Why Do Dogs Have Eye Boogers and Tears?

Okay，let’s cut to the chase right now: if your furry pal is sporting some eye gunk and tear streaks, it usually boils down to a few common culprits. Think irritation, infection, or maybe even just a little something stuck in there. We’ll dive into all the nitty-gritty details soon, but that’s the gist of it. Now, let’s unpack this whole watery-eye, goopy-eye situation.

Is it just allergies or something more serious?

Alright, so picture this: your dog is happily sniffing around the garden, and then, BAM! Their eyes start watering and producing that lovely (not) eye discharge. The first question that pops up: is this just allergies acting up? And the answer, like most things with dogs, is – it depends!

Allergy Season Blues: Just like us, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen, dust, grass… you name it, it can irritate their peepers. You might notice the tearing is more watery, and they might be a bit itchy, rubbing their face on the carpet or pawing at their eyes. If that’s the vibe, your pup might be having a classic allergy flare-up. An antihistamine, prescribed by your vet, might do the trick to soothe those irritated eyes. But always, always check with a vet before giving your pet any medication.

Irritants in the Environment: It’s not always pollen season. Think about other stuff that could be irritating their eyes. Perfumed cleaning products, smoke, even something as simple as a change in their shampoo could be the reason. If you’ve recently changed something, try switching back to see if it helps. Sometimes, simply removing the irritant can clear up the problem. Little things can make a big difference!

The Dark Side: Infections: Okay, so what if it’s not allergies? Well, eye infections are a whole different ball game. We’re talking pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, which is basically an inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball. You might see thick, yellow, or green discharge, and the whites of their eyes may look all pink and inflamed. Infections often need a vet’s help and usually require antibiotics to clear up.

Underlying Issues: Sometimes, the eyes are just the messenger. What if your dog has an underlying condition? Certain health issues like tear duct problems, where tears don’t drain properly, can cause excessive tearing and eye gunk. Other things like corneal ulcers (think scratches on the eye) can also be at play and require urgent attention. That’s why if the problem persists or seems severe, it’s a must to visit the vet. Don’t play doctor at home when it comes to their eyesight.

Types of Eye Goop: What Does It All Mean?

Let’s talk about eye boogers. Yes, they’re kinda gross, but they are super important clues to what’s going on!

Clear and Watery: This type is pretty common and can often indicate something minor like an irritant or the first signs of allergies. If it’s just a bit of clear, watery stuff and your dog is otherwise fine, don’t panic too much. Just keep a close eye.

White-ish and Mucoid: This stuff is a bit thicker than the clear discharge, and it might be more like a slightly milky goo. It’s generally a step up from just watery tearing, and can indicate mild inflammation or the start of an infection. Time to pay closer attention and maybe schedule a vet visit if it doesn’t improve.

Yellow or Green Discharge: Now, this is when things get real. Yellow or green discharge is a big red flag for an infection. It is often accompanied by redness and discomfort. Think of it as your dog’s eyes shouting for help. This requires a trip to the vet ASAP for antibiotics. Don’t delay; this can turn into something more serious if left untreated.

Dark Brown Crusty Eye Boogers: Sometimes, we see these dark, crusty eye boogers. This is often a result of excessive tearing and doesn’t necessarily mean infection. However, if it’s excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s better to get it checked. It can also sometimes be due to dirt or other debris being trapped in the tear duct and coming out in the tear stains. A gentle wipe can sometimes resolve this.

What Can I Do At Home (And When to Rush to the Vet)?

Okay, so you’ve got the gist of it. What can you actually do at home, and when should you be hitting the vet’s office faster than a dog after a dropped treat?

Gentle Cleaning is Key: If it’s just some mild discharge, start with a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe around their eyes. Use separate cloths for each eye to prevent spreading any possible infections. Avoid using anything too harsh, like soaps or alcohol. You want to be a gentle and caring eye-washer, not an eye-irritator.

Keep an Eye Out: Monitor the symptoms carefully. If the discharge is getting worse, thicker, or changes color (yellow or green), it’s time to head to the vet. Watch for other symptoms too like red eyes, rubbing their face, squinting, or lethargy. These are all signs they’re not feeling their best and require professional care.

Don’t Play DIY Vet: While home remedies can help in some cases, don’t rely solely on them, especially when infections are suspected. Things like saline solutions are fine for rinsing, but don’t use human eye drops without consulting your vet. They might not be safe for your dog and could potentially worsen the situation.

When to Book an Appointment: Don’t hesitate to book a vet appointment if the issue doesn’t clear up within a day or two, or if any of the following symptoms are present:

Excessive discharge, especially yellow or green

Swelling or redness around the eye

Squinting, pawing at the eye, or visible pain

Cloudiness or change in the eye’s appearance

Lethargy or loss of appetite

In a nutshell, eye boogers and tearing can be a bit of a mystery, but observing carefully, cleaning gently, and knowing when to seek professional help will keep your pup’s eyes happy and healthy. Remember, prevention is key, so keep those eye areas tidy and stay observant!