalmoscope to look inside the eye.
Look at your dog's medical history to trace any recurring issues, especially allergies.
Order tests, such as imaging, blood tests, and bacterial cultures, to determine the infections cause.
Apply a special stain to the eye to check for corneal damage.

Treating a Dog's Eye Infection

Depending on the cause of your dogs eye irritation and infection, your veterinarian may prescribe topical and/or oral medications for your furry friend, such as:

Antibiotics to treat the infection
Topical treatments, such as steroid or antibiotic eye drops
Antiviral medications for virus-related infections
Antifungal medications
Allergy management and antihistamines for allergy symptoms
Eye drops to stimulate tear production for dry eyes

Home Remedies for Eye Infections in Dogs

Any canine eye irritation or infection is a reason to have your pup evaluated by a veterinarian.

However there are some vet-approved tips I can share with you to try at home to keep your dog as comfortable as possible:

Gently clear the eyes of discharge with a moist towel.
A warm or cool compress may help relieve itching or pain.
Use a cone (Elizabethan collar) to keep your dog from pawing at their eyes.
Dog eye wash or saline solution can clear your dogs eye of debris and irritants, but is only a temporary solution until your pet can be examined by your veterinarian.

Preventing Your Pup from Getting an Eye Infection

Most eye infections require medical help, but there are ways to help prevent them. Here are some tips for keeping your dogs eyes healthy and infection-free:

Use a tearless shampoo when bathing your dog and avoid the eye area.
Schedule an Allergy and Dermatology exam with a veterinarian to determine if your dog has an allergy.
Minimize exposure to irritants and allergens.
Isolate a sick pet from others to avoid transmission of bacteria and viruses, and disinfect the areas where they usually roam.

Conclusion

Dog eye infections are a common health condition, and as pet parents, its important to know the signs and symptoms in order to assess and treat your dog appropriately.

Our mobile veterinarians examine pets in their homes, minimizing any further discomfort while being evaluated. Book an in-home sick visit if you have any concerns about the health of your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dog eye infections contagious?

Eye infections caused by bacteria and viruses can be contagious. Allergies are not contagious.

Can a dog's eye infection heal on its own?

A veterinarian should treat eye infections. Untreated eye infections may lead to more serious problems and long-term damage.

How long will it take for my dog's eye infection to go away?

Depending on the type and cause, dog eye infections can take a week to a month to go away once treatment has been initiated.

Can a dog eye infection spread to humans?

Its possible. Some bacterial infections could be transmitted to humans, so washing your hands before and after contact with your dog's infected eye is essential.

Should I take my dog to the ER for an eye infection?

Your veterinarian can guide you on the best plan for your dog, so reach out to them right away. If it is after hours and your regular veterinarian cannot be reached, it would be best to have your dog evaluated at the nearest emergency vet clinic.

Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to eye infections?

Yes. Long-haired breeds such as a Saint Bernard, Sheepdog, Poodle, and Maltese can be more at risk of eye infection and irritation. Active dogs are also more likely to suffer from an eye injury or infection due to their lifestyle.

Sources

Nad GC, Novac C, Matei IA, Bouari CM, Gal ZM, Tamas-Krumpe OM, Macri AM, Fi NI. Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria from Conjunctival Flora in an Eye Infection Prone Breed (Saint Bernard). Molecules. 2021 Apr 12;26(8):2219. doi: 10.3390/molecules26082219. PMID: 33921409; PMCID: PMC8070223.
Alsaad, Kamal. (2021). A Common Problems Of Dog Eyes (A Review). IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science. 14. 19-26. 10.9790/2380-1407021926.