Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on April 18, 2021
Eye discharge is a common problem for some dogs. It can be a sign of anything from infection to glaucoma to allergies. Learn more here about what to do if your dog has eye discharge. If your dog has clear eye discharge, chances are good it's caused by allergies or something physical, like dust in the eye or wind blowing in the face. A watery discharge or mucus from one eye is often a sign of a foreign body, like an eyelash, while yellow-green or pus-like eye discharge could indicate a serious infection. Always talk to your vet to get at the root cause of your dog's eye discharge, because some problems can result in blindness or loss of an eye if left untreated. Conjunctivitis. Mucus, yellow-green pus, or a watery eye discharge can all be signs of conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the lining of your dog's eye. There's a wide range of causes for conjunctivitis, from allergies, injury, birth defects, and tear duct problems, to foreign matter, dry eye, distemper, or even tumors. Other signs of conjunctivitis include very red eyes, inflammation, blinking too much, squinting, crusty eyes, pawing at the eyes, or keeping the eyes closed. To treat conjunctivitis, it's important to learn what's causing it. Depending on the cause, treatment can include: removing the irritant and soothing the area with pain medication; antibiotics and saline washes to manage infection; surgery to treat duct problems or birth defects; antihistamines for allergies; or other medications. Corneal ulcers. These can be superficial or deep sores that can be painful. They may be caused by trauma to the cornea, disease, a lack of tears, something foreign in the eye and other injuries. Corneal ulcers causes red and watery eyes, sensitivity to light, squinting, rubbing the eyes with a paw, a film over the eye, and discharge from the eye. Treatment may require surgery, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories. Seek medical attention for your pet right away. Epiphora (excessive tearing). Watery, teary eyes -- resulting in stained or smelly fur and/or infected skin -- can also be the result of many conditions, including abnormal eyelashes, inflammation, allergies, corneal ulcers, tumors, eye pain, and more.
Treating excessive tearing depends on what's causing it and may include: topical antibiotics or steroids for tear duct inflammation; antibiotics and topical medication for cornea damage; or surgery for duct obstruction, ulcers, or abnormal eyelashes. Dry eye. A sticky, tenacious eye discharge could point to canine dry eye -- a failure to produce enough eye-cleansing tears. Dry eye -- symptoms can also include mucus and inflammation -- may be the result of distemper, injury, a knock in the head near a tear-producing gland, or the body's own immune system attacking the tear gland tissue. Infection is a serious risk for dogs with dry eye and can lead to painful, inflamed eyes. Ulcers on the cornea (surface of the eye) are also a serious risk since, without the lubricating effect of tears, the eyelid can scratch the surface of the eye just by opening and closing. Treatment for dry eye depends on how severe it is and may include artificial tears for several weeks for mild dry eye; antibiotic eyedrops to help manage secondary infections; immunosuppressant drugs to help control the immune system; or surgery.
Glaucoma. This condition is caused by excessive pressure in the eye and can be spotted in a few ways, including a bulging eye or eyes, cloudy eyes, and sometimes tearing. Glaucoma causes a lot of pain; the vet may try to manage the ocular pressure with medications, but surgery may be recommended.
Breed issues. Flat-faced dogs like pugs, Pekingese, boxers, and bulldogs can be more prone to eye discharge than other breeds because their flatter faces often mean shallower eye sockets and protruding eyes.
Called brachycephalic breeds, dogs with more prominent eyes may have tear drainage problems; eyelids that roll inward (entropion), causing great irritation by the lashes; or lids that don't close fully over their eyes, a condition that can require surgery.
Breeds with loose facial skin, like bloodhounds, cocker spaniels, beagles, Saint Bernards, and some terriers, are more prone to eyelids that roll outward (ectropion), as well as cherry eye, a condition that occurs when a gland in the eyelid falls out of position. While antibiotics and steroids can help, surgery is often necessary for these conditions.
These are just a few common causes of eye discharge in dogs. Because eye problems can be a sign of brain or nerve injury, infection, or other serious problems, have your dog's eyes checked by a veterinarian to find out what's behind your dog's eye discharge.
Treatment for eye problems sometimes requires eyedrops or ointments, both easier to administer with a few quick tips: First, take a good look at your dog's eyes. The pupils should be the same size and your dog's eyes should be bright, crust-free, with white around the iris. There should be little or no tearing, no squinting, and the inner eyelids shouldn't be visible. Gently pull down your dog's lower lids: they should be pink, not red or white. If you see tearing, discharge, tear-stained fur, cloudiness, a visible third eyelid, closed or squinted eyes, or pupils of unequal size, something could be wrong. It's time to give your vet a call. To help keep your canine companion's eyes bright and healthy, keep long hair out of its eyes (take your dog to a groomer or use round-tipped scissors to trim the hair); keep irritants like shampoos, soaps, and flea medicine away from the eyes; and, finally, watch for signs that may indicate an eye problem, like redness, pawing, rubbing, and squinting.
Pet Health Network: "Glaucoma."
If your pet is squinting, it may not seem like a big concern. You may think it is due to the sun or a bit of dust in the eye(s). If it continues, though, squinting can be an indicator of something more serious. Squinting is commonly the result of a scratch to the cornea or a corneal ulcer.
What to do if your dog is squinting?
If your dog or cat develops a red or squinty eye, call a vet immediately to alleviate the pain of a corneal ulcer and protect their vision!
Can a dog’s scratched eye heal on its own?
The vast majority of corneal injuries are fairly minor and respond really well to simple treatment. This usually involves a short course of antibiotic eye drops and some painkillers for a week or so.
What does dog squinting mean?
Dogs will use eyes to express moods, and we love dog’s squinting, this is usually a positive sign of contentment, joy and happiness. A confident socialised dog, during dog to dog induction will squint whilst gazing elsewhere.
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Do dogs squint when in pain?
Dogs in pain will also frequently squint, and may also paw at their eye(s) or drag them along the carpet or furniture. If their eyes are in pain, the affected eye(s) may also appear bloodshot.
Why is my dog’s one eye half closed?
Eye Trauma
If the thin tissue on the eye surface is damaged by punctures or any lacerations, the cornea can become very sore and irritated. This will most likely be noticeable to you, as your dog may keep one eye closed or try to blink it repeatedly. He may also paw at his eye as if to relieve the pain.
Can you flush a dog’s eye with water?
The Simple Eye Cleaning Method
Rinse your dog’s eye and eye area with simple saline solution, which can be purchased from a veterinarian or pharmacy, or made with a teaspoon of salt water in a cup of warm water.
When should I take my dog to the vet for eye injury?
However, if your dog’s eye has a noticeable wound on or around it, perhaps accompanied by blood, it’s best you get it checked out. Other symptoms of eye injuries include squinting, twitching or spasming of the eyelid, pawing at the eye area, blinking rapidly, or excessive tearing.
How can you tell if a dog is blind in one eye?
Signs that your dog is losing his eyesight can be quite obvious. He might bump into walls or furniture or have trouble locating his food or toys. He might stop making eye contact with you. The signs can also be subtler, such as being reluctant to jump on or off the couch, a new level of anxiety, or becoming clingy.
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What would cause a dog’s eye to turn blue?
Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis is the medical term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. This is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging, and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil.
Why does my dog just sit and stare at me?
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
Why do dogs squint their eyes when in trouble?
The “guilty” dog may squint his eyes and blink more frequently. He may also avoid eye contact or lower his head and look at you with the whites of his eyes exposed. … But your dog’s guilty look may not indicate guilt at all; instead, it is most likely a reaction to a human’s upset or angry response.
How do I know my dog is suffering?
Stiffness and limping are two of the more obvious signs of pain in dogs and are likely a result of injury, sore paws, or even arthritis. Your dog might be reluctant to climb stairs or is noticeably slow when getting up. This can also manifest itself as reduced interest in exercise, or not being as active as usual.
How do dogs act when they are in pain?
Even if they’re trying to be tough, dogs in pain tend to be more vocal, but unless this is paired with a specific physical action, it’s not always easy to spot immediately. A hurt dog may express this vocally in a number of ways: whining, whimpering, yelping, growling, snarling, and even howling.
Is excessive licking a sign of pain in dogs?
What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite.