Can Dogs Get Pink Eye?

Can dogs get pink eye? In a word: Yes. Just like humans, dogs can catch this highly contagious virus. Pink eye causes your furry friend to develop a clear or greenish-yellow discharge, reddish inflammation in the whites of their eyes (which gives the condition its nickname), and an itch or discomfort this common infection can cause. Cats are just as susceptible as any furry, feathered, or scaly family member. Regardless of your pet’s age or species, pink eye will make your pet miserable and uncomfortable.

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye (or conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue lining a dog’s eyes, eyelid, and third eyelid. The clear lining acts as a protective barrier against infections and foreign objects, so it’s vulnerable to infection and irritation.

Pink eye can occur as a direct result of a contagious viral or bacterial infection, or, more commonly in dogs; it can develop as a result of another eye problem. When cats get conjunctivitis, it is usually secondary to other diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Specific causes of conjunctivitis include:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Viral infection
  • Blocked tear ducts
  • Allergies
  • Tumors
  • Trauma to the eye from smoke, a foreign body, or environmental pollutants
  • Eyelash disorders like entropion
  • Other eye disorders, including glaucoma, anterior uveitis, or ulcerative keratitis

If a viral or bacterial infection causes pink eye, it can be very contagious, and immediate action is necessary to stop it from spreading to other animals. If symptoms occur due to another eye problem, it is not contagious.

Symptoms of Pink Eye in Dogs

Conjunctivitis is uncomfortable for your pet, and if left untreated, it can lead to corneal ulceration and even blindness. You may first notice:

  • Squinting
  • Excessive blinking
  • Pawing at the eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Clear or greenish discharge
  • Red or swollen eyelids or whites of the eye

How You Can Help Your Dog’s Pink Eye

If you spot signs of pink eye in your dog, you should have them checked by your veterinarian to rule out any serious injury.*

When your canine companion struggles with viral or bacterial pink eye, one application of Curicyn Pink Eye Solution may help stop the infection in as little as one day. Applying it not only cleanses your pet’s eyes, but it can help reduce redness, remove irritants, and promote healing in 1-3 days.

Pet parents swear by Curicyn Pink Eye Solution because our gel-based formula is easy to apply and works fast. One single application from our twist-top bottle helps neutralize harmful organisms to stop the spread of pink eye. Your dog will feel immediate, soothing relief from itchy, red, watery, goopy, squinty eyes. And, since our formula is pH-balanced, non-toxic, steroid- and antibiotic-free, it will never sting or burn upon application.

Keeping your dog or cat comfortable when they have conjunctivitis is not an easy task, and with Curicyn Pink Eye Solution at your fingertips, we hope to make it just a bit easier.

*Always contact your veterinarian if your pet’s eye redness warrants professional medical care.