Pink Eye in Dogs: Conjunctivitis Symptoms & Treatment 

Dogs can get pink eye (conjunctivitis) just like humans. This common eye condition can cause redness, swelling, and discomfort in your pup’s eyes.¹ The good news? With early detection, a vet’s diagnosis, and the right treatment plan, your dog has a better chance of making a speedy recovery so they can get back to feeling their best.

What Is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye, commonly known as conjunctivitis, happens when the conjunctiva of the eye — the thin, moist tissue covering the front part of the eyeball and lining the eyelids — becomes inflamed. This type of dog eye infection can make your pup’s eyes look red and swollen.¹

While any dog can get conjunctivitis, it’s more common in breeds that have allergies or are exposed to irritants in their environment, like dust or smoke. Bacterial and viral infections can also cause pink eye in dogs.¹

Primary vs. secondary conjunctivitis

“Primary” or “secondary” may also be terms to describe a case of conjunctivitis in dogs. If it’s a primary form, this means a bacterial or viral infection directly causes the conjunctiva of the eye to become inflamed.¹

Secondary conjunctivitis is brought on by another disease or infection — like canine distemper or canine herpesvirus. It can also be caused by an underlying medical condition.^1,2

Symptoms of Dog Pink Eye

Pink eye in dogs can show up in many ways. Common symptoms of pink eye include:^1,3

• Frequent squinting or blinking
• Redness around the eye
• Cloudy, yellow, or green discharge from the eye
• Swelling of the eye

Early detection is key in treating your pup’s pink eye. Contacting your veterinarian can help get to the root of the problem and start your dog on the path to recovery.

What Causes Pink Eye in Dogs?

Conjunctivitis in dogs can happen for many reasons. Below are some of the most common causes of pink eye in dogs:^1,2

• Bacterial infections: Bacteria can sometimes get into a dog’s eyes and cause an infection.
• Viral infections: Certain viruses, like distemper, can lead to conjunctivitis in dogs. They often come with other symptoms — like sneezing or coughing.
• Allergies and immune system issues: Dogs with allergies or weaker immune systems may be more likely to get pink eye. Allergies to things like pollen or dust can irritate the eyes and cause inflammation.
• Problems with the eyelids: Some eyelid issues, like entropion (when the eyelid rolls inward) or ectropion (when it droops outward), can bother the eyes and cause conjunctivitis.
• Eyelash disorders: Sometimes, a dog’s eyelashes grow in the wrong direction or in unusual places. These types of disorders can cause irritation and discomfort — and may lead to secondary conjunctivitis.
• Environmental irritants: Dust, smoke, and pollen can irritate your dog’s eyes and cause inflammation.
• Existing eye conditions: Eye issues, like glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye), corneal ulcers (sores on the surface of the eye), and anterior uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), can lead to pink eye in dogs.

Knowing the potential causes of pink eye can help you work with your vet to figure out what’s going on and how to treat your pup’s condition.

How Do Vets Diagnose Pink Eye?

When your pup shows signs of pink eye, a vet’s first step is figuring out whether the conjunctivitis is the main issue (primary) or caused by another problem (secondary). Secondary conjunctivitis could stem from eye injuries, infections, or underlying health conditions.^1,2

To diagnose pink eye, your vet will thoroughly examine your dog’s eyes and the surrounding areas, including the eyelids, eyelashes, and tear ducts. They often do this with a tool called an ophthalmoscope, which helps them see the details of the eye.^1,2

Pink eye diagnostic tests

Depending on what the vet finds, they might perform the following tests to confirm your pup has pink eye or check for other health problems.^1,2

• Tear production test (Schirmer tear test): This exam measures your dog’s tear production levels so they can rule out dry eye as a diagnosis.
• Intraocular pressure test: This test checks for conditions like glaucoma or inflammation inside the eye (uveitis).
• Fluorescein dye test: This involves the vet staining the cornea of the eye with a fluorescein dye to see if there are any scratches, ulcers, or other eye injuries.
• Other tests: Your vet might do some additional tests to check for pink eye, like flushing the tear ducts, taking samples to check for bacteria, testing for allergies, or taking biopsies.

Through these tests, your vet can figure out whether your dog has pink eye and pinpoint a likely cause. Then, they can recommend the best treatment to help your pup heal and feel like themselves again.

Treating Conjunctivitis in Dogs

The right treatment for pink eye ultimately depends on what’s causing it. If your pup has a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. For inflammation, they might recommend topical steroids or other anti-inflammatory medications.^1,2

If allergies are the culprit for your dog’s pink eye, your vet may suggest keeping your dog away from specific irritants.^1,2

For more serious conditions — like dry eye, corneal ulcers, or issues with the eyelids or eyelashes — additional medicines or surgery may be necessary to fix the problem and help your pup feel better.^1,2

Pet Insurance Can Ease the Cost of Pink Eye Care

Dogs can get pink eye, and knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you take quick action. Whether their condition is caused by allergies, an infection, or an underlying health issue, working with your vet to address the root of the problem can help your dog feel better faster.

Diagnostic tests and treatments for pink eye can add up — but pet insurance may be able to cover these costs and make it easier to manage your dog’s care. With MetLife Pet Insurance, you can get personalized coverage for unexpected vet costs. Ready to take the next step in your pet’s healthcare? Get a free quote today.