Eye Infections: Important Information for Dog Owners

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
May 28
6 min read

If you’ve noticed your pup’s eyes are bothering them, they may be dealing with an eye infection. Fortunately, as long as you get your pup treated, you probably don’t have anything to worry about!

Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on when your dog’s eyes aren’t as clear and bright as usual.

What Is an Eye Infection in Dogs?

According to Vets Now, an eye infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, foreign bodies, or irritants cause issues in your dog’s eyes.

While there are many different types of eye infections in dogs, the most common one is called conjunctivitis. This is when the clear tissue that covers your dog’s eyeball and the inside of their eyelid gets inflamed.

Other types common types of eye infections in dogs include:

Inflammation of the cornea
Tear gland issues or eyelid abnormalities
Uveitis (inflammation of the iris, ciliary body, and/or choroid)

What Is the Prognosis for Eye Infections in Dogs?

The prognosis for eye infections in dogs is generally good! Most cases of conjunctivitis have a positive outcome. The same goes for Uvetitis when it’s treated properly.

That said, your dog’s outcome depends on how quickly you get them treatment, the underlying cause of the infection, and the severity of their case. Seeing your veterinarian quickly when you notice eye issues with your dog is advisable.

Learn More: How To Choose a Veterinarian

How Common Are Eye Infections in Dogs?

They are common! Issues like conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, tear gland issues, eyelid abnormalities, and Uveitis are pretty common in dogs.

Learn More: Common Health Issues Your Shelter Dog May Come Home With

How Are Eye Infections in Dogs Diagnosed?

Chances are you’ll notice your dog is having issues with their eye, prompting a trip to the vet.

Your vet will start with a physical eye exam. Depending on what they see, they may perform:

Eye swabs: To culture bacteria or identify viral agents
Fluorescein staining: Detects scratches or ulcers on the cornea
Intraocular pressure: Can rule out glaucoma or Uveitis
Schirmer tear test: Evaluates tear production

It’s possible your vet may also want to do allergy testing or a biopsy depending on their specific concerns.

What Causes Eye Infections in Dogs?

Dogs can develop eye infections from:

Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections (like canine influenza, distemper, hepatitis, and herpes)
Breed-associated conditions
Eye disorders
Eyelid abnormalities
Fungi in the environment
Immune disorders
Obstructed tear ducts
Tear film deficiencies
Tumors
Trauma or irritation to the eye

Since there are such a wide variety of issues that could be causing your dog’s eye infection, some of which could be serious underlying health conditions, it’s important to consult with your vet if your dog is showing symptoms of an eye infection.

Learn More: Cherry Eye in Dogs

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Infections in Dogs?

Your dog may have an eye infection if they have the following symptoms:

Blinking more than usual
Cloudy eyes
Eye discharge of excess tearing
Holding their eye closed
Pawing at their eye
Red or bloodshot eyes
Sensitivity to light
Squinting

If you see your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a consult with your vet.

Learn More: At-Home Health Checks for Dogs

What Health Issues Can Eye Infections in Dogs Cause?

If left untreated, even a mild infection can lead to:

Chronic pain
Corneal scarring
Ulceration
Vision impairment or loss

How Are Eye Infections in Dogs Treated?

Treating your dog’s eye infection requires both veterinary intervention and continued at-home care.

Veterinary Intervention

Treatment depends on the cause. The following treatments may be needed:

Cause	Treatment
Allergies	Antihistamines
Bacterial infection	Antibiotics and eyedrops
Blocked tear ducts	Surgery, eyedrops, and antibiotics
Dry eye	Medication to stimulate tear production
Eyelash or eyelid abnormality	Surgery
Foreign body or debris	Removal, potentially under sedation
Fungi	Antifungal medications
Virus	Antiviral medications

At-Home Care

The following strategies for at-home care might be helpful in giving your dog some relief:

A cool or warm compress can help reduce pain and alleviate itching
Clean around the eyes gently with a damp cloth to remove discharge
Use a cone to keep your dog from further irritating their eyes

Also, make sure to administer medications your vet prescribes for the full duration of time directed and try to limit your dog’s exposure to irritants like dust or debris in windy weather.

How Long Do Eye Infections in Dogs Last?

It can take anywhere from a week to a month for your dog’s eye infection to go clear once they start treatment. The length of infection will depend on the type and cause of your dog’s eye infection.

Even if it takes a month, one month in the scope of a lifetime with your pup is a drop in the bucket.

Are Eye Infections in Dogs Deadly?

On their own, eye infections are not typically life-threatening. However, if the infection is caused by something like distemper, that is cause for concern.

Unfortunately, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that distemper kills 50% of dogs it infects.

Are Eye Infections Contagious To Other Dogs?

Yes. Certain types of eye infections can be passed between dogs, specifically bacterial and viral.

Are Eye Infections in Dogs Contagious To People?

While not common, Healthline does report that viral or bacterial conjunctivitis can be spread from dogs to people. So, make sure to wash your hands after touching your pets and launder bedding or blankets you may share with your dog if they have an eye infection.

How Long Are Dogs With Eye Infections Contagious?

It varies based on the cause of the infection. However, most vets recommend keeping dogs separated until symptoms resolve.

Some places, like certain doggy daycares, may ask that you keep your pup out of daycare for three weeks from the onset of symptoms and one week after symptoms have resolved.

From both a human and dog perspective, virus particles that cause pink eye can live on fabrics for up to eight weeks, while bacteria can survive for eight hours.

Take that as your cue to do your laundry!

How Can I Protect My Dog From Getting Eye Infections?

These prevention tips can be helpful if you want to help your pup avoid eye infections:

Check your dog’s eyes regularly
Don’t let your dog stick their head out the window of a car
Flush your dog’s eyes with artificial tears to clear irritants after a windy walk
Keep hair trimmed around the eyes
Keep them away from sick animals
Minimize exposure to allergens and irritants
Purchase dog goggles
Trim bushes in your yard
Use tearless shampoo for baths

It’s also wise to regularly wash food bowls, water bowls, bedding, and toys to prevent the spread of any illness between your pup and other dogs.

Is It Possible My Dog Has Something Other Than an Eye Infection?

Yes. It could be something more serious, like distemper. This is another reason why it’s so important for your dog to see a vet quickly if it seems like something is wrong with their eyes.

Final Thoughts

If something looks off with your dog’s eyes, trust your instincts and call your vet. Most infections clear up quickly with treatment, but acting fast is key to keeping your dog healthy and seeing the world clearly.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional medical advice. It is based on personal experience and online research. Please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's health.

Sources

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The Vets. (2025, January 20). Dog Eye Infections: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. Retrieved from https://thevets.com/resources/pet-conditions/dog-eye-infection/
Vetster. (2024, October 11). How Do I Know if My Dog Has an Eye Infection? Retrieved from https://vetster.com/en/wellness/how-do-i-know-if-my-dog-has-an-eye-infection
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Vetster. (2022, December 9). Uveitis in Dogs. Retrieved from https://vetster.com/en/conditions/dog/uveitis
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Lucy's Doggy Daycare and Spa. (n.d.). What Is Conjunctivitis? Retrieved from https://lucysdoggydaycare.com/what-is-conjunctivitis/
Small Door Veterinary. (n.d.). Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/pink-eye-in-dogs
Veterinary Specialty Center Tucson. (n.d.). Dog Eye Infection - Causes & Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.vscot.com/site/blog/2021/05/17/dog-eye-infection