As of: February 2, 2024, 11:14 a.m
By: Sophie Kluß
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Is your dog crying or has red eyes?
It could be conjunctivitis.
In this case, be sure to consult a veterinarian.
Do you know the signs of eye inflammation?
Do you notice that your dog blinks more or his eyes appear red?
These could be signs of conjunctivitis.
The eye disease is common and can have a variety of causes, from allergies to foreign bodies.
If conjunctivitis is present, early detection is key.
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Keep an eye on symptoms: Signs of conjunctivitis in dogs
If you notice the first signs of conjunctivitis in your dog, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.
(Symbolic image) © Cavan Images/Imago
Look for symptoms such as tearing, eye redness, sensitivity to light, and increased eye discharge.
This can be mucous, purulent or even bloody, but also completely clear.
These other signs can also indicate conjunctivitis.
Swollen eyelids
Sensitivity to light
Frequent squinting and/or blinking
Symptoms can occur in only one side or in both eyes.
Inflammation in the eye can be not only uncomfortable for dogs due to the itching, but also very painful.
If the dog tries to scratch his eyes with his paw or rubs himself against furniture for this purpose, he is probably suffering from itching due to conjunctivitis.
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Conjunctivitis in dogs: Possible causes of the disease
Possible causes of conjunctivitis in dogs include irritation of the mucous membrane
Drafts, cigarette smoke, dust, care products or cleaning agents,
Foreign bodies such as sand, plant parts or eyelashes,
injuries,
dry mucous membranes,
a blocked tear duct,
but also other causes such as
allergies,
Eye infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi,
congenital malpositions or defects
should be considered.
First aid at home: This is how you can give your dog relief
If you notice mild irritation, clean gently with boiled, lukewarm water and a clean, lint-free cloth.
However, avoid eye drops without veterinary advice.
Compresses with aloe vera gel are suitable home remedies.
Conjunctivitis in dogs: Be careful with chamomile!
Even if your first instinct is to treat your four-legged friend's sore eyes with chamomile, you should definitely avoid it.
In the worst case scenario, chamomile could even promote inflammation.
Keep the eye area clean, avoid smoke or dusty environments, and protect the eyes during outdoor activities.
Wash your dog's plush toys, blankets and cushions in the washing machine at at least 60°C.
During acute conjunctivitis, you should also wash all covers every day if possible, but at least every two days.
Once the inflammation has subsided, it is advisable to wash it at least once a week.
Conjunctivitis in dogs: Diagnosis by a veterinarian
A visit to the vet is strongly advisable to determine the exact cause of the symptoms.
Diagnostic procedures may include eye exams and, if necessary, swab tests.
Therapy depends on the cause.
Whether antibiotic eye ointments, special drops or other medications – your veterinarian will give an individual treatment recommendation.
If the conjunctivitis occurs as a symptom of another disease, such as a tumor, your veterinarian will also determine this and initiate appropriate treatment.
Read here when you need to go to the vet after a tick bites your dog.
In addition, “illnesses such as distemper or kennel cough can also lead to the same symptoms as conjunctivitis,” says Dr.
Jens-Christian Rudnick, specialist veterinarian for small animals and managing director of
Rostock Animal Clinic, writes in the
Rostock Animal Clinic
's online guide .
If viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites trigger eye inflammation, the body needs sufficient energy to fight the invaders.
Your four-legged friend should therefore rest in order to recharge his batteries for his recovery.
How can owners prevent conjunctivitis in dogs?
You can take various measures to prevent eye inflammation from occurring in the first place or from recurring.
You should always pay attention to the following points to avoid conjunctivitis:
Avoid known allergens.
These can be found in dog food, for example, but flowers can also trigger allergies.
Make sure your dog doesn't sleep near air conditioning.
Drafts should also be avoided.
Regular care ensures the necessary hygiene in the eye area.
A species-appropriate diet maintains your dog's health and ensures a strong immune system.
Sufficient exercise also contributes to a functioning immune system.
Be alert for changes in behavior or eyesight.
With timely care and veterinary support, conjunctivitis can be well treated.
This article only contains general information on the respective topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the vet. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about illnesses in your animal.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.