Eye Infections in Dogs
Dog Health Guides · Diseases
Dog Eye Infection: Signs, Types and Treatment
If you are reading about dog eye infection, your veterinarian is the best first step. This guide explains what owners commonly see and what to do next. It does not diagnose or prescribe.
A dog eye infection usually shows up as a red, squinting or swollen eye with yellow or green discharge. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the most common type, but several other eye problems look similar, including corneal scratches and ulcers, dry eye, and glaucoma, and these need very different treatment.
Because the wrong drops can make some eye problems worse, the safest dog eye infection treatment starts with a vet exam. This guide explains the types of eye infections in dogs, what you can safely do at home, and when an eye is an emergency.
Important: An eye problem can get worse fast. See a vet today if your dog is squinting or holding the eye shut, the eye is cloudy, blue or bulging, the pupil looks different from the other eye, there is an injury, or your dog is in pain. Do not use human eye drops, especially ones containing steroids.
More detailed guides
For a closer look at a specific problem, open one of these guides.
Types of Dog Eye Infections and Look-Alikes
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye. It can be bacterial, viral, or caused by allergies or irritants.
Keratitis and Corneal Ulcers
Inflammation or a scratch on the clear front of the eye. Ulcers are painful and can get infected.
Dry Eye (KCS)
Low tear production causes thick, sticky yellow discharge and a dull eye. It looks like infection but needs lifelong treatment.
Glaucoma and Uveitis
Painful conditions inside the eye that cause redness, cloudiness and squinting. Glaucoma is an emergency.
Dog Eye Infection Symptoms
Redness and Swelling
Red whites of the eye or red, puffy eyelids.
Discharge
Yellow, green or thick discharge, or crusts on the lashes. See dog eye boogers.
Squinting and Rubbing
Holding the eye half-closed, blinking a lot, or pawing at the face.
Cloudiness or Color Change
A cloudy, blue or bluish-white eye is a reason to see a vet the same day.
How Eye Infections Develop and Spread
From Irritation or Injury
Dust, grass seeds, scratches from play or cats, and shampoo can irritate the eye and let bacteria in.
From Other Conditions
Allergies, dry eye, eyelids that roll inward, and respiratory infections can all lead to eye infections. See dog allergies and kennel cough.
Between Dogs
Viral and some bacterial conjunctivitis can pass between dogs through close contact and shared bedding. Wash your hands after cleaning the eye.
Dog Eye Infection Treatment: What Your Vet Does
A Simple Stain Test
Your vet uses a fluorescent dye to check for scratches and ulcers, and may measure tear production and eye pressure.
Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointment
If bacteria are involved and the eye surface is healthy, your vet may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. See antibiotics for dogs.
Treating the Cause
Dry eye, allergies, eyelid problems and glaucoma each need their own treatment.
What To Do Tonight
Mild redness
Slightly pink eye with a little clear discharge and no squinting: gentle cleaning and a vet visit if it is not better within a day or two.
See a vet today
Squinting, cloudiness, a bulging or blue eye, injury, thick green discharge, or obvious pain.
Related products
Terramycin Ointment - Bird Eye Infection Treatment
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Antibiotic eye ointment (oxytetracycline and polymyxin B). The manufacturer’s label covers dogs, as well as cats, horses, cattle and sheep, for surface eye infections. Use it only after your vet has examined the eye and directs it: scratches, ulcers, dry eye and glaucoma need different care.
View product →Free shipping on orders $75+. Prices and stock update automatically. Products are listed for education; medicines are used only when a veterinarian directs care. This page does not diagnose or prescribe.
Related Dog Health Guides
Back to Dog Health Guides →Eye Infections in Dogs FAQ
How do I know if my dog has an eye infection?
Look for redness, swelling, squinting, rubbing, and yellow or green discharge. A vet exam is needed to tell an infection from an ulcer, dry eye or glaucoma.
Can I use home remedies for dog conjunctivitis?
You can gently clean the eye with warm water or saline and stop rubbing. Avoid tea, honey, vinegar and human drops. A vet should check the eye before any medicine is used.
What dog eye infection drops are safe?
Only drops or ointment your vet prescribes after checking the eye. Drops that contain steroids can make a corneal ulcer much worse.
Can a dog eye infection go away on its own?
Mild irritation can settle, but true infections, ulcers and dry eye usually need treatment. If it is not better in a day or two, see your vet.
Is a dog eye infection contagious to people?
It is uncommon, but wash your hands after cleaning your dog’s eyes, and keep the cloth for your dog only.
Is this eye infections in dogs guide a substitute for a vet visit?
No. It is educational only. Your veterinarian should examine your dog and guide any diagnosis and treatment.
Can I work out a medicine dose from this page?
No. Never work out doses from product strengths, other pets’ medicines or internet pages. The right medicine and dose depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, health and other medicines, so they must come from your veterinarian.