How Does an Eye Infection Start in Dogs?

Injury or Birth Defect

• Eye infections in dogs can be started by minor injuries that never heal. These can be anything from hair rubbing the surface of the eye or something far more serious. Long-haired dogs are prone to having their hair constantly getting int heir eyes. Some breeds like the Chinese shar-pei or any mastiffs tend to be born with entroption, there the eyelashes are on the inside of the lid, rubbing the eyes and causing pain, blindness and infection.
  
  

Conjunctivitis

• There are many reasons that dogs get conjunctivitis, which can often lead to serious eye infections if left untreated. The conjunctiva lining of the eyelids usually acts to protect the eye. These causes can be from a reaction to something the dog is allergic to, from a scratch on the surface of the eye to the presence of parasites or bacteria. Some skin problems can extend to the eyes, because the conjunctiva is made up of basically the same material as dog skin.
  
  

Dry Eye

• Another cause is dry eye, which is the same as dry eye in humans. This is a very irritating condition where the dog's eyes can't make enough tears to blink comfortably. Each time the dog blinks, that's lie a little rub. Over time, these rubs can damage the eye and invite infections just like an injury could.
  
  

Early Signs

• Eye infections don't go away by themselves. They need prompt veterinary treatment. Warning signs are any redness, sign of a white or pink skin bulging from the bottom or the eye, or if the dog keeps rubbing his or her face and seems upset all of the time. Constant squinting and tear flow should also be checked. Eye infections are incredibly painful.