Excessive Tearing and Eye Drainage in Dogs

I remember that epiphora is the term for excessive tearing. Possible causes could be anatomical issues like blocked tear ducts or eyelid abnormalities. Breeds with short noses, like Shih Tzus or Pugs, often have this problem. Then there are eye infections, which could be bacterial or viral. Conjunctivitis is a common one here.

Allergies might be another cause. Dogs can react to pollen, dust, or food, leading to watery eyes. Corneal injuries, such as scratches or ulcers, can also cause discharge. I should mention that ulcers are serious and need prompt treatment.

Foreign bodies like grass seeds or dirt can irritate the eye. Glaucoma is a more severe condition with increased eye pressure. Symptoms might include redness and pain, so that’s important to highlight. Entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward, is common in certain breeds and causes irritation.

Dry eye (KCS) is another possibility. The dog’s eyes might produce a mucus discharge instead of tears. Then there’s distichiasis, where extra eyelashes rub against the eye.

The user might be a dog owner noticing these symptoms and wanting to know if it’s serious. They might not know when to see a vet versus trying home care. I should include symptoms that require immediate attention, like redness, squinting, or changes in eye appearance.

Diagnostic steps would involve a vet visit. The vet might use fluorescein staining to check for ulcers, measure tear production, or check eye pressure. Treatment options vary from antibiotics for infections to surgery for entropion or blocked ducts.

Home care tips like gentle cleaning with saline could be helpful. Prevention would involve regular grooming and avoiding irritants.

I need to make sure the information is structured clearly, maybe in sections like causes, symptoms requiring vet attention, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Also, emphasize consulting a vet because eye issues can escalate quickly. Avoid jargon where possible, but include medical terms for accuracy. Maybe add breed-specific risks since some dogs are more prone to certain issues.

Excessive Tearing and Eye Drainage in Dogs
Excessive tearing (epiphora) or abnormal eye discharge in dogs can indicate a range of issues, from mild irritations to serious health conditions. Below is a breakdown of common causes, symptoms, and management strategies:

Common Causes

1. Epiphora (Excessive Tearing)

   • Anatomical Issues: Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Shih Tzus, Pugs) often have shallow eye sockets or hair around the eyes that traps tears.

   • Blocked Tear Ducts: Prevents normal tear drainage, leading to overflow.

   • Eyelid Abnormalities: Entropion (inward-rolling eyelids) or ectropion (outward-rolling eyelids) can irritate the eye.

2. Eye Infections

   • Conjunctivitis: Bacterial, viral, or allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva, causing redness, swelling, and discharge (clear, yellow, or green).

   • Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, often with thick discharge.

3. Allergies

   • Environmental allergens (pollen, dust) or food allergies can trigger watery eyes and mild discharge.

4. Corneal Injuries

   • Scratches, ulcers, or foreign bodies (e.g., grass seeds) cause pain, tearing, and sometimes pus-like discharge.

5. Glaucoma

   • Increased intraocular pressure leads to excessive tearing, redness, cloudiness, and pain.

6. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, KCS)

   • Insufficient tear production causes thick, mucus-like discharge and irritation.

7. Distichiasis or Trichiasis

   • Abnormal eyelash growth irritating the eye surface.

Symptoms Requiring Immediate Vet Attention

• Squinting or pawing at the eye

• Redness, swelling, or cloudiness

• Thick, yellow/green discharge (sign of infection)

• Sudden change in eye appearance (e.g., bulging)

• Blood or bloody discharge

Diagnosis

A veterinarian may perform:

• Fluorescein Stain Test: Checks for corneal ulcers.

• Tear Production Test (Schirmer Test): Diagnoses dry eye.

• Eye Pressure Measurement: Rules out glaucoma.

• Culture/Sensitivity Testing: For bacterial infections.

Treatment Options

• Infections/Allergies: Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops/ointments (e.g., Terramycin), antihistamines, or steroids.

• Corneal Ulcers: Antibiotics + protective collar to prevent rubbing.

• Blocked Tear Ducts: Flushing under sedation or surgery.

• Entropion/Distichiasis: Surgical correction.

• Dry Eye: Lifelong immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine) or artificial tears.

• Glaucoma: Medications to reduce pressure; surgery in severe cases.

Home Care & Prevention

• Gentle Cleaning: Use a saline solution or vet-approved eye wipe to remove crusts.

• Trim Facial Hair: Keep hair around eyes short to prevent irritation.

• Avoid Irritants: Limit exposure to smoke, dust, or chemicals.

• Regular Checkups: Especially for breeds prone to eye issues.

When to See a Vet

Mild clear discharge may resolve with cleaning, but persistent or worsening symptoms require professional evaluation. Untreated eye conditions can lead to vision loss or permanent damage.

Note: Never use human eye drops without veterinary guidance—some ingredients (e.g., steroids) can worsen certain conditions.

If your dog shows signs of pain or vision changes, seek urgent care!