Pets & Allergies

It is spring. The beautiful flowers are releasing their pollen. You notice your beloved dog’s eyes are red, tearing, and he is rubbing his face on the side of the couch.

Could your dog be suffering from seasonal allergies? Yes.

There are many reasons dogs have red, watery, and itchy eyes but one cause is allergic follicular conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the pink soft tissue that surrounds the eye and lines the eyelids (the conjunctiva). Conjunctivitis in dogs is most often allergic in nature. This is called allergic follicular conjunctivitis. Most people often mistake allergic follicular conjunctivitis for pink eye or bacterial conjunctivitis, which is less common in dogs.

Allergic follicular conjunctivitis is usually treated with topical eye medications. You should first however consult with your veterinarian before using any over the counter medication. Not all over counter the medications are appropriate for use in dogs. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be prescribed by your veterinarian.