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Dog Pink Eye
Dog pink eye, or “dog conjunctivitis” if you want to sound cool,
affects the eye of the dog exactly the same as it does a human
eye. It can be quite a bothersome and unsettling experience
for your dog.
Luckily, the symptoms are often easy to read
which makes diagnosing and treating the affliction a much simpler and
faster process.
Symptoms of pink eye
Difference between pink eye and other dog eye problems
Causes of pink eye
Treating pink eye
Holistic routines to maintain good eye health
Symptoms of Dog Pink Eye
Holistic experts believe that overall health and wellbeing are mirrored
in the eyes. So when the eyes are suffering from infections,
it is very important that the root of the issue is discovered and
treated along with the eye infection itself.
Don’t be fooled!
Many of the symptoms found with dog pink eye can also be found when
debris or foreign bodies enter the eye area. Check the eye
thoroughly for anything that does not belong.
Common symptoms of dog pink eye include:
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Abnormal amount of discharge coming from the dog’s eye, often
collecting around the eye area and limiting the dog’s ability to blink
or open the eye fully
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Pronounced pink color of the dog’s eye area
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Severe bloodshot appearance may also be observed
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Surrounding eye tissue, including the eyelid, will be inflamed
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Difference Between Dog Pink Eye and Other Dog Eye ProblemsThere are a few ways that dog pink eye sets itself apart from other dog eye
problems:
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Dog pink eye often causes
 severe itching of the entire eye
area. You may notice your dog attempting to find relief by
rubbing its eye on the corner of the couch or carpet. They
also tend to use their paws to scratch the eye as well as try to remove
excess discharge, which can be very irritating for the dog.
This violent rubbing could cause serious damage to the dog’s eye and
should be prevented.
-
Dog pink eye can have an affect on your dog’s spirit and daily
routine. You may notice that your dog’s new favorite spot is
a dark corner of your kitchen or living room and that less time is
being spent playing in the sun. This happens because the
infected eye becomes very sensitive to light.
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Lastly, pay close attention to the amount of tears your dog’s eye is
producing. While normal tear production can vary from one
animal to another, you should be able to tell if your dog is producing
more tears than usual. Again, make sure a foreign object is
not the cause before jumping to conclusions.
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What Causes Dog Pink Eye?Did you know that humans carrying the bacterial form of pink eye can
actually transmit this infection to our dogs?
So if your toddler comes home from pre-school with a pink, swollen eye,
don’t just think of protecting your human family from
transmission. Keep your dog away as well!
There are a few other ways that our dogs contract dog pink eye:
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It can begin by a small, foreign body entering the eye area of the
dog. This can be anything from a piece of bark to a small
insect and if it remains in the eye area for too long, it can cause an
irritation which can lead to pink eye. If you notice that
your dog’s eye is looking irritated, you might want to try rising out
the eye with water or an eye wash.
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When dogs roll around and play together, it is not uncommon for small
injuries to occur. The eye of a dog is very sensitive and can
be easily scratched with the paw of another dog. This injury
can commonly lead to pink eye.
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The bacterial form of Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is the most common
form. This form is spread by contact and that means human to
dog, dog to dog or even insect to dog.
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The viral form of Conjunctivitis is air borne and is more commonly
transferred in the winter months when the air is damp and
humid. You’re best bet is to keep your fingers crossed, knock
on wood, find a four-leafed clover…well, you get the idea.
Not much you can do to fight against the viral form.
-
Another very common cause of dog pink eye is an allergic
reaction. Your dog may be suffering from an allergy to
something in the environment, and that allergy can cause sinus
irritation along with inflammation of the mucus membranes of the
eye. If this occurs in your dog, attempt to treat or
eliminate the allergen along with the pink eye.
(back to top)Treating Dog Pink EyeSince the eye is one of the most sensitive and delicate areas of the
dog’s body, it is recommended that herbal remedies be used to treat eye infections ONLY  after being diagnosed by your holistic vet.
There are many options for you to try and one of them should clear up
the issue and keep the eye area healthy.
The first step in treating your dog’s pink eye is making sure the eye
and the eye area are clean. Use a soft, fresh cloth to wipe
away excess dirt, discharge and foreign bodies.
If you think that there might be something lodged in the back of the
eye, try flushing out the eye with lukewarm water. If you do
see something lodged in the eye, take the dog to the veterinarian to
have it removed.
The following are natural therapies recommended to treat common forms
of Conjunctivitis by the Pet Lovers Guide to Natural Healing for Cats
and Dogs:
Supplements can be fed directly or mixed with food to help fight off
infection and keep the dog’s eyes healthy:
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Quercetin
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Vitamin B complex
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Vitamin C
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Zinc
Herbs can be administered orally or inserted into the eye in a liquid
form:
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Aloe vera (clear gel)
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Chamomile tea wash
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Eyebright tea wash
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Green tea wash
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Herbal eye tonic (given orally)
If you are trying to raise your dog using the homeopathic approach to
health, the following treatments are recommended.
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Apis mel for mild conjunctivitis
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Pulsatilla for green-yellow discharge
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Silicea for swelling
(back to top)Holistic Routines to Maintain Good Eye Health- Keep the eyes very clean, trimming the hair around the eyes often and
wiping away excess discharge and dirt.
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Supplement your dog’s diet with:
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Bioflavonoids
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Pycnogenois
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Vitamins A, C and D
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Zinc
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As soon as you recognize redness or discomfort in the eye of your dog,
try bathing the eyes with one of the following:
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Artificial tears (regular eye drops can be purchased at the drug store)
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Calendula tea
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Chamomile tea
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Eyebright tea
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Rosemary tea
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Salt water: 1 tsp in 1 cup of water
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Acupuncture can also be used to help treat and prevent eye problems in
dogs. It can help to relieve discomfort and can also correct
imbalances in the body that could be the root of the eye issues.
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A good diet is always helpful in maintaining overall health.
Foods such as green vegetables, parsley, purple or blue berries,
carrots, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are all known to be good for
the eyes.
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Back to Illnesses
& Remedies from Dog Pink Eye
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