Can Dogs Get Pink Eye? Conjunctivitis in Dogs Explained

Yes, dogs can get pink eye. If your dog’s eye looks red, goopy, or swollen right now, you’re in the right place.

Pink eye in dogs is medically called conjunctivitis (inflammation of the thin membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye), and it’s one of the most common eye issues vets see. Most cases are very treatable. But eye problems can get worse fast, so knowing what you’re looking at and how urgent it is matters.

What are the signs of pink eye in dogs?

Here’s what to look for, and what each sign might be telling you:

• Red or pink whites of the eye: The eye looks irritated or bloodshot. On its own, this could point to allergies, irritation, infection, or something more serious. It’s a signal to look closer, not a diagnosis.
• Eye discharge: The color matters a lot here. Clear or watery discharge usually points to allergies or mild irritation. White or grayish mucus can indicate dry eye. Yellow or green discharge is a strong indicator of bacterial infection and needs vet attention within 24 hours.
• Crusty buildup around the eye: Dried discharge matting the fur around the eye socket. Common with both allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Swollen eyelids: The area around the eye looks puffy or swollen. If this is significant, don’t wait on a vet visit.
• Squinting or keeping one eye shut: A sign of pain or serious irritation. If your dog is holding one eye shut and you can’t see an obvious reason, treat this as urgent.
• Pawing or rubbing at the eye: Your dog is trying to relieve discomfort. This also risks making things worse, so if it’s happening persistently, get it seen.
• Third eyelid showing: Dogs have a third eyelid, a pale membrane in the inner corner of the eye. When it’s visible, it often signals an underlying problem.

Nasal discharge or sneezing alongside eye symptoms This combination can point to a systemic illness like kennel cough or distemper, rather than a straightforward eye infection.

Should I be worried? How to tell how urgent this is

Book a regular vet appointment soon:

• Mild redness with no obvious pain
• Clear or watery discharge
• Some crusty buildup but your dog seems comfortable

See a vet within 24 hours:

• Yellow or green discharge
• Swollen eyelids
• Squinting, or difficulty keeping the eye open
• Persistent pawing at the eye

Go to emergency care now:

• Eye held completely shut
• Visible injury or something lodged in the eye
• Sudden cloudiness or change in eye color
• Signs of significant pain: whimpering, head shaking, extreme sensitivity to light
• Rapid worsening of any symptom

Eye conditions move fast. What looks minor in the morning can become a serious problem by evening if left untreated. When in doubt, call your vet.

What causes pink eye in dogs?

Conjunctivitis is a symptom, not always a standalone condition. Think of it like a runny nose: it tells you something’s going on, but not exactly what. Here are the most common causes:

Allergies

The most common cause, especially if both eyes are affected equally. Pollen, dust, mold, grass, and even certain foods can trigger allergic conjunctivitis in dogs. You’ll usually see watery discharge, redness, and possibly some pawing. Allergic conjunctivitis often comes with other allergy signs like itchy skin or sneezing.

Bacterial infection

Bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs tends to cause that thick, yellow-green discharge. It often starts in one eye and can spread to the other (or to other dogs). This type is contagious between dogs and needs antibiotic eye drops or ointment from your vet.

Viral infection

Viruses like distemper or the ones that cause kennel cough can trigger conjunctivitis as a secondary symptom. If your dog has eye discharge alongside a cough, runny nose, or lethargy, a systemic illness could be the root cause. This is one reason keeping your dog’s vaccinations current really matters.

Foreign body in the eye

A speck of dirt, a grass seed, or a strand of hair lodged against the eye can cause sudden, intense irritation in one eye. You’ll often see a dog squinting one eye and pawing at it frantically. Never try to remove a foreign object at home – you risk scratching the cornea (the clear outer surface of the eye), which can lead to a corneal ulcer.

Dry eye (KCS)

Dry eye in dogs – medically called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) – happens when the eyes don’t produce enough tears to stay properly lubricated. The result is chronic irritation, redness, and a thick, gooey discharge that’s usually whitish or gray. KCS is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management, not a one-and-done treatment. Some breeds are particularly prone to it.

Eyelid abnormalities

Some dogs are born with or develop structural eyelid problems. Entropion is when the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to rub directly against the eye’s surface. Ectropion is the opposite – the eyelid rolls outward, leaving the eye exposed. Both cause chronic irritation and recurring eye infections. Entropion in particular often requires surgery to correct. Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are especially susceptible.

Corneal ulcers

A corneal ulcer is a scratch or open sore on the cornea (the clear dome covering the front of the eye). It’s extremely painful and often causes severe squinting, tearing, and redness in one eye. Corneal ulcers are an emergency and need same-day vet care – they can worsen within hours.

Other underlying conditions

Glaucoma (a buildup of pressure inside the eye), uveitis (inflammation of the inner eye structures), and tumors can all cause pink eye-like symptoms. These are less common but serious, which is another reason you don’t want to just wait and see when your dog’s eye looks off.

Is dog pink eye contagious?

To other dogs: Yes, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can spread dog to dog through direct contact or shared surfaces like bedding or water bowls. If your dog has been diagnosed with an infectious form, keep them away from other dogs until your vet gives the all-clear, and wash any bedding, toys, or bowls they’ve been in contact with.

To humans: Very rare, but technically possible in specific bacterial cases. The risk is low for healthy adults, but wash your hands thoroughly after touching your dog’s eye area, and avoid touching your own eyes afterward. Non-infectious causes like allergies, dry eye, or foreign bodies carry no risk of spreading to you.

How is it diagnosed?

When you bring your dog in, your vet won’t just look at the eye and make a guess. There’s a proper process, and understanding it helps you know what to expect at the appointment.

Physical exam and history

Your vet will start by asking about when the symptoms started, whether it’s one eye or both, and what the discharge looks like. They’ll examine the eye closely using an ophthalmoscope (a handheld light and magnifying tool) to see the eye’s structures clearly.

Fluorescein stain test

A fluorescein stain test is one of the most common diagnostics for eye issues in dogs. The vet applies a bright orange dye to the eye’s surface, then shines a blue light on it. If there’s a scratch or ulcer on the cornea, the dye glows green in that spot, making it easy to see. It’s quick, painless, and incredibly useful for ruling out corneal damage.

Schirmer tear test

If your vet suspects dry eye, they’ll do a Schirmer tear test – a tiny strip of special paper is placed briefly at the edge of the lower eyelid to measure how many tears the eye is producing. Low tear production confirms KCS. It takes about a minute and most dogs tolerate it just fine.

Eye pressure test

If glaucoma is suspected, your vet will use a small instrument called a tonometer to measure the pressure inside the eye. High pressure is a hallmark of glaucoma and needs immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.

Bacterial culture

For persistent or severe bacterial infections, your vet may swab the eye and send a sample to a lab to identify the exact bacteria involved. This helps them choose the most effective antibiotic, especially if initial treatment isn’t working.

Dog eye infection treatment options

Treatment depends entirely on what’s causing the conjunctivitis. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, which is exactly why a proper diagnosis matters.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Most cases clear within 7 to 14 days with consistent treatment. Finish the full course even if the eye looks better earlier.
• Viral conjunctivitis: Supportive care, keeping the eye clean, steroid drops to reduce inflammation, and treating the underlying viral illness. Most cases resolve once the primary infection clears.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Antihistamines, anti-inflammatory eye drops, or identifying and reducing exposure to the allergen. Seasonal allergy cases may need ongoing management with your vet.
• Dry eye (KCS): Ongoing management with tear-stimulating drops like cyclosporine or tacrolimus, which work by reducing the immune response that’s attacking the tear glands. This is typically lifelong treatment, not a one-time fix.
• Foreign body: Your vet will safely remove the object using specialized tools and check for any corneal damage. Don’t attempt removal at home.
• Eyelid abnormalities: Mild cases may be managed with lubricating drops. Significant entropion typically requires corrective surgery to reposition the eyelid. Most dogs do very well post-surgery.
• Corneal ulcers: Antibiotic drops, an e-collar to stop pawing at the eye, and monitoring for healing. Deeper ulcers may require surgery. Superficial ulcers usually heal within a week with proper care.

A note on home remedies: Rinsing the eye gently with sterile saline can help clear discharge temporarily, but it doesn’t treat the underlying cause. Human eye drops, including over-the-counter redness relievers and antibiotic drops, are not safe for dogs and can cause serious damage. Skip the home remedies and see a vet.

Breeds most prone to eye problems

Any dog can get conjunctivitis, but certain breeds have anatomy or genetics that make eye issues more likely. If your dog is on this list, regular eye checks should be part of their routine care:

• Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs – flat faces mean eyes are more exposed and more vulnerable to drying out, injury, and entropion
• Shih Tzus – shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes make them prone to corneal injuries and dry eye
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – prone to dry eye and corneal dystrophy (a condition where abnormal material builds up in the cornea)
• German Shepherds – higher incidence of pannus, an immune-related condition that causes progressive cloudiness of the cornea, as well as dry eye
• Border Collies – prone to Collie eye anomaly, a genetic condition affecting eye development
• Cocker Spaniels – prone to dry eye and glaucoma

If your dog is a higher-risk breed, ask your vet about incorporating eye exams into their regular wellness visits.

How to help prevent pink eye in dogs

You can’t prevent every case, but these steps reduce the risk:

• Keep vaccinations current: vaccines for distemper and other viral illnesses reduce the risk of viral conjunctivitis significantly
• Check your dog’s eyes weekly: a quick look helps you catch changes early, before they escalate
• Skip the car window hang: wind and debris are a fast track to eye irritation and injury
• Keep fur trimmed around the eyes: especially in long-haired breeds where fur can rub against the eye constantly
• Don’t share water bowls between dogs: especially if one dog has an active eye infection
• Minimize exposure to known irritants: if your dog has seasonal allergies, work with your vet on managing exposure during high-pollen periods

Does pet insurance cover dog eye infections?

Eye infections can rack up a real bill: vet visit, diagnostic tests, prescription drops, and follow-up appointments. If the issue turns out to be something structural like entropion, or a chronic condition like dry eye, costs add up fast over your dog’s lifetime.

If your dog develops conjunctivitis after your Lemonade pet insurance policy is active, a base accident and illness policy can cover the vet exam, diagnostics like the fluorescein stain test and Schirmer tear test, and prescription medications including antibiotic eye drops. Eligible surgical cases may be covered too.

The key is getting coverage before something goes wrong. Once a condition is diagnosed, it’s considered pre-existing and won’t be covered going forward. If your dog’s eyes are healthy right now, that’s the right time to look into a policy.

Before we go

A red, goopy, or squinting eye is your dog’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Most of the time it’s very treatable, but eye conditions don’t tend to wait. Whether it turns out to be allergies, a bacterial infection, dry eye, or something structural, getting it checked quickly is always the right call.

If you’re not sure how urgent it is, use the guide above. When in doubt, call your vet. A quick phone call is always better than waiting a day too long.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.