Yesterday morning the corner of my German Shepherd's eye looked a little inflamed. By this AM it was really red and swollen. I took her to the Vet and it's pinkeye! My other dog is (so far) fine.

I asked the Doctor how a dog that doesn't see other dogs (they're on a fenced area that's over an acre) and he sort of shrugged and said he didn't know.

I have to put ointment in both of her eyes and that's no problem but has anyone else ever experienced this - pinkeye out of nowhere?

I also asked how contagious it is and he said, "Not very."

??

It is a bacterial infection and could be picked up anywhere the bacteria exist.

It is not passable from animal to human or human to animal but easily between the same species.

Not sure about your vet saying "not very". From what I have learned, anything caused by bacteria is pretty easily spread.

I hope your vet is correct, and I am wrong.

Hope your dogs eye is better soon!

My dog had it on and off in his later years (cocker spaniels are especially prone). It's not that contagious- normal hygiene precautions will prevent it's spread to yourself or family members. I'm afraid I don't know about between dogs.

My dog got it not only due to his physiology but also due to dry eyes. We prevented it's recurrence by putting artificial tears in his eyes after the antibiotic drops ran out. This worked very well preventing further outbreaks. Your vet can test for dry eyes.

Hope it clears up soon. It is usually self limiting even without treatment, but still not very nice!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by progunr

It is a bacterial infection and could be picked up anywhere the bacteria exist.

It is not passable from animal to human or human to animal but easily between the same species.

Not sure about your vet saying "not very". From what I have learned, anything caused by bacteria is pretty easily spread.

I hope your vet is correct, and I am wrong.

Hope your dogs eye is better soon!

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Thanks - I was more worried about my other dog. I had the same thought - pinkeye in people can be brutal.

I'm being careful with her and watching my second dog like a hawk!