“Why is my dog crying? Why is it sad? Am I not a good dog parent?” Most pet parents have seen their dogs with “crying” and watery eyes. And before you know, they have possible scenarios of their dog’s “sobbing” and they start panicking.
Although the dog’s life is not an easy one, probably their teary eyes are not a result of a full night of watching a tragic drama on Netflix.
In dogs, eye discharge is a typical issue. While some varieties are entirely benign, others are connected to potentially serious health issues.
Therefore, it is important for dog owners to be able to determine whether their dogs’ teary are normal or whether they are a symptom of a problem before trying to treat or address excessive weeping.
Have you observed any excessive discharge or teary eyes in your dog? Let’s help you understand it better. Keep reading!
What are Watery Eyes?
Tears are natural lubricants for the eye and they keep the eyes free of debris. However, an excessive amount of tears might lead to ocular disorders, infections, or abnormalities with the eyelids.
Excessive eye tearing is not always an indication of an eye problem. On the other side, there are dog breeds with specific anatomical features that tend to produce more tears than others.
It includes dogs with prominent eyes and brachycephalic and short-faced dog breeds. This includes Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Pugs, and Bulldogs. Also, it is good to mention that small dog breeds have excessive tearing.
Another factor that contributes to excessive tearing is the nasal skin fold that accumulates moisture. This creates the perfect condition for bacterial proliferation. In cases when the eyes are wet and dirty, the condition results in diseases.
Common Causes
Dogs’ eyes may become watery for a variety of reasons that are potentially treatable. Depending on the precise source, the condition’s severity and the harm it does can change.
Here are a few of the typical canine eye conditions that frequently result in excessive eye discharge:
#1. Corneal Damage
The most frequent causes of ocular trauma are foreign things that contact the eye, such as a scratch, a stick in the eye, or a clump of soil after a boisterous bone-digging expedition. The injury that follows causes discomfort, inflammation, and a great deal of scratching, which can worsen the initial issue.
Frequently the cornea, the transparent surface of the eye, may be harmed by physical injury.
The glands surrounding the eyes will produce discharge more frequently than usual in response to the injury to speed up the healing, lubricate the surface of the eye and prevent further injury, as well as attempt to rinse off any irritants and contaminants that may lead to complications.
#2. Eye Infections
All pet parents should know that dogs can get bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in their eyes, just like people.
Although some infections are primary and spread by contact with an infected animal or the environment, the majority of eye infections are secondary. That means that they develop as a result of eye injury.
Dogs with these types of infections frequently squirt enormous amounts of fluid from their eyes, which may be clear, yellow, or green discharge, depending on the particular infectious cause.
#3. Tear Duct Blockage
The eyes and the nasal passages are connected via a tiny duct called the nasolacrimal duct for each eye (tear ducts). This enables the tears that are produced by the eyes to drain into the nose, which is what causes the nasal and ocular discharge. When this duct is obstructed, tear drainage is stopped and causes excessive eye discharge in dogs.
#4. Abnormalities of the Eyelids
Some dog breeds have physical abnormalities in the eyelids which functions as eye protection. However, this abnormality may result in excessive tear production.
A typical issue with some canine eyelids in some breeds is entropion. Entropion is a medical condition where the eyelid rolls inward. The cornea usually irritates when the eyelid and eyelashes rub against the cornea. It is hurting the eye and causes excessive tear production.
Sharpies, Bulldogs, and Chow Chows are a few examples of breeds having a high degree of facial skin folds that frequently exhibit this.
Distichiasis is another issue with the eyelids that causes excessive eye discharge. It is characterized by the growth of eyelashes where they do not typically grow. Eyelashes usually develop at the edges of the upper and lower eyelids and shield the eyes from dangers outside.
#5. Allergies
The eyes of your dog may get red and weepy if they are allergic to their environment, just as allergies affect people.
5 Types of Eye Discharge
The difference in the discharge means different causes and different treatments. Therefore, it is important to distinguish what type of goop is sitting in your dog’s eyes.
#1. A Little Goop or Crust
Both eyes’ inner corners have openings for the tear ducts that normally discharge tears, but occasionally goop or crust will accumulate there. Frequently clear or slightly reddish-brown in color, this substance is made up of dried tears, oil, mucus, dead cells, dust, etc.
It frequently appears completely natural and is most obvious in the morning. Each night, dogs should create about the same quantity of ocular goop (or after lengthy naps).
The muck or crust should be easy to remove with a warm, damp cloth.
#2. Clear Watery Discharge
If your dog has a mild increase in tearing, it’s reasonable to monitor the situation for a day or two.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you see that your dog experiences discomfort if your dog’s eyes continue to release water, or if they become red, uncomfortable, or exhibit other types of eye discharge.
#3. Reddish-Brown Tear Staining
Light-colored puppies frequently get a reddish-brown darkening of their fur near the inner eye corner. Tears have a pigment known as porphyrin; when this pigment gets exposed to air for a long time – tears turn reddish-brown.
This slightly reddish brown color staining is especially visible in dogs with lighter-colored fur.
Dog’s tear staining in this area is completely normal and just a cosmetic concern if there are no other issues. In fact, by regularly wiping the area clean, the staining can be reduced. You can also use supplements that are intended to lessen tear staining or have the fur around your dog’s eyes trimmed short to reduce tear staining.
#4. White-Gray Mucus
The illness known as dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS), commonly occurs when the dog’s immune system attacks and kills the glands that generate tears.
The body tries to make up for the lack of tears by increasing eye mucus production to moisten the eyes.
If KCS is left untreated, it can cause severe discomfort, blindness, and other worrisome symptoms.
#5. Yellow or Green Eye Discharge
Dogs with yellow or green discharge from the eyes frequently suffer from eye infections if it is accompanied with redness and discomfort.
The eye infections can be primary, transmitted by contact with other dogs, or secondary, due to another eye condition, some wound, or another primary problem in the dog’s organism.
Symptoms
There are differences in the appeal of watery eyes in dogs, depending on the cause of that, the dog’s breed, age, and other factors. Some of the most frequent symptoms you can notice include:
- eye redness
- painful eyes
- yellow or green discharge
- abnormal corneal pigmentation
- crust tears
- excessive tears
- visible corneal wounds
- eye discomfort
- and other symptoms.
In order to be on the safe side, it is better to contact your vet whenever you suspect that your dog’s eye health is compromised.
Diagnosis
Do not delay taking your dog for an eye test at the vet. Dog’s watery eyes could indicate a significant eye health problem and should be diagnosed and treated on time.
Your veterinarian will first obtain a history from you by asking questions about your way of life, previous health issues, and the present symptoms you have seen.
The next step is a veterinarian examination. The surface of the eye will be examined under light. The veterinarian may advise additional research depending on what caused the epiphora.
They might perform a “Schirmer tear test” to see how many tears your dog is producing. In order to do this, special paper strips are placed in the eyes, and the time it takes for the tears to cross a line on the paper strip is timed. Then, a painless, safe eye dye called fluorescein stain may be used to check for corneal ulcers (abrasions).
Depending on the results of the examination and preliminary testing, other eye examination methods can be advised or you may be given the reason for the condition.
Treatment
Based on the diagnosis, your veterinarian will suggest a course of action if needed.
This frequently means that you will have to use pharmaceutical eye ointment or drops at home multiple times per day or maybe even some oral drugs.
Most dogs must wear a collar (the “cone” or lampshade worn around the neck). These collars prevent excessive rubbing and pawing. The purpose of this is to prevent serious eye damage from additional inflammation.
Furthermore, in some circumstances, surgery may be required, particularly if the reason is an anatomical anomaly.
Recurrent intermittent episodes of disorders associated with teary eyes are not unusual. In some cases, you might have to administer eye drops or ointment at home.
The breeds whose fur may make it difficult to stop a recurrence require meticulous care by a specialist.
Prevention
If your dog has no underlying medical conditions, you may be able to avoid excessive tears and the unpleasant smell it causes.
First, the hair around the eyes should be kept as short as possible. It’s usually advisable to take your pet to a groomer in order to prevent injuries in this delicate area.
Also, daily washing and careful drying of the area around the eyes can help minimize irritation issues if your dog is prone to excessive tearing. Generally, it’s okay to use over-the-counter optical-grade eye irrigation products to keep the eye area fresh and odor-free.
Most importantly, you should visit the veterinarian regularly.
FAQ
Final Words
Teary eyes in dogs are extremely common. Although they can be perfectly normal, some types of eye discharge can indicate a serious eye condition.
That’s why pet parents should do regular checkups at their vet and be aware of the signs. That is crucial for maintaining eye health.
Have you ever seen your dog cry? Do his eyes tear up frequently? Let us know in the comments!
Related topic: Cruciate ligament injuries in dogs
*photo by 6bears – depositphotos