Unwanted discharge from dogs’ eyes is a common issue that most pet parents might have faced at some point. In most cases, a little discharge in the morning is harmless. However, if you notice excessive watering, thick mucus, or yellow-green pus, it could be due to some underlying health conditions. And as part of responsible pet parenthood, it is important that you understand what your dog’s eye discharge is telling you, why it is happening, and when does it call for veterinarian intervention. We’ve got all the information covered in this blog.
Read on to find out more!
What are the Common Types of Dog Eye Discharge?
Let’s look at the common types of dog eye discharge.
Thick, Sticky Discharge or Crust
Tears play a key role in maintaining a dog’s eye health by removing debris from the eye’s surface and providing nourishment and oxygen to the cornea. While tears drain through ducts at the inner corner of the eyes, a part of them may not get drained and turn into a thick, sticky substance or a crust and accumulate at the opening of the ducts. They are made of dried tears, mucus, oil, dead cells, dust, etc. Also known as eye boogers, the substance can be easily cleaned with dog-specific eye cleaning solutions or eye cleaning wipes.
Excessive Tears
Minor watery eyes are generally not something to worry about. But if your dog seems to experience excessive tears that continue for days, you should seek veterinary help for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Excessive tears can be linked to several conditions, including benign to serious ones. Some of the common causes of watery eyes in dogs include:
– Foreign material inside the eyes
– Allergies or irritants
– Blocked tear ducts
– Glaucoma
– Corneal wounds
White-Gray Mucus
If you spot white-gray mucus in your dog’s eye, it can be linked to a condition called Dry Eye. It usually develops when your dog’s immune system destroys the tear-producing glands. Due to the lack of tears, the dog’s body produces an excess of mucus to keep the eyes lubricated. If left untreated, the condition can trigger irritation, redness, and pain. Hence, if you spot such white-gray mucus around your dog’s eyes, get it checked by the veterinarian.
Yellow/ Green Discharge
If you notice yellow or green discharge from your dog’s eyes, followed by redness and discomfort, it could be linked to a bacterial eye infection or an eye injury. Such an infection can be a primary health condition by itself or can be a result of other conditions like dry eye or corneal infection that affects the eye’s natural defenses against infection. Eye infections can also develop from respiratory tract issues or issues with the nervous system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use human eye drops to treat my dog’s eye infection?
No. Human eye drops shouldn’t be used on dogs unless specifically advised by a veterinarian, as they may not be suitable for animal use.
2. Which products can I use to clean my dog’s eyes?
Optixcare Eye Cleaner is one of the most effective solutions to clean dogs’ eyes and maintain their hygiene.
3. Can allergies cause eye discharge in dogs?
Yes. Allergens like pollen, dust, and other environmental irritants can lead to watery eyes in dogs. Some dogs may also sneeze, itch, or rub their faces during allergic reactions.
4. Can dog eye discharge subside on its own?
Mild crusting may subside with gentle cleaning. However, if the discharge is caused by dry eye, an infection, an ulcer, or a drainage problem, it may require veterinary intervention. Therefore, if you notice that the discharge is increasing and your dog is in discomfort, don’t wait for it to subside by itself and seek veterinary help at the earliest.
5. Are certain dog breeds more prone to eye discharge?
Yes. Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs tend to be more prone to excessive tearing because of their facial anatomy.
Ending Note
Unwanted eye discharge is a common issue with dogs, which can range from crustiness in the morning to being symptoms of a serious condition. While mild discharges tend to be harmless, excessive tears, redness, or yellow and green mucus may require veterinarian intervention. As a pet parent, it is important that you stay vigilant and watch out for any sign of unusual eye discharge and work closely with your veterinarian to ensure the well-being of your canine baby.
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