Can dogs get conjunctivitis?

[Kayden]

It looks like Ddog may have conjunctivitis. He's woken up with a red, bloodshot eye and a thick green crust. I've cleaned the eye but what do I do? Is this a vet job? Also, is it contagious? He goes to a dog walker during the week, so will obv be around other dogs.

I've owned dogs for a while but this is a new one on me, so any advice would be great, thank you. :)

[MostAmused]

Yes they can get it. Ours had it one morning as a puppy so we panicked a bit, cleaned it with some mild salt water on kitchen roll and took him to the vet. By the time we got there it was totally cleared up. She gave us drops for it he didn't like it and as it was cleared up we didn't use them.

So I would monitor it throughout the day, clean it with damp kitchen roll if necessary and maybe if he wakes up the same tomorrow consider taking him then.

I think it is contagious but I'm not sure to what extent. I probably wouldn't send him on the first day he had it but if it was clear the next day then I would.

Totally my own opinions by the way but hope it helps!

[Lokibuddyboo]

Yes dogs can get conjunctivitis and I think it is contagious contagious.
My fathers dog had it vet gave it some drops it cleared up in a few days.

[basildonbond]

Dogs can definitely get conjunctivitis - ddog always gets it when he's under the weather with something else (post-neutering, stomach upset etc). If it's really gunky then we'll get fuciderm (sp?) drops from the vet, otherwise if it's just a bit watery then we rinse it out with saline

[OneDayWhenIGrowUp]

Fucithalmic :) please don't put fuciderm in eyes it's designed for skin :) although it's changed its name to isathalmic now anyway.

It may or may not be contagious (may or may not be conjunctivitis- other things like corneal ulcers, foreign bodies etc can present the same way) and if it's sore (if dog is rubbing at it etc) I'd get it seen today, otherwise can wait for routine appointment tomorrow if dog is not bothering it

[basildonbond]

Oops - thanks oneday¡

[Kayden]

Thank you for the helpful replies. Dog is not bothered at all and he is his normal self or, of course, I would have got him checked out. He is, however, giving me evils because he did not enjoy me inspecting his eye. Poor love, I tried to be gentle!