Conjunctivitis in dogs is a condition which causes inflammation and infection of tissues on the inner surface of the eyelids and the outermost layer of the eye. When conjunctivitis in chronic, the condition may disappear only to reappear again and again. This condition can be painful and irritating to dogs, frustrating for pet owners, and over time chronic conjunctivitis can cause permanent damage to the cornea and other surrounding structures in the eye.
In most cases, prescription eye drops can resolve a conjunctivitis infection in dogs. These drops usually consist of antibiotics, such as tetracycline, and soothing eye drops which clean the eyes and promote healing. If drops are not effective and a chronic condition develops, further investigation into the cause of the condition is needed.