|
Dog Pink Eye (Dog Conjunctivitis)
Dog pink eye refers generally to the inflammation of the mucuous membranes and soft tissues surrounding the dog's eye, which may look severely bloodshot or irritated.
As indicated in the name, this problem can be easily recognized by the pink color of the afflicted dog's eye.
Causes of Dog Pink Eye
This eye infection may be a result of various causes, the most common ones are:
- Bacterial infection (bacterial conjunctivitis)
Probably the most common form, and is typically spread by contact, such as contact with humans who are carrying the disease, other dogs, or even flying insects.
- Viral infection
This form of infection is transmitted in much the same way as bacterial conjunctivitis. Some of the viruses that cause dog pink eye are airborne, and little can be done to
protect against them.
- Allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)
If your dog is allergic to certain kinds of foods, or other airborne allergens, he can develop pink eye as a result of sinus irritation and inflammation of the mucus
membranes.
- Trauma, e.g. from a fight
- Foreign bodies, e.g. a piece of splinter
- Inadequate tear production, resulting in a condition known as "dry eye".
Top
Symptoms of Dog Conjunctivitis
- Reddening of the eyes.
- Excessive tearing.
- A discharge from the corner of one or both eyes - the discharge can be
watery or thick; can be yellow, white, green, or bloody.
- Eyes may be closed.
- The dog may be rubbing his face on the floor or other objects, and may be scratching around the eye area.
- The dog may look listless and weak.
- The dog may refuse to go outside because his eye is sensitive to the light.
If you notice your pet has developed conjunctivitis, you should first determine the severity of the problem.
Take your dog to a veterinarian if:
- he is weak and listless;
- the discharge from the eyes is thick, bloody, or looks infected;
- he feels pain in the eyes, or if he keeps them shut
- he is not eating;
- the condition is caused by a trauma, e.g. a cat scratch, or ulceration of the cornea.
|
It would be helpful information for the vet if you could find out the cause of your dog's condition. Here are some questions that may give you some clue:
- Was the onset of this condition sudden? Was your pet injured in a fight?
- Has your dog been out where foreign bodies (such as foxtail or debris) might have entered his eye?
- Does your pet show any signs of allergy such as sneezing?
- Has your dog had this condition before, or is this an isolated incident?
- Are there any other symptoms of illness?
Top
Herbal Remedies for Dog Pink Eye
If you can determine that your dog's conjunctivitis is minor and there is no ulceration, try these herbal remedies. They are safe and they work!
Herbal eyewash
Put a quarter of a teaspoon of salt in one cup of distilled or filtered water. Add about 10 drops of any of the following herbal tinctures:
Use a dropper pipette to rinse the affected eye 2 or 3 times a day.
An Effective Natural Eye Wash
Halo Herbal Natural Eye Wash Solution for Dogs and Cats
This eye wash kit uses the herbs eyebright (effective herb for eye problems) and goldenseal (excellent herb with anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties), and is a handy product to have for your dog's eyes! |
Herbal eye compress
If you find it difficult to apply eyedrops to your pet, try using a compress. Soak a piece of sterile cotton in a herbal tea and apply it to your pet's eye for a few minutes, 2 or 3 times a day.
One simple way to make a herbal tea is to steep a chamomile teabag in a cup of hot water. Let the tea cool and use it over the eye. Remember to throw away the cotton piece after use!
Top
Other Treatments for Conjunctivitis in Dogs
Similisan Homeopathic Eye Drops
This homeopathic treatment may be a choice for mild cases of dog pink eye, especially for cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Use the eye drops for a short period of time (no more than 2 weeks), and if the condition does not go away, please be sure to seek veterinary assistance.
Vitamins C and E
Vitamins C (5-10 mg per pound, 2-3 times daily) and E (5-10 mg per pound, once daily) help reduce inflammation and stimulate healing.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is effective in stimulating corneal healing. Cod liver oil (one drop) can be applied directly in the eye every day until the condition goes away.
A Great Chinese Herbal Product for Dog Eyes
Nature's Herbs for Pets Clear Vision for Dogs
This Chinese herbal remedy for dogs is beneficial to dogs with eye conditions such as eye infections/inflammation, double/blurred vision, dry eyes, conjunctivitis, failing
eyesight, dilatation of pupils, cloudy eyes, etc. It contains Chinese herbs (such as chrysanthemum, rehmannia, cassia seed) that have traditionally been used to treat eye
problems. Very effective!
|
Related Topics
Dog Eye Problems
Dog Eye Discharge
Dog Glaucoma
Dog Cataracts
Herbal Dog Eye Drops and Remedies
References
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
TOP of Dog Pink Eye
|
| Fun Stuff |
|
|