If you’ve noticed that your dog’s eyes are watery or have extra drainage, it could be a sign of a common condition known as epiphora. This can lead to discharge that may be clear, white, yellow, or even green. Excessive tearing in dogs typically indicates an eye issue, and there are various potential causes for this problem. Most of the time, your dog will require some form of human assistance, and in certain situations, medical attention may be necessary.
Reasons for Excessive Tearing and Drainage in Dogs:
Dogs can experience a variety of eye problems, many of which lead to excessive tearing and drainage. Some of these eye issues are more severe than others.
Breed Disposition:
Certain breeds, particularly short-faced and brachycephalic ones like Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Bulldogs, and Pugs, are especially susceptible to eye discharge due to their facial structure. Many small dog breeds also experience excessive tearing. The moisture that accumulates in the skin folds around their faces and noses can create a favorable environment for bacterial growth, which may result in infections if not kept clean and dry.
Eye Infections:
Dogs can experience bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in their eyes, which may occur due to an irritant entering the eye or being transmitted from other animals. If an eye infection develops, the dog will require treatment with the right prescription medications, typically involving the application of eye drops or ointment several times a day.
Allergies:
If your dog suffers from environmental allergies, it can lead to red and watery eyes, much like how hay fever affects people. In some cases, antihistamine medications may provide relief.
Trauma:
Any irritant to the eye can lead to excessive tearing and drainage. Minor irritants or allergens may cause a dog to rub its eyes, worsening the irritation and inflammation. More serious injuries can happen if something sharp, like a claw or object, scratches the eye. If you think your dog has an eye injury, it’s important to take them to the vet promptly.
Obstruction of Tear Ducts:
The nasolacrimal duct is responsible for draining tears from the eyes into the nose. When this duct is blocked, tears overflow from the eye instead of draining normally.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS):
Commonly known as dry eye, this condition involves insufficient tear production. This lack of lubrication leads to irritation of the eye. Extremely dry eyes can produce thick, sticky discharge and may result in infections, pain, and vision problems. Veterinary care is crucial for addressing this issue.
Corneal Ulcers:
A corneal abrasion can arise from trauma, infection, or other eye conditions. If left untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to serious complications, including potential vision loss or even the loss of the eye.
Distichiasis:
This condition leads to abnormal eyelash growth, where the hairs grow along the eyelid and towards the eye, resulting in irritation.
Entropion:
This condition causes the eyelid to turn inward, resulting in the lid and eyelashes rubbing against the cornea, which leads to irritation.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Tearing and Drainage from the Eyes?
Taking prompt action at the first sign of an eye issue is crucial. If the drainage is mild to moderate and your dog’s eyes aren’t red or swollen, it’s generally okay to monitor the situation. Ensure the area around the eyes stays clean and dry. However, if the drainage doesn’t improve or you observe other signs of eye problems, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.
Contact your vet if you notice any of the following:
- Foul odor from the eye discharge
- Yellow or green discharge
- Squinting or twitching of the eye
- Redness or swelling of the eye or surrounding area
- Your dog pawing at the eye or rubbing its face
- Vision issues
Eye problems can quickly become serious if not addressed by a veterinarian. Delaying treatment may lead to permanent issues for your dog.
Initially, your veterinarian will take a history, asking about your dog’s lifestyle, previous health concerns, and the current symptoms you’ve observed. Following this, a thorough examination of your dog’s eyes will be conducted using a light.
A “tear test” may be performed to assess tear production. This involves placing special paper strips in the eyes and timing how long it takes for tears to reach a designated line on the strip.
Additionally, a painless, harmless eye dye called fluorescein stain may be applied to check for corneal abrasions (ulcers). Based on the exam and preliminary test results, further eye tests may be recommended.
Treatment for Eye Drainage:
Your veterinarian will suggest treatment based on the diagnosis, which usually includes medicated eye ointments or drops that you’ll need to apply several times a day at home. Sometimes, oral medications are also prescribed.
Most dogs will need to wear an e-collar (often called a “cone” or lampshade) to prevent them from pawing at their eyes or rubbing their face. This collar should only be removed if your vet gives the okay, as further irritation can lead to serious eye damage.
In certain cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, particularly if the issue is caused by entropion or another anatomical abnormality. For more complex situations, your vet might refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
How to Prevent Excessive Tearing and Eye Drainage?
If your dog doesn’t have any underlying health issues, you can likely prevent excessive tearing and associated odor by following a few simple steps:
- Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian.
- For at-home care, keep the hair around your dog’s eyes trimmed as short as possible. It’s often best to take your pet to a groomer for this.
- If your dog tends to tear excessively, daily washing and gentle drying of the area around the eyes can help prevent irritation. Using over-the-counter optical-grade eye irrigation solutions is generally safe and can help keep the eye area clean and odor-free.
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