Can Dogs Get Pink Eye?
It makes the eye red and weepy. A vet should confirm the cause and choose the right drops.
Yes, dogs can get pink eye, known as conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye. It makes the eye look red and weepy and can be caused by allergies, irritants, infections or a blocked tear duct. It is usually treatable, but a vet should confirm the cause and rule out anything more serious.
Symptoms to Watch For
| Sign | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Redness | Inflamed pink tissue around the eye |
| Discharge | Watery, or thick and mucky |
| Squinting | Holding the eye partly closed |
| Swelling | Puffy lids or the third eyelid showing |
| Pawing | Rubbing at the irritated eye |
Common Causes
What triggers it
- Allergies to pollen, dust or other allergens
- Irritants such as smoke, dust or shampoo
- Bacterial or viral infection
- A blocked tear duct or dry eye
- A foreign object like a grass seed
Care and Treatment
- Clean the eye. Gently wipe discharge away with a soft, damp cloth.
- Prevent rubbing. Use a cone if your dog keeps pawing the eye.
- See your vet. Get the cause diagnosed and the correct drops prescribed.
- Finish treatment. Complete the full course even once the eye looks better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pink eye look like in dogs?
Conjunctivitis makes the pink tissue around the eye look red and inflamed. You may see watery or thick discharge, squinting, swelling, and your dog pawing or rubbing the eye. It can affect one eye or both, depending on the cause.
What causes conjunctivitis in dogs?
Common triggers include allergies, dust and other irritants, bacterial or viral infections, a blocked tear duct, dry eye, and foreign objects like grass seeds. Because these need different treatments, a vet should confirm the cause rather than you guessing.
Is dog pink eye contagious?
It depends on the cause. Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious, but some infectious forms can spread to other dogs, and rarely between species. If you have several pets and more than one develops red, weepy eyes, mention it to your vet.
How is pink eye in dogs treated?
Treatment targets the cause: medicated drops or ointment for infections, managing allergies, flushing out irritants, or treating dry eye with tear-stimulating drops. Most cases improve quickly with the right care. Never use human pink-eye drops without veterinary guidance.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
