Why Are My Teddy Bear Dogs Always Tearful? Potential Eye Diseases and Solutions

Teddy bear dogs, with their charming looks, often exhibit a tearful appearance. While sometimes this is simply due to environmental factors, excessive tearing can indicate underlying eye diseases that require veterinary attention. Understanding the potential causes is crucial for ensuring your beloved pet’s eye health. This article delves into the common reasons behind a Teddy’s watery eyes, offering insights into diagnosis and treatment options.

Common Causes of Excessive Tearing in Teddy Bear Dogs:

Several factors can contribute to a Teddy’s persistent tearfulness. These range from relatively minor irritants to serious medical conditions:

1. Distichiasis (Ectopic Cilium): Teddy bear dogs, like many breeds, possess eyelashes. However, sometimes these eyelashes grow abnormally, growing inward towards the eye (distichiasis) or even growing from an abnormal location (ectopic cilia). This inward-growing hair irritates the cornea and conjunctiva, triggering excessive tear production. The constant irritation can lead to inflammation and even corneal ulceration if left untreated. The solution typically involves surgical removal of the offending hairs under veterinary anesthesia. This procedure is relatively straightforward and highly effective in resolving the tearfulness.

2. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye) is another frequent culprit. Conjunctivitis can manifest as redness, swelling, discharge (often sticky or mucus-like), and excessive tearing. Several factors can trigger conjunctivitis, including allergies, infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), irritants (dust, pollen), or even foreign bodies in the eye. Treatment involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause. This often involves topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory eye drops prescribed by a veterinarian. In severe cases, oral medications might be necessary.

3. Keratitis: Keratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye). This condition is more serious than conjunctivitis and can cause significant pain and vision impairment. Symptoms include redness, excessive tearing, cloudiness of the cornea, and sensitivity to light. Keratitis can result from various factors, such as infections, injuries, dry eye, or autoimmune diseases. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve topical or oral medications, as well as other supportive measures. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent vision loss.

4. Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Tears normally drain from the eye through the nasolacrimal duct, which connects the eye to the nasal cavity. If this duct becomes blocked due to infection, inflammation, or congenital abnormalities, tears cannot drain properly, leading to epiphora (excessive tearing). This obstruction can be caused by infections, anatomical abnormalities, or even the accumulation of debris. Veterinary intervention is typically needed to resolve nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This may involve flushing the duct with saline solution, probing the duct to clear blockages, or in some cases, surgical correction.

5. Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) can also contribute to excessive tearing. This condition can be caused by bacterial or parasitic infections, allergies, or other irritants. Symptoms include redness, swelling, crusting along the eyelid margins, and sometimes hair loss around the eyelids. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or other therapies.

6. Ear Infections: Surprisingly, ear infections can indirectly lead to excessive tearing. The close proximity of the ear and eye means that inflammation or infection in the ear can trigger irritation in the eye, resulting in increased tear production. Treating the underlying ear infection is crucial in alleviating the eye problem.

7. Dietary Factors: A diet high in salt or lacking in essential nutrients can also contribute to excessive tear production. Ensuring your Teddy bear dog consumes a balanced, high-quality diet is vital for overall health, including eye health. Dehydration can also exacerbate tear problems.

When to Seek Veterinary Care:

If your Teddy bear dog is exhibiting excessive tearing, especially accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, discharge, squinting, or eye pain, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure your dog’s comfort and vision.

Beyond Medical Issues:

While many causes of excessive tearing require veterinary intervention, some simpler issues can be addressed at home. For example, regularly cleaning around your dog’s eyes with a soft, damp cloth can remove irritants and prevent the build-up of tear stains. However, remember that home remedies should only be used as temporary measures and should not replace professional veterinary care.

In conclusion, a Teddy’s tearful eyes can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from minor irritations to serious medical conditions. Careful observation, prompt veterinary attention, and appropriate treatment are key to maintaining your Teddy’s eye health and preventing long-term complications. Don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s eye health.