If dogs have pus in their eyes, it is usually an indication of conjunctivitis or inflamed eyelids. But inflammation caused by allergies, viral infections, injuries or Sicca syndrome can also be behind it.
Basically, pus is almost always a sign of underlying inflammation. Because it is part of the natural immune system to fight existing infections. [1]
Below you will learn about the 6 most common triggers, what causes them, how you can recognize them and what to do here.
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#1 Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is located on the inside of the eyelids and merges into the cornea. When an infection occurs, doctors also speak of “conjunctivitis.” Typical causes are:
- Injuries to the eye
- Blockage of the tear ducts
- Rolled eyelid
- Congenital anomalies
- Very dry eyes
- Viral diseases [2]
Typically, conjunctivitis can be recognized by the white of the eye becoming very red. This explains why the “red eye” is colloquially referred to.
Later on, a slimy pus often forms and collects on the inside of the eye. Other classic signs include:
- Unusually frequent blinking
- Dog constantly rubs his face
- Eyes are swollen
- One eye is half-closed
- Constant flow of tears
- Eyelids thicken [3]
If bacteria are behind the inflammation, eye drops with antibiotics are usually used. However, you should always seek medical help.
Dogs with conjunctivitis usually have very red eyes, some of which are also slightly swollen shut. Among other things, pus usually forms in the eye and tear production is increased. In addition, affected dogs blink very frequently.
#2 Allergic reaction
In total, up to 20% of all dogs are said to have an allergic reaction to certain substances. These substances are also known as “allergens”. The most common representatives include:
- Grasses and pollen
- dander from other animals
- Cigarette smoke
- Medication
- Parasitic infestation
- mold spores
- hair of other animals [4]
Normally, allergies primarily result in watery eyes. In the event of severe reactions or even subsequent inflammation, pus can also form in the eye.
It is also typical that both eyes are more often affected and become swollen and red for a comparatively short period of time. Other typical symptoms are:
- Itching of the eye
- Nose constantly running
- Entire face swells
- Dog is breathing heavily
- Constant sneezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Redness on the skin [5]
There is currently no cure for allergies. The best method is therefore to carry out an allergy test and then prevent the allergens as best as possible.
Severe allergic reactions may cause swelling and redness in the eyes. In some cases there is also inflammation, which is usually recognizable as pus and increased tear production. Preventing allergens is the best option here.
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#3 Viral infections
Systematic diseases such as viral infections can also cause problems with the eyes, among other things. Typical viruses in dogs are:
- Infectious hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
- Kennel cough
- rabies
- herpes virus [6]
This mostly affects unvaccinated puppies or dogs from abroad. Fortunately, in Germany many of the most dangerous viruses are compulsory vaccinations.
In rarer cases, these viruses can also cause mucous nasal discharge and pus in the eyes. However, they can usually be recognized by the following symptoms:
- Dog gets a fever
- Severe lack of motivation
- Increased tear production
- Dog sleeps unusually much
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures and paralysis
- Constant diarrhea [7]
I strongly advise you to see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. It is not for nothing that viral infections are one of the most common causes of death in dogs.
When dogs contract a viral infection, it usually affects the entire body. Depending on the virus, pus can also form in the eye. However, fever and listlessness are much more common.
#4 Injuries
Unlike humans, dogs literally run head first to explore the world. In addition, they are significantly faster and more curious.
It is therefore not surprising that injuries occur more frequently, not only to the dog's face, but also to his eyes. The most common causes include:
- Race through thornbush
- Stings from insects
- Fighting with other animals
- Fireworks accidents
- Dog looks out the window while driving
- Cat scratches face [8]
In most cases, injuries can be recognized by the dog keeping its eye closed and it watering heavily. Other typical symptoms include:
- Severe redness in the eye
- Pus formation in the eye
- Constant blinking
- Mucus in the eye
- Red veins visible on the eye
- Dog rubs his face
- Swelling in the eye [9]
If you have an eye injury, early action is essential to prevent permanent damage. Treatment then depends on the cause and severity.
When dogs injure their eyes, it is usually visible from the outside. What is typical here is that affected four-legged friends produce a lot of tears and their eyes become red. In some cases, pus forms and severe itching occurs.
#5 Sicca Syndrome
In some dogs, their own immune system attacks the tear glands due to illness. Doctors also speak of “keratoconjunctivitis sicca”. Typical triggers are:
- Distemper virus
- Congenital disorder
- Some medications
- Problems with the nervous system
- Severe ear infection
- Hypothyroidism [10]
Sicca syndrome causes the eye to become increasingly dry. As a counter-reaction, dogs often produce increased amounts of mucus that looks like pus.
The problem? The mucus cannot completely take over the function of the tears. This usually results in severe irritation of the eyes. Typical signs of this are:
- Red eyes
- Frequent blinking
- Dog keeps eye closed
- corneal ulcer
- Red blood vessels on the eyes
- Swelling in the eye [11]
Special eye drops are usually used to relieve the symptoms. In some cases, tear production can also be increased with medication.
Dogs with Sicca Syndrome develop very dry eyes due to low tear production. This disease can usually be recognized by the fact that the eyes become red, purulent mucus forms and affected four-legged friends blink unusually often.
#6 Inflamed eyelids
In addition to the conjunctiva, the entire eyelids can also become inflamed. Doctors refer to this as “blepharitis”. It is usually triggered by:
- Insect bites
- Bacterial imbalance
- Cancer disease
- Birth defects
- Allergic reactions
- Injuries [12]
What is typical here is that the eyelids swell and scar. In serious cases, pus can also form. But that is relatively rare.
In addition, over time the hair around the eye usually falls out. Especially if the inflammation is not treated. Other classic signs include:
- Dog constantly rubs his eyes
- Watery eyes
- Eyes swell shut
- Severe redness around the eye
- Loss of pigment in the eyelids
- Dry skin around the eyes [13]
For reasons that are still unclear, this primarily affects breeds that have a flat face. For treatment, you should seek professional help here.
If a dog's eyelids become inflamed, this can usually be recognized by swelling and redness along the eye. In individual cases, the eyes also begin to water and fester. It is also usually accompanied by severe itching.
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