Yes, dogs can get pink eye (conjunctivitis) from humans, but it’s uncommon, and the reverse is also possible though rare.

Quick Scoop

  • Dogs can catch contagious forms of pink eye from humans, mainly when it’s caused by certain bacteria or viruses that affect both species.
  • Most pink eye in either humans or dogs is not the cross-species type (it’s often allergies, irritants, or species-specific germs).
  • Good hygiene (handwashing, avoiding eye-to-eye contact, cleaning surfaces) makes transmission very unlikely.
  • Any red, goopy, squinty, or painful eye in a dog needs a vet visit—eye issues can worsen quickly.

Can dogs get pink eye from humans?

The short answer: technically yes, but it’s rare.

Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue over the white of the eye and inside the eyelids. In both people and dogs, it can be caused by:

  • Bacteria (like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus) that sometimes infect both dogs and humans.
  • Viruses (usually species-specific, but occasionally able to cross species).
  • Non-contagious causes such as allergies, dry eye, foreign bodies, trauma, or glaucoma.

Because many human pink eye cases are viral strains that only infect people, the germs often don’t “fit” a dog’s system. That’s why cross-species spread is considered possible, but not common.

How transmission would actually happen

For your dog to catch pink eye from you:

  1. Your pink eye has to be caused by a germ that can infect dogs (usually certain bacteria).
  1. That germ has to reach your dog’s eye—typically through:
    • Hands that touched your eye and then your dog’s face/eye area.
 * Contaminated items like pillows, towels, bedding, or cloth toys touching the dog’s eye.

Veterinary and pet-health sources describe the risk as real but low compared with human-to-human spread.

Signs your dog might have pink eye

If you’re sick and wondering “did I give this to my dog?”, watch for:

  • Red or bloodshot-looking eyes.
  • Watery, mucous, or pus-like discharge (yellow/green is more worrisome).
  • Squinting, blinking a lot, or keeping the eye closed.
  • Swollen eyelids or crusty lids in the morning.
  • Pawing or rubbing at the eye, acting uncomfortable.

Because similar signs can come from serious issues (like ulcers or glaucoma), a vet exam is important rather than “waiting to see.”

What to do if you have pink eye and a dog at home

If you or someone in your household has pink eye and you want to protect your dog:

  • Wash hands often, especially after touching your own eyes or face.
  • Avoid letting your dog lick your face or sleep on pillows that touched your eyes.
  • Don’t share towels between people and pets; wash bedding and soft items regularly while anyone is infected.
  • If your dog’s eye looks red or irritated, call your vet promptly rather than using human eye drops.

Most cases in pets are caused by things other than human germs, but these steps keep the already small risk even lower.

Quick FAQ style recap

  • Can dogs get pink eye from humans?
    Yes, it can happen with certain contagious forms, but it’s rare.
  • Can humans get pink eye from dogs?
    Also technically yes, especially with some bacterial causes, but again it’s unusual.
  • Is all pink eye contagious?
    No. Many cases in both humans and dogs are from allergies, irritants, or other non-infectious problems.
  • When should I worry about my dog’s eye?
    Any ongoing redness, discharge, squinting, or pain deserves a same-day vet call.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.