As a dog owner, you might have noticed your dog’s eyes becoming watery or exhibiting an excessive tearing pattern. While it can be concerning, dog eye discharge is quite common, and there are various causes behind it. Most of the time, dogs’ eyes try to clear themselves from irritants. Still, when dog eye discharge persists or becomes more serious, it could indicate a medical issue requiring attention.

In this article, we’ll discuss home remedy options for dog runny eyes, identify common causes of eye discharge in dogs, and offer advice on when to seek veterinary attention. Whether the cause is foreign bodies, a bacterial infection, or environmental factors, you’ll find plenty of home remedies to help alleviate the discomfort your dog might be experiencing.

Understanding Dog’s Eye Discharge

Before diving into remedies, it’s important to understand what constitutes dog eye discharge. Healthy eyes in dogs typically don’t produce noticeable discharge. However, in some cases, you may notice your dog has watery eyes, yellow eye discharge, or sticky discharge. While some symptoms may result from common causes, others could point to a more serious issue like an infection or underlying condition.

Common Symptoms of Dog Eye Discharge

• Watery discharge: Often clear or slightly cloudy, watery eyes are common and might be caused by irritants like dust, wind, or allergens.
• Yellow or green discharge: This is more concerning and can indicate a bacterial eye infection or a more severe eye infection.
• Sticky discharge: The discharge may crust or stick to the fur around your dog’s eyes, making it difficult to open their eyes.
• Excessive tearing: When your dog has persistent teary eyes, it may result from blocked tear ducts or irritation from allergens.

Understanding the cause of your dog’s eye discharge is key to applying the right home remedy or seeking professional care.

Common Causes of Runny Eyes in Dogs

Several factors can lead to runny eyes or eye discharge in dogs. Here’s a breakdown of the common causes:

1. Environmental Allergens

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. Environmental allergens, such as dust mites, pollens, and mold, can cause eye irritation and lead to watery eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is often the result of exposure to these irritants and can cause your dog’s eyes to water excessively.

2. Infections

Dogs can develop various types of infections that affect their eyes:

• Bacterial eye infections: Often accompanied by yellow or green discharge, bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment to prevent corneal ulcers or further complications.
• Canine conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, this condition can cause redness, eye inflammation, and discharge. It can be viral, bacterial, or allergic.
• Viral infections: Some viral infections, like canine distemper, may lead to eye health problems, including watery eyes.

3. Foreign Bodies

Sometimes, small particles like dust, foreign objects, or dirt can get lodged in a dog’s eyes. This can lead to irritation and excessive tearing as the dog’s eyes try to clear the irritants. If the object isn’t removed, it can lead to infection.

4. Blocked Tear Ducts

If a dog’s tear ducts are blocked, it can prevent the natural drainage of tears. This results in watery eyes, as the tears accumulate instead of draining properly. A vet can help clear this blockage and prevent further irritation.

5. Underlying Health Conditions

Certain health issues, such as chronic conditions, immune system disorders, or nasal problems, can cause a dog’s eye discharge. These conditions require specific treatments and should not be ignored.

6. Physical Injuries

A scratch or injury to the dog’s eye can produce a tear as the eye attempts to heal. This discharge is often accompanied by squinting, pawing at the eye, or redness.

Dog Runny Eyes Home Remedy

Now that we understand some common causes of dog eye discharge, let’s explore some effective home remedies for managing runny eyes in dogs. These remedies may not cure all conditions, but they can provide temporary relief while you monitor the situation or wait to see a vet.

1. Warm Water Compress

A simple warm water compress can soothe your dog’s irritated eyes and help loosen any sticky discharge or crust that has built up around them.

How to Use:
Soak a clean cotton ball in warm water and gently place it over the affected area. Hold it there for a minute or two to soften any crusty discharge. This will not only clean the eye area but also comfort your dog.

2. Saline Solution

A saline solution (a mixture of salt and water) can help clean your dog’s eyes and reduce irritation. This solution works by flushing out debris and bacteria that could be causing the eye irritation.

How to Use:
You can use a saline solution from the pharmacy or make your own by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. Gently wipe around the eye with a cotton ball or gauze. Never use harsh chemicals or human eye drops, as they can harm your dog’s sensitive eyes.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel has natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and calm irritated eyes. It also has antibacterial properties that can be beneficial if the discharge is due to a mild infection.

How to Use:
Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel (ensuring it is free of harmful additives) to a cotton ball and gently wipe the area around the eye. Be cautious not to get the gel directly in the eye.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is known for its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation and irritation around your dog’s eyes.

How to Use:
Steep a green tea bag in hot water, let it cool, and apply it to the eye area using a cotton ball. The cool tea bag can help soothe the eye and reduce redness and swelling.

5. Keep the Eye Area Clean

Wiping away any eye discharge regularly with a clean, damp cotton ball can help keep the eye membranes clean and prevent further irritation. Be gentle when cleaning around your dog’s eyes to avoid causing any discomfort.

How to Use:
Use a cotton ball soaked in warm water or saline solution to wipe away any discharge gently. This should be done several times daily, especially if your dog has excessive tearing.

6. Eye Drops for Dogs

If your dog’s eyes are particularly irritated or dry, you can use eye drops formulated for dogs. These drops can lubricate the eyes, relieve eye irritation, and wash away any foreign bodies that might be causing discomfort.

How to Use:
Consult your vet for recommendations on the best eye drops for your dog. Follow the instructions carefully when applying the drops to ensure you don’t accidentally irritate the eye further.

7. Monitor Your Dog’s Diet

A dog’s diet plays an essential role in their overall eye health. Poor nutrition can lead to eye problems, including excess discharge and irritation. Ensure your dog’s diet includes sufficient vitamins and nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which support healthy eyes.

Tip: Consider talking to your vet about whether your dog might benefit from a dietary supplement to support eye health, especially if they are prone to eye irritation.

8. Protect Against Environmental Irritants

If your dog’s runny eyes are caused by environmental irritants like dust mites or pollen, try to limit their exposure to these allergens. Keeping your home clean and free from dust and allergens can help reduce the chances of eye irritation.

Tip: Use air purifiers in your home to reduce airborne allergens, and ensure your dog’s bedding is washed regularly to avoid allergens.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

While home remedies can be quite effective for temporary relief of minor dog eye infections or irritations, there are certain situations where you should immediately seek veterinary attention. It’s essential to know the signs indicating a serious eye problem, as untreated eye conditions can damage your dog’s vision health. Early intervention is key to preventing complications and ensuring your dog’s eyes remain healthy. Below are the warning signs that suggest your dog may need professional care.

1. Yellow or Green Eye Discharge

If you notice that your dog’s eye discharge is yellow or green, it’s often an indication of a bacterial eye infection or canine conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye). This type of dog eye discharge typically signifies the presence of infection and may require antibiotics or other specialized treatments from your veterinarian.

Why This Is Concerning: Yellow or green discharge suggests a more severe infection that may not resolve with over-the-counter treatments. If left untreated, it can lead to further complications, such as painful corneal ulcers, which could result in permanent damage to the eye membranes.

2. Excessive Tearing or Watery Eyes

Excessive tearing, or watery eyes, can sometimes indicate blocked tear ducts or a foreign body lodged in the dog’s eyes. If your dog’s eye discharge persists and seems abnormal—especially if the tearing is persistent or worsening—it’s time to seek advice from a veterinarian.

Why This Is Concerning: Blocked tear ducts can cause an accumulation of tears, which might eventually lead to irritation and infection. If left untreated, this could escalate to more severe conditions, requiring surgical intervention to clear the blockage and prevent damage to the nasal structures and tear ducts.

3. Pain or Discomfort

If your dog shows signs of pain or discomfort—such as pawing at its eyes, squinting, excessive blinking, or keeping its eyes closed—this could indicate a more serious issue, such as a foreign body in the eye, corneal ulcer, or even a dog eye infection. Dogs often won’t directly show pain, so any change in behavior, like excessive tearing, should be taken as a serious signal.

Why This Is Concerning: Painful eyes can indicate the presence of an injury, infection, or other serious underlying condition. If your dog continues to show signs of eye irritation, damage to the eye may require immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss or further complications.

4. Redness and Inflammation

Redness or inflammation in your dog’s eyes—especially in the inner corner or around the tear ducts—can indicate a condition like canine conjunctivitis or allergic conjunctivitis. While mild inflammation might be due to environmental allergens, persistent or severe redness and swelling may be signs of a bacterial infection or an autoimmune issue.

Why This Is Concerning: Severe eye inflammation can cause damage to the eye membranes, and if left untreated, it may lead to chronic conditions that are harder to treat later. In some cases, if an eye infection progresses, it can permanently damage the dog’s eyes.

5. Cloudy Eyes or Changes in Appearance

If you notice your dog’s eyes becoming cloudy, dull, or exhibiting other unusual changes in appearance, it could signal a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, or even cataracts. These conditions can significantly affect your dog’s vision and require immediate intervention.

Why This Is Concerning: Cloudy eyes could mean that your dog is suffering from an eye infection or internal damage. Conditions like glaucoma can be incredibly painful and lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. If your dog’s eyes are showing signs of serious changes, don’t wait—seek veterinary attention immediately.

Conclusion

Dog runny eyes can be caused by various factors, ranging from mild irritation to serious infections. Luckily, home remedies can often provide temporary relief and help manage mild eye discharge until you can see your vet. Don’t hesitate to seek veterinary attention if you notice signs of infection, pain, or other serious symptoms.

By being proactive and using the right home remedies for your dog’s eye health, you can help alleviate their discomfort and ensure they stay happy and healthy. Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about the cause of your dog’s eye discharge or if you’re dealing with persistent symptoms.

References

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/eye-discharge-or-epiphora-in-dogs

https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/eyes/watery-eyes-epiphora-dogs

https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-discharge-from-eye