What Causes Conjunctivitis In Dogs Eyes
This condition in dogs can be caused by a number of issues including: allergies, irritation from foreign bodies, viral infections, tumors in the eye region, breed specific conditions such as nodular episcleritis in Collies, tear film deficiency, abnormalities of the eye, obstructed tear ducts, parasitic infections, Jul 3, 2020.
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Burts Bees For Pets Dogs Natural Eye Wash With
A gentle saline solution designed to safely clean your dogs eyes by mimicking your dogs own tears. Using all-natural ingredients, Burts Bees Eye Wash Solution for Dogs avoids any chemical irritants that could end up causing more irritation to your dog.
Use as directed on the packaging by squeezing two to three drops directly into your dogs eye to clean away any debris or clean out minor scrapes.
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Saline Eye Wash For Dogs
However, a common dog eye discharge home remedy is the use of a little saline eyewash to help flush your dogs eyes and keep them moist while waiting to go to the vet. An eyewash might simply be a good idea to keep your dog comfortable while you are waiting for a vet appointment.
This may even solve the issue entirely if your dogs eye irritation was just caused by dust or other debris that found its way into your dogs eye.
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Signs Your Dog Has An Eye Infection
The most obvious symptom of a dog eye infection is excess eye discharge. But not all dog eye discharge is the same. Check this list to see if its likely allergies or something more serious:
Certain breeds are more prone to eye conditions that lead to infection. For example, breeds with drooping skin like shar-peis, bulldogs, and mastiffs can develop eyelid problems that cause irritation. Breeds with shortened snouts and bulging eyes, like shih tzus, pugs, and bulldogs are prone to corneal issues. Still, eye infections can affect all breeds and dogs of all ages, so keep a lookout for symptoms and schedule an appointment with your vet if you notice anything unusual or if your pup doesnt seem her normal, happy self.
Chamomile Tea Herbal Remedy For Dog Eye Infection
The healing properties of chamomile tea are also helpful for eye infection in dogs. To brew and use chamomile tea to treat eye infections, follow the steps detailed below:
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Why Does My Dog Have An Eye Infection
Dogs, especially certain breeds, are highly susceptible to eye infections. Therefore, eye infections are a common concern among dog owners. Dogs can encounter bacteria, viruses, parasites, trauma, foreign matter, or another infected dog, quickly causing eye irritation. Luckily, many dog eye infection treatment options are available for quick relief! Allivet carries plenty of options for antibiotic eye ointment, topical antibiotics oral antibiotics, and antibiotic eye drops for dogs. With all these treatment options, dog eye infection treatment can be simple.
Cost Of Natural Conjunctivitis Remedies In Dogs
The cost of consultations with a holistic veterinarian ranges from $50 to $150. Commercially available herbal eye drops can range from $10-$30. The cost of homemade preparations is minimal.
Worried about the cost of Natural Conjunctivitis Remedies treatment?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
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How To Identify Dog Eye Allergies
When your dog has an allergic reaction affecting their eyes, the most common symptoms youll notice are their eyes will become red, watery, and itchy.This irritation often will make your dog rub their eye, causing inflammation that can lead to an eye infection.Since there are so many reasons why your dog may have allergies, getting a screening done by your vet is the best thing you can do as a first step to identify the source and help your pooch.
What Is Conjunctivitis In Dogs
Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is a common condition in dogs . The term conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue covering the eyeball and eyelids. This tissue is a mucous membrane, which is a layer of cells that make mucus.
Dogs have a nictitating membrane , which is located at the inner corner of each eye and is made of conjunctiva. Normal, healthy conjunctiva is usually pink in color, though it can be pigmented in some dog breeds. When inflammation of this tissue occurs, the mucous membranes swell, become itchy, and turn brighter pink or red.
Types of conjunctivitis include:
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When To Use Antibiotic Eye Drops:
Canine eye drops are used to not only treat primary orsecondary eye infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungus , but they can also act as a drying agent in cases where thereis extramoisture/tears by eyes. Thus, canine eye drops areprescribed for common eye infections such as conjunctivitis,blepharitis,Dacryocistitis and inner dog eye infections.
For primary and/or common eyeinfections on the surface of the eye and around the eyes, thiscondition can be treated with onlycanine antibiotic eye drops or treated with ointments and supportivemeasures. Those infections that occur in the inner parts of the eyeand those that are secondarycomplications may require an additional drug, surgery and a generalizedtreatment approach along with the use of these dog eye drops. Thus, thedefinitediagnosis of any dog eye problem is always completed prior tothe initiation of any form of canine eye treatment.
Avoid Touching The Eyes
Certain types of pink eye, such as bacterial or viral pink eye, are very contagious. Touching the eye can spread the infection to the other eye or to other people. It may also exacerbate the symptoms.
If a person needs to touch their eyes, such as when they are cleaning them, they should wash their hands thoroughly before and afterward. It is important not to reuse any tissues, washcloths, or towels that have been in contact with the affected eye. A person should also avoid wearing contact lenses or eye makeup until the symptoms have gone.
As pink eye has multiple possible causes, it also has several treatment options. The three primary causes of pink eye are:
- allergens, such as pollen or pet dander
Bacterial pink eye is relatively easy to diagnose because the eye it affects often produces thick pus. In contrast, the discharge from viral and allergic pink eye looks more like water.
Viral infections usually clear up without treatment within Sometimes , a herpes infection causes pink eye. A person should speak with a doctor if this happens, as they will need antiviral medication to prevent complications.
Bacterial infections may improve within 2â5 days without treatment, although antibiotic eye drops can speed up the recovery. Antibiotics will not help with any other type of pink eye.
In cases of allergic pink eye, the symptoms will improve once the person no longer has exposure to the allergen.
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How To Treat Dog Eye Infection
This article was co-authored by Ray Spragley, DVM. Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragleys specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease, and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through Chi University.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 134,613 times.
Dogs can contract eye infections from viruses or bacteria. A dog with an eye infection will have eyes that are itchy, swollen, red, and releasing discharge. These infections can damage your dogs eyes and can lead to blindness. You should take your dog to the vet to get an official diagnosis and medical treatment to prevent the infection from getting worse.XResearch source
Home Remedies For Dog Eye Discharge
Regular Cleaning
The most efficient home remedy for dog eye discharge is regular cleaning. Owners can use a clean cotton cloth dampened in warm water. A small gauze will work just as well. Start at the inside of the eye , and work your way outward. Be as gentle as possible with your pup and avoid pushing the discharge back into the eye.
Many owners find use in warm saline solutions. In a cup of warm water, use no more than a tiny pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly and apply in the same method as a regular warm cloth.
Diet Corrections
Nutrition can also play a key role in helping with dog eye discharge. Changing to a fresh food diet can especially improve vision and help eye issues heal. They recommend Carotene-rich foods such as carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. Blueberries, broccoli, kale, and sardines, provide different nutrients such as antioxidants, phytonutrients, and omega oils, respectively. Sometimes you can find healthy dog treats that include many of these ingredients.
Helpful Herbs
Herbs are another helpful home remedy for dog eye discharge. Astaxanthin, which is an algae that contains antioxidants and phytonutrients, can work wonders for eye health. Marigold is a potent source of a carotenoid thats important for eye wellness, and it too can help with eye discharge.
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What If I Can’t Apply The Medications
If you are unable to administer your dog’s eye medications, we will discuss the possibility of surgical correction. While this is not an option for all dogs, we will help determine if this is a possibility for your pet. Surgical correction involves repositioning the salivary duct so that it secretes saliva onto the eyes. This surgery is usually performed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon or ophthalmologist. This procedure has significant risk of complication so it should not be pursued unless all other treatments have failed.
Benefits And Uses Of Colloidal Silver For Dogs
The benefit of colloidal silver is that it kills pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi in dogs. To make things simpler, lets review some popular colloidal silver uses in dogs below.
Colloidal Silver for Dog Eye Infections. Colloidal silver can be used to treat eye problems in dogs, such as inflammation and infection. It is painless so that colloidal silver drops can be applied directly to your dogs eyes.
Colloidal Silver for Dog Ear Infection. When applied directly to the dogs ears, the colloidal silver drops can fight off ear infections and manage the painful inflammation .
Colloidal Silver for Dog Yeast Infection. Topically applied colloidal silver can be used for yeast infections such as ringworm in dogs. It has a soothing effect that will calm the infection and the ability stimulate tissues renewal.
Colloidal Silver for Dog Skin Allergies. Colloidal silver is believed to have a soothing effect on dogs with allergies. Namely, when sprayed, it can reduce the itchiness and skin dryness that cause pain and discomfort.
Colloidal Silver for Dog Wounds. Colloidal silver can be used in the management of skin infections and skin injuries . This is because, in addition to killing bacteria, it has soothing and healing powers.
Colloidal Silver for Dog Respiratory Infections. When colloidal silver is turned into a mist by using a nebulizer, it can be used to treat certain respiratory problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma.
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Treatment Of Conjunctivitis In Dogs
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is most commonly treated with eye drops or ointments containing steroids. Sometimes oral steroids and antihistamines are also recommended if there is systemic inflammation. Prevention is most important with allergic conjunctivitis, so you must avoid the underlying allergens affecting your dog. Allergic skin testing, flea preventatives, environmental changes, and food trials may be recommended by your veterinarian.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is often treated with topical antibiotics, though sometimes oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may also be used depending on the severity of infection. Viral conjunctivitis is often treated with time and oral antioxidants to boost the immune system, and sometimes with either oral or topical anti-viral medications.
Dogs diagnosed with eyelid or eyelash abnormalities will require surgical correction to avoid chronic issues. Dogs diagnosed with chronic dry eye will require lifelong medications to stimulate tear production. Dogs with immune-mediated medical issues will require immunomodulatory medications both orally and topically, often for their lifetime.
Safety Tips On Buying Colloidal Silver For Dogs
If shopping for colloidal silver products for dogs, we suggest the Vet Recommended Colloidal Silver for Dogs & Cats. It is a 100% safe, powerful, and pure formula. Plus, it is extremely easy to use, and it can be sprayed topically or added to the drinking water.
It is important to remember that not every colloidal silver product available on the market is safe for your pet. Since colloidal silver is not FDA approved for dogs, its production is wildly unregulated.
Basically, there are three primary safety considerations:
- Positively Charged Silver the higher the ratio of positively charged silver, the better the product
- Parts per Million higher ppm is not indicative of better product
- Product Form ionic silver, gels, and salts are less efficient and more toxic
Our top pick, the Vet Recommended Colloidal Silver for Dogs & Cats, contains 98% positively charged silver and features ten ppm silver particles. Plus, it is made in the USA.
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Types Of Eye Infections Commonly Seen In Dogs
There are a few different types of eye infections that could cause your canine companion to experience discomfort, redness or sensitivity to light. Below are 4 of the most common types of eye infections in dogs:
- Conjunctivitis 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
Tips For Administering Eye Drops To Your Dog
There are many different ways you can administer eye drops, and chances are if you ask five different people you will get five different answers. With that being said, we have found some common sense tips that will make the struggle a little easier for both you and your pup.
First things first though, you should always make sure you wash your hands before and after application so you wont spread or add infection. Also, be sure the tip of the applicator does not touch anything, including your dogs eyes. If it does, clean it with hot water and follow the directions on the bottle.
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Types Of Eye Infections In Dogs
There are numerous types of eye infections that could cause your pooch to experience discomfort, redness or sensitivity to light. Below are 4 of the most common types of eye infections in dogs:
- Conjunctivitis – 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
How Veterinarians Diagnose Conjunctivitis In Dogs
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination as well as a thorough ophthalmic examination to look for any medical problems that may be causing the conjunctivitis. The main goal of diagnosis with conjunctivitis is to find out whats causing it and how much damage to the eyes has occurred.
The ophthalmic examination consists of:
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A full examination of the surrounding eye structures, including the eyelids, fur around the eye, eyelashes, third eyelid, and tear ducts.
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Tear production testing , which is a non-invasive test that checks the amount of tears produced by both eyes.
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Corneal stain testing , which is a non-invasive test used to check the outer layer of the eye, called the cornea, for any damage such as scrapes and cuts. A yellowish stain is put in the eye, and a special light in a dark room is used to show any underlying damage.
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Intraocular pressure testing measures the pressure in both eyes, which is helpful in diagnosing glaucoma and uveitis.
Additional testingsuch as bacterial culture and sensitivity, conjunctival scraping or biopsy, allergy testing, viral testing, and ultrasound of the eyeballand procedures like tear duct flushing are performed when needed.
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When Should I Take My Dog To A Vet
All eye conditions require a trip to the vet, as it is difficult to distinguish between an eye infection and an eye trauma, which could potentially be very serious. Eye infections require medicated drops to clear them up quickly, but home remedies can significantly speed up the healing process.
In cases where it is a weekend or after hours, and your dog is not displaying serious symptoms, home remedies can help improve your dogs condition until the local vet practice opens. If the eyes have not improved in three days with medication, take your dog back to the vet.
