Dog Eye Infection: Causes, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer)

Eye problems in dogs can be very serious. If you have noticed a problem with your dog’s eyes, your first thought was probably an eye infection. However, eye infections rarely occur on their own and are usually due to an underlying problem.

Fixing your dog’s eyes depends on accurately diagnosing and treating the initial cause. There is also the possibility your dog doesn’t have an infection at all. Read on to learn more about eye problems and infections in dogs.

What Is an Eye Infection?

An eye infection can be caused by various infectious agents, usually bacteria, but fungi, parasites, and viruses can also infect the eye. Since an eye infection could occur in different parts of the eye, you should understand its structure. The eyeball itself is called the globe.

The globe is split into three chambers, which are filled with fluid. The uvea is a vascular layer that is part of the eye wall. The lens sits within the eye and refracts light to the retina, which sits on the back wall inside the eye. The eye sits within the eye socket or “orbit” and is surrounded by a pink membrane of tissue called the conjunctiva.

Like us, dogs have an upper and lower eyelid, but they also have a third eyelid or “nictitating membrane”, which is a pink membrane that can sometimes be seen in the inner corners of the eyes. The whites of the eyes are called the sclera, and the protective barrier on the front of the eye is the cornea.

Some eye infections are “primary” infections, meaning they occur on their own. However, most eye infections are “secondary” infections, meaning that another condition allowed an opportunistic infection to develop. Eye infections lead to inflammation, but you might notice the signs of inflammation due to problems other than infections.

What Are the Signs of an Eye Infection?

If you notice signs of an eye problem, you should get help for your dog right away. These signs are not specific to infections in the eye and, if untreated, can lead to your dog losing sight or damaging their eyes further. Your dog could have different signs depending on the type of infection, but generally, you will see:

If your dog struggles with any of the signs above, you should take them to be examined by a vet.

What Are the Causes of an Eye Infection?

As mentioned earlier, eye infections can happen on their own or secondary to other problems. Some signs of eye problems are not caused by an infection at all.

Primary Infections

The primary causes of infection (or infestation) in or around the eye include:

Secondary Infections

Secondary infections are caused by opportunistic microbes (mainly bacteria) that infect the eye when the defenses are weakened.

Conditions that can lead to a secondary infection include:

Non-infectious Eye Problems

How Do I Care for a Dog With an Eye Infection?

If you notice any signs of an eye infection, your dog will need immediate care. Remember that severe diseases like glaucoma can look like an eye infection at first glance. Call your veterinarian, and they will advise you whether you can wait for an appointment or if you need to go to an emergency veterinary hospital.

While waiting for your veterinary appointment, you can clean the eyes with a warm saline solution. If you don’t have a physiological saline solution, you can make your own with 1 teaspoon of table salt in 2 cups of water. Use boiling water to make the solution, and then allow it to cool before using.

Using cotton swabs, gently wipe over your pet’s eyes. For your safety, muzzle your pet before cleaning their eyes if you think they might bite you. If you suspect irritants like chemicals or dust in the eyes, you should give them a more thorough clean.

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What to Expect at the Vet

First, your veterinarian will gather a history and ask questions about what happened to your pet, how long the signs have been present, and other relevant information. Your veterinarian will examine your dog, primarily focusing on their eyes. They may use an ophthalmoscope to look at the back of the eye.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will an Eye Infection Go Away on Its Own?

No, the infection won’t go away on its own. Sometimes minor irritations, such as from sand or smoke, will resolve quickly, but if the eye is infected it will need veterinary intervention to resolve.

Without a veterinary exam, you can’t be sure your dog doesn’t have a severe underlying problem, like glaucoma, that could affect their vision. On top of that, eye problems can be very painful for your dog, so you want to get them resolved as soon as possible.

Is Dog Conjunctivitis an Emergency?

All eye problems can be considered emergencies because when dogs try to scratch their eyes, they can cause further damage. Some conditions can lead to vision loss if not treated quickly, so if your dog shows any signs of eye issues, you should call the vet.

Conclusion

Without a veterinary visit, it is impossible to tell if or why your dog has an eye infection. Most true eye infections are secondary to other problems, and there is always a chance your pet’s eye problem could be caused by a more serious underlying cause. Since we don’t want your pet to lose their vision or be in pain, we recommend calling your vet as soon as the first sign of eye issues is detected. See Also: 

• Bulldog Tail Pocket Infection: Vet-Approved Prevention & Care Guide

• Can Dogs Get Styes? Vet-Reviewed Signs, Causes & Treatment

Featured Image Credit: Alexandr Jitarev, Shutterstock