What is conjunctivitis in dogs?

Inflammation of the conjunctiva — the mucous membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the eye surface. One of the most common eye problems in dogs.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs?

Red eyes, discharge (clear, yellow or green depending on cause), swollen eyelids, frequent eye gunk, light sensitivity and pawing at the eye.

Can dog conjunctivitis spread to humans?

The zoonotic risk is very low with normal hygiene. Wash your hands after treating your dog's eye.

What eye drops are used for dog conjunctivitis?

Depends on the cause: antibiotic drops (tobramycin, chloramphenicol) for bacterial; antihistamine drops for allergic; artificial tears for KCS (dry eye). Never use human corticosteroid eye drops without veterinary prescription.

Dog Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Types of Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Bacterial: mucopurulent discharge (yellow-green), eyelids stuck together in the morning.
Viral: associated with distemper or herpesvirus. Serous bilateral discharge with systemic signs.
Allergic: serous discharge, intense itching, usually bilateral and seasonal.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS / dry eye): insufficient tear production, thick mucous discharge, cloudy cornea. Common in Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Pugs — frequently confused with infectious conjunctivitis.
Mechanical / foreign body: grass, sand, ingrown hairs (entropion). Unilateral irritation.

Red Flags: Go to the Emergency Vet

Corneal opacity (white or bluish clouding).
Tightly shut, very painful eye (intense blepharospasm).
Visible or suspected corneal ulcer.
Bloody discharge.
No improvement after 48-72 hours of treatment.

Treatment by Cause

Bacterial: antibiotic drops (tobramycin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin) 3-4× daily for 7-10 days.
Allergic: topical antihistamines, topical corticosteroids (only if no corneal ulcer), treat underlying allergy.
KCS: topical ciclosporin or tacrolimus (stimulate tear production) + frequent artificial tears.
Foreign body: flush eye with saline; veterinary removal if it persists.

Home Care

Clean discharge with sterile gauze dampened in saline, wiping from inner to outer corner. Don't share towels between dog and people. Wash hands before and after administering drops.