What causes dog eye infections? How can I prevent them from returning?

Recurrent ear infections are often a sign of food allergies. I suggest you get a second opinion from another veterinarian. Recurrent ear infections are NOT normal and not just something some dogs get. It is important, in this case, that your vet does an ear swab, checks that under the microscope or sends it in to a lab to check which bacteria or fungi are causing these infections. It may be necessary to also check for antibiotic resistance. A diet trial with hypoallergenic diet may also be in order.

I would not say that ear infections are common on floppy ear dogs. Some dogs will get ear infections every few years but other dogs will get them often. Typically if a dog has ear infections often it is secondary to an underlying issue like allergies. The most common type of allergies are food, environmental and flea. Until the allergy is regulated the ear infections usually will not resolve or lessen in frequency. It is possible an underlying allergy is also causing eye discharge. I would recommend talking with your vet about working through the allergy issues. I hope that helps

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Oakley. No, it is not normal for an eye infection to continue for so long in a puppy. I would recommend he has eye tests done or repeated as his condition is not resolving. I typically stain both eyes to look for a scratch on the surface, take a swab to look at under the microscope, and then measure the pressure and tear production in each eye. Care should also be taken to see if there is an eyelash contacting the surface of his causing chronic irritation. His eyes can also be numbed and checked for a foreign body under the third eyelids. I hope this information helps!

It may be related to the previous injury if the infection was not completely healed. It is a common area to have an infection if there is a tooth root abscess also. Keep the area clean, I would have your vet recheck the area and evaluate the teeth. Often times you need antibiotics and to have the infected tooth removed if that is the case or else it just keep recurring like you are seeing.

I am so sorry to hear that Kaimana is experiencing these problems with her eye. Start by placing an e-collar or cone on Kaimana to prevent scratching or rubbing. If the eye is injured, inflamed or infected it is likely painful, this will prompt Her to scratch or rub her eye. However, this could inflict further damage, infection or even an ulceration. An rlceration is a tear in the top layer of the eye and is a serious condition. Because eye concerns with dogs, such as infections, corneal ulcerations, cataracts and glaucoma, can progress rapidly I would have her examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the issue immediately. The precise medication can then be dispensed by your veterinarian. Your vet will use a special tear stain drop to visualise the eye and the top layer to make are there are no ulcerations, and check for other conditions before prescribing medications. Please do not attempt to treat an eye infection at home with any over the counter medications, drops or ointments. This can lead to permanent damage and unnecessary pain or discomfort. I hope this answer was helpful and that Kaimana feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both!

Infectious conjunctivitis is not common in dogs and unless she is going to doggie day care or is in contact with many dogs it is unlikely that she has contracted an infection twice. More likely would be allergic conjunctivitis or another eye disease like anterior uveitis. I would recommend rechecking with your veterinarian first. If they see anything unusual they may recommend referral to an ophthalmologist.

She could have a problem with her tear duct, allergies, or it might be that she has a hair, eyelash or something causing irritation. Since this is a chronic problem, she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can prescribe an anti-histamine, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or other medications, if needed.