Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) can spread from dogs to humans, though it is not common. Allergic conjunctivitis cannot spread from dogs to people or from one person to another person.
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the membrane between the eyelid and the eyeball. It can happen due to an infection or from exposure to an allergen like pollen.
If your dog has infectious viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, it’s possible to contract the infection. This type of pink eye is caused either by virus particles or bacteria.
However, conjunctivitis can also develop due to allergies. Allergies and the symptoms they may cause are not contagious.
Doctors and vets typically treat infectious and allergic conjunctivitis with eye drops.
Keep reading to learn how conjunctivitis can spread and how to reduce the risk of transmission.
Conjunctivitis typically causes the white part of the eye to appear pink or red.
It can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- itching
- burning
- watering eyes
- eye discharge or crust
- light sensitivity
- blurry vision
- feeling like grit is in your eye
If you think you may have conjunctivitis, it’s best to talk with a doctor. They can perform an examination to determine the cause of your conjunctivitis. If it results from a viral or bacterial infection, it can be very contagious.
If you have infectious conjunctivitis, it’s best to stay home and limit exposure to others until your symptoms are gone.
In pets
Dogs
If you think your pet may have pink eye, it’s best to have a vet take a look and determine the cause of their symptoms. They can also recommend a treatment plan to help address the inflammation.
Some breeds may be more prone to eye infections. If your pet regularly gets eye infections, it’s best to let their vet know so they can come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Pink eye can spread when infectious particles from one person’s (or pet’s) eye enter another person’s eye. Some ways this transmission can occur include:
- using the same blankets or towels
- treating a pet’s infectious conjunctivitis and then rubbing your eye
- cleaning a pet’s eye and then rubbing your eye
Virus particles that cause pink eye typically live on fabric for up to 2 days, with some surviving up to 8 weeks. Pink eye-causing bacteria can live on fabric for up to 8 hours.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. In this case, the inflammation results from the body’s immune response to allergens.
Taking certain precautions can help prevent the spread of viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.
To help avoid contracting and transmitting conjunctivitis, the following tips are beneficial:
- washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water
- avoiding rubbing your eyes
- washing hands before touching your eye
- not sharing personal items, such as towels, pillows, and bedding, with someone who has pink eye
It’s best to treat a pet’s conjunctivitis with prescribed medication to reduce symptoms like irritation and itchiness and to help the infection clear. A vet may also recommend cleaning your pet’s eyes by removing discharge.
Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying eye drops to a pet or cleaning their eyes.
Pets may rub itchy eyes on fabric surfaces in your home. Eye discharge may also be on pillows or blankets they use. Consider washing fabrics that they may have come into contact with during their infection.
You may also be able to reduce the risk of your pet rubbing their eye on surfaces by having them wear a cone, also known as an Elizabethan collar.
It is possible to contract viral or bacterial conjunctivitis from a dog, though rare and unlikely. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
If your pet has an infectious form of conjunctivitis, it’s important that you follow your vet’s directions and take precautions to prevent the virus or bacteria from spreading.
Preventive steps can include washing your hands frequently, especially before and after applying medication to your pet.