Why do dogs get weepy eyes? Let’s Explore

If you’ve spotted that your dog has weepy eyes, it’s likely you’re wondering what the possible causes are. Find out all you need to know about runny eyes in dogs and when to seek veterinary help in this guide.

Our dogs’ eyes are incredibly precious – they help our canine friends explore and discover the world. So, when we notice something slightly out of the ordinary such as our dog’s eyes watering, it’s only natural that we feel a sense of panic.

We analyse the potential causes in our latest blog

If you notice that your dog’s eye is weeping then it could be caused by a medical condition affecting their eyes. A weeping eye can take many forms, sometimes it may appear as a clear discharge, whilst other times it may be coloured or gloopy. We take a look at why your dog’s eye could be weeping in our latest blog. Knutsford Vets Surgery have vets with additional training in ophthalmology so book an appointment the next time your dog has eye issues.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Knutsford Vets have staff with additional training in pet eye health. Find out more about our ophthalmology service.

It’s normal for dogs to create tears, just like it is for humans. These tears act as a natural lubricant for the eye and ensure that no debris collects on the surface of the eye. From time to time, however, you may notice that your dog’s eyes aren’t just creating tears, but that they’re also creating an abnormal discharge. This discharge may appear in a number of ways and is often referred to as a weeping eye.

Owners should be especially concerned if their dog’s eyes produce a discoloured discharge, begin watering with clear discharge much more than usual or if their dog’s eyes are coated in a mucus-like substance. Owners should also look out for other symptoms of eye discomfort, such as redness of the eyes or if your dog is physically pawing the eye.

A Little Goop or Crust

Tears play an essential role in maintaining eye health. They provide oxygen and nourishment to the cornea (the clear layer of tissue at the front of the eye) and help remove debris from the eye’s surface.

Tears normally drain through ducts located at the inner corner of each eye, but sometimes a little bit of goop or crust will accumulate there. This material is made out of dried tears, oil, mucus, dead cells, dust, etc., and is typically clear or a slightly reddish-brown color.

It’s most evident in the morning and is often perfectly normal. The amount of eye goop a dog produces each night (or after long naps) should stay relatively constant.

The goop or crust should be easy to remove with a warm, damp cloth. The eyes shouldn’t be red, and your dog should not exhibit any signs of eye discomfort (rubbing, squinting, blinking, and/or sensitivity to light).

If at any point you notice an increase in your dog’s eye goop or other worrisome symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Excessive eye watering (epiphora) is associated with many different conditions that run the range from relatively benign to serious. Here are a few common causes of watery eyes in dogs:

If your dog has a relatively mild increase in tearing, but his eyes look normal in all other respects—and he doesn’t seem to be in any discomfort—it’s reasonable to monitor the situation for a day or two.

Your dog may have simply received a face full of pollen or dust, and the increased tearing is working to solve the problem. But if his eyes continue to be watery or your dog develops red, painful eyes or other types of eye discharge, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Light-colored dogs often develop a reddish-brown discoloration to the fur near the inner corner of their eyes. This occurs because tears contain a pigment called porphyrin that turns reddish-brown with prolonged exposure to air.

In the absence of other problems, tear staining in this area is normal and is just a cosmetic concern. If you want to minimize your dog’s tear stains, try one or more of these solutions:

  • Wipe the area a few times a day with a cloth dampened with warm water or an eye-cleaning solution that’s made specifically for dogs
  • Keep the fur around your dog’s eyes trimmed short
  • Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining
  • Keep in mind that it can take several months for porphyrin-stained fur to grow out and for the effects of any of these remedies to become obvious.

    Make an appointment with your veterinarian for an eye examination if you notice any of the following:

  • An increase in the amount of tear staining
  • A change in the appearance of your dog’s tear staining
  • Your dog’s eyes become red and painful
  • Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS) is a condition that usually develops when a dog’s immune system attacks and destroys the glands that produce tears.

    With fewer tears, the body tries to compensate by making more mucus to lubricate the eyes. But mucus can’t replace all the functions of tears, so the eyes become red and painful and may develop ulcers and abnormal corneal pigmentation.

    Left untreated, KCS can result in severe discomfort and blindness.

    If you notice white-gray mucus collecting around your dog’s eyes, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They can perform a simple procedure called a “Schirmer Tear Test” to differentiate KCS from other diseases that are associated with increased eye mucus production.

    Most dogs respond well to treatment for KCS, which may involve cyclosporine, tacrolimus, artificial tears, and/or other medications.

    Surgery can also be considered but should be reserved for those cases when medical treatment is unsuccessful.

    Eye Discharge in Dogs