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My dog has conjunctivitis, but I can't afford a vet. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cane Corso | Female | spayed | 10 months and 27 days old | 67 lbs

I think my dog has conjunctivitis but due to the furlough I can not afford a vet visit

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 28th, 2018

Considering the pictures you uploaded this seems a mild conjunctivitis that could potentially resolve spontaneously. I would recommend just wipe the discharge gently with a wet cotton swab and apply some simple sterile saline solution (you can buy ocular ones over the counter).
If the signs do not resolve in 3 days a check up would be required though as antibiotic eye drops may be needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 31st, 2020
Hello. It does appear that he may have a mild case of conjunctivitis. There is a mild redness visible and light yellow discharge. Since there are no visible lesions on the cornea, no obvious swelling or severe problems, this can be a regular vet visit tomorrow. I don’t see anything that warrants a trip to the emergency clinic. Your veterinarian may prescribe some eye drops to alleviate the symptoms and treat the infection. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 2nd, 2017
Eyes can be painful. Anytime they do not want to hold their eye open it is a sign of pain along with the scratching at it. She should be seen by a vet even if it is conjunctivitis because she has potential to make an ulcer if she scratches it. Any eye infection or a previous foreign body in the eye can fester and get worse overnight, so the sooner she is checked the better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 13th, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Marshall! If it is just one eye, I worry that it could be a corneal ulcer or scratch. ThIs is especially true If Marshall is squinting that eye a lot. It could be a conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissues around the eyeball) caused by allergy or irritant. This usually affects both eyes. The good news is that even if it’s an infection, it is NOT transmissible to humans. Do see your vet to get the proper eye medication. If Marshall is rubbing his face on the carpet/furniture or scratching at the eye, put him in an E-collar as soon as possible until you can get to the vet. The vet may recommend staining the eye to look for scratches or ulcers or to be sure that giving a steroid medication is safe. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Marshall!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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