If your dog has conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, you may be wondering if it’s safe to take them out. The answer depends on the type of conjunctivitis your dog has.
Non-infectious conjunctivitis, which is caused by allergies, foreign bodies in the eye, or physical abnormalities, is not contagious. This means that you can safely take your dog out without worrying about spreading the condition to other dogs or even to yourself. Allergies, for example, can cause conjunctivitis in dogs, and it is not something that can be transmitted between animals or from animals to humans.
However, if your dog has infectious conjunctivitis, it may be contagious. Infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms. Viral conjunctivitis, in particular, is usually not contagious to humans, but it can be contagious to other dogs. Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, can be contagious to both dogs and humans.
If your dog has infectious conjunctivitis, it’s important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the infection. This means avoiding contact with other dogs and practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly after handling your dog or cleaning their eyes.
It’s also recommended to consult with a veterinarian if your dog has conjunctivitis, as they can determine the cause of the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of the conjunctivitis, your veterinarian may recommend keeping your dog indoors until the infection clears up to prevent spreading it to other animals.
Non-infectious conjunctivitis is not contagious, so you can safely take your dog out if they have this type of conjunctivitis. However, if your dog has infectious conjunctivitis, it may be contagious to other dogs and possibly to humans, so it’s important to take precautions and consult with a veterinarian for appropriate treatment.