Health

Dogs and cats

Conjunctivitis and eye discharge

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye, causing redness and discharge. In cats it is often caused by cat flu, while in dogs allergies, irritants and other eye diseases are common causes. Eye problems can get worse quickly and should always be checked by a vet.

What you might notice

• Red or pink eyes.
• Watery, sticky, green or yellow discharge.
• Swollen eyelids or squinting.
• Rubbing the eyes or face.
• Cloudy or bluish eye surface.

Common causes

• Cat flu viruses and bacteria in cats.
• Allergies.
• Irritants such as smoke, dust or sprays.
• Something stuck in the eye or a scratch (ulcer) on the eye.
• Dry eye, eyelid or eyelash problems.

What you can do at home

• Stop your pet rubbing the eye until it is seen.
• Keep your pet away from smoke, dust and sprays.
• Wash your hands after touching an infected cat's face, and keep it apart from other cats.
• If drops are prescribed, finish the whole course.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Any red eye or discharge, even if your pet seems well.
• Conjunctivitis that keeps coming back.
• Sneezing and eye discharge in a cat.

Don't

• Do not use human eye drops or old drops from another pet.
• Do not wait to see if an eye problem goes away by itself.
• Do not stop prescribed eye drops early.

Prevention

• Keep cat flu vaccinations up to date.
• Avoid smoking and strong sprays around pets.
• Treat underlying allergies.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.