Eye problems are often obvious to owners because dogs will rub at their eyes, rub their faces on the ground, wink, and even hold one or both eyes shut. Their eyes may also appear red, crusty, or teary.

Many owners don't know what they can safely do to help at home. Some products can cause serious, if not permanent, damage to an eye or interact with your dog's other medications so it is important to know how eye disease can be managed at home while you wait to see your veterinarian.

What Is 'Pink Eye' in Dogs?

Pink eye is the common name used in human medicine for conjunctivitis and can occur in dogs when the tissue that covers the surface of the eye, called the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed.

Red, itchy eyes can occur because of conjunctivitis and/or many other eye diseases. Conjunctivitis may be caused by an infection (viral, bacterial, or even parasitic), allergies, or foreign material irritating the surface of the eye. In all cases, a dog showing signs of an eye problem needs to be seen by a veterinarian because eyes are so delicate that even minor problems can snowball into serious problems quickly.

Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may treat the issue with antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, or many other medications. There are a few safe and effective measures you can take at home to keep your dog comfortable while you wait for your appointment.