What to Do About Excessive Dog Eye Boogers?

Excessive eye boogers in dogs, often referred to as epiphora, is a common concern among pet owners. While a small amount of eye discharge is normal, excessive, discolored, or accompanied by other symptoms warrants attention. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective treatment and preventing potential complications. This article will explore various reasons for excessive dog eye boogers and offer practical solutions to address this issue.

Causes of Excessive Dog Eye Boogers:

1. Infections and Inflammatory Conditions: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to significant eye discharge, often appearing yellowish-green, brown, or even bloody. Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelid and eye) is a frequent culprit. Other conditions like keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can also contribute to excessive eye boogers. These infections often require veterinary intervention. Your vet will likely perform a thorough eye examination, potentially including tests like bacterial cultures, to determine the specific cause and prescribe appropriate medication, such as antibiotic or antiviral eye drops or ointments. Ignoring these infections can lead to serious complications, including vision impairment or permanent eye damage.

2. Anatomical Factors: Certain dog breeds, particularly those with large, protruding eyes like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, are predisposed to excessive tearing and eye boogers due to their facial structure. This can be exacerbated by conditions like ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) or entropion (inward turning of the eyelid), which further irritate the eye. Regular cleaning of the eye area is essential for these breeds. In some severe cases, surgical correction of the eyelid abnormality might be necessary.

3. Foreign Bodies: Small particles like dust, grass seeds, or insects can become lodged in the eye, causing irritation and leading to increased tear production and eye boogers. If you suspect a foreign body, carefully examine your dog’s eye. Attempting to remove it yourself is risky and could cause further damage; consult your veterinarian immediately. They have the necessary tools and expertise to safely remove the foreign object.

4. Allergies: Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods can trigger allergic reactions, resulting in itchy, watery eyes and increased eye discharge. Identifying and eliminating the allergen is key. Your veterinarian can perform allergy testing to pinpoint the cause and may recommend allergy medication, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.

5. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): This condition occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears to keep the eye lubricated. The resulting dryness can lead to inflammation, irritation, and excessive eye boogers. Treatment typically involves artificial tear drops or ointments to provide lubrication and manage the symptoms.

6. Blocked Tear Ducts: Tear ducts are responsible for draining tears away from the eye. If these ducts become blocked, tears accumulate, leading to increased tear production and eye discharge. Veterinary intervention may be needed to clear the blockage.

7. Nutritional Factors and Hydration: While not a direct cause, dehydration and a diet lacking essential nutrients can indirectly contribute to eye problems. Ensuring your dog is well-hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water and feeding a balanced, nutritious diet helps maintain overall eye health. While carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A (important for eye health), they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet.

8. Eyelid Problems: Long or misdirected eyelashes (trichiasis) can irritate the cornea, leading to increased tearing and eye boogers. Regular grooming, including trimming any excessively long eyelashes or hairs around the eyes, can help prevent this.

Treating Excessive Dog Eye Boogers:

1. Daily Cleaning: Gently wipe away eye boogers with a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball. Use a separate cloth for each eye to avoid spreading infection. Always wipe from the inner corner of the eye outwards.

2. Veterinary Consultation: If the eye boogers are excessive, discolored (yellowish-green, brown), accompanied by redness, swelling, squinting, or pawing at the eyes, seek veterinary attention immediately. Do not attempt self-treatment.

3. Medication: Your vet may prescribe eye drops or ointments depending on the underlying cause. Strictly follow the prescribed dosage and duration.

4. Dietary Considerations: Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Feed a high-quality dog food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Avoid giving your dog human food, especially those high in salt or sugar, as these can exacerbate the problem.

5. Environmental Modifications: If allergies are suspected, try to minimize your dog’s exposure to potential allergens.

By understanding the various causes and implementing appropriate preventive and treatment measures, you can effectively manage excessive dog eye boogers and maintain your canine companion’s eye health. Remember, early detection and prompt veterinary care are vital to prevent more serious complications.