Dogs’ weepy eyes not always a sob story

Dear Dr. Forsythe: My dogs have had discharge coming from their eyes for the last couple of weeks. I keep wiping it away but it comes back the next morning. First one dog had it, now both have it. Is this an allergy or an infection?  

Lab owner

Dear Lab owner: Since this problem began with one pet then spread to the other it seems more likely to be a contagious “germ” rather than an allergy. I suspect your pets have a case of conjunctivitis, which can come from dust or debris getting into the eyes and causing a flare up with inflammation in the delicate tissue around the eyeball. Veterinarians often take a culture of the “goop” to see exactly what is growing there, especially if it was pathogenic enough to spread to another pet. If your labradorables have “pink eye” it would be wise to have them checked – the doctor will have some eye drops or salve to send home with you that should clear it up in short order.

Dr. F

 Dear Dr. Forsythe: I’ve tried taking my precious dog “Poonsy” on the bus with me the other day but the bus driver would not let us on. He was very rude and slammed the bus door in my face and even made a rude gesture. I was so shocked, nobody does that to me. What is the deal with taking your pet places? In France they can go everywhere (so they say).

Carly

Boyes Hot Springs

Dear Carly: Sorry for your experience. My understanding is that the only pets allowed on Sonoma County Transit are guide dogs. The idea behind this is that if everyone and their brother hopped the bus with their pet, it would be a “fiesta de failure with fur” on the transit system and chaos and bedlam could break out. What if people boarded the bus with dogs that detested each other, and old lady Finklestein was caught sitting in between the crossfire? Imagine the liability? I suggest you consider acquiring some better personal transportation for yourself and Poonsy so you can take her wherever you want. But I am sorry that the bus driver was so rude. He sounds like one kooky Kramden. Thanks for your question.

Dr. F