How to treat conjunctivitis in a dog
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane covering the eye. The most common causes of this eye condition in dogs are allergies, inadequate tear duct production - a disease known as drying keratoconjunctivitis, foreign bodies accidentally introduced into the eye and ulcers which are generally caused by trauma. On OneHowTo.com we explain how to treat your dog's conjunctivitis.
Contents
Cleaning the eye
The use of artificial tears is necessary in cases of dry keratoconjunctivitis and recommended in other cases. Obviously, if there is no problem you don't need to clean your dog's eyes every day, but it is suitable as part of treatment of these infections and when we detect the presence of gummy eyes.
As a general rule, we recommend cleaning dog's eyes with artificial tears rather than with saline or chamomile. Clean water is a good choice if you need it right away or if artificial tears are not available.
Eye drops
Eye drops for dogs should always be prescribed by a veterinarian, as many contain corticoids, which are extremely useful in cases of allergic conjunctivitis but extremely harmful in cases where there is ulceration, as these may even perforate the eye.
Through a very simple test (fluorescein) the veterinarian will determine the presence or non-presence of ulcers and, along with other diagnostics, provide appropriate treatment.
Care
Although it is sometimes overlooked, the use of an Elizabethan collar, also known as bell collar or cone, is crucial in cases of conjunctivitis, to prevent further injury to the eye dog through the dog scratching with its paws. Monitoring and reviewing of the state of its eye is very important, as eye problems can worsen very quickly.
On the other hand, if you've taken your dog to a place with abundant vegetation, and you see it scratching its eyes, you should check its eyes for any foreign bodies added to them, such as spikes or sprigs.
Uncomplicated ulcers heal with antibiotic eye drops and, if necessary, epitelizant cream but as we said these products should be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Even without conjunctivitis, it is recommend that you take your dog to the vet for a check-up at least twice a year, and if you detect excessive presence of eye discharge, scratching eyes, cuts or stains on them, and excessive blinking.
To accompany the treatment prescribed by your vet, we recommend trying some home remedies to help with dog conjunctivitis.
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