Excessive Tearing and Eye Drainage in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Excessive tearing or eye discharge in dogs is a common concern. While sometimes benign, it often signals an underlying issue from allergies to infections or structural problems. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to diagnose the cause and prevent serious complications, ensuring your dog’s comfort and eye health. Do not attempt self-treatment without professional guidance.

Watching your beloved dog with watery eyes, matted fur around their face, or noticeable discharge can be quite worrying. It’s a common sight for many dog owners, and the frustration of not knowing why it’s happening, or how to help, is understandable. The good news is that you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about excessive tearing and eye drainage in dogs, from identifying the signs to understanding the causes, diagnosis, and effective treatment options. We’ll cover practical steps and provide clear insights to help you ensure your furry friend’s eyes are healthy and comfortable.

Understanding Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) and Eye Drainage

To begin, let’s clarify what we mean by “excessive tearing” and “eye drainage.” While a small amount of clear, watery discharge can be normal, especially upon waking, anything beyond that warrants attention. Excessive tearing, medically known as epiphora, refers to an overproduction of tears or an inability for tears to drain properly, leading to overflow onto the face. Eye drainage, or discharge, can vary in consistency and color, offering clues about its origin.

What’s Normal and What’s Not?

• Normal: A tiny bit of clear, watery discharge, often in the morning. This is usually just dust or debris being flushed out.
• Abnormal:
  • Constant or excessive clear tearing that soaks the fur.
  • Thick, sticky, yellow, green, or pus-like discharge.
  • Redness or inflammation of the eye or eyelids.
  • Squinting, blinking excessively, or holding the eye shut.
  • Rubbing the face or eyes.
  • Cloudiness of the eye.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Swelling around the eye.
  • Visible foreign objects.

Types of Eye Discharge and What They Might Indicate

• Clear, Watery Discharge: Often associated with allergies, irritants (like dust or smoke), blocked tear ducts, or structural issues like entropion (inward-rolling eyelids). While it might seem harmless, persistent clear discharge can lead to skin irritation and tear staining.
• Mucus-like or Sticky Discharge: Can be a sign of dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or KCS), where the eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, leading to a compensatory, thick mucus. It can also be seen with some mild infections.
• Yellow or Green Pus-like Discharge: This is a strong indicator of a bacterial infection, such as bacterial conjunctivitis. It requires prompt veterinary attention and usually antibiotic treatment.
• Bloody or Brownish Discharge: Less common but can signify trauma, severe inflammation, or even a tumor. Immediate veterinary care is essential.

Common Causes of Excessive Tearing and Eye Drainage

The causes of excessive tearing and eye discharge in dogs are diverse, ranging from minor irritations to serious medical conditions. Understanding these potential causes is the first step toward effective treatment.

1. Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. Environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold) or food allergies can manifest as itchy, watery eyes, often accompanied by sneezing, itching, or skin issues. The body’s immune response to allergens can cause inflammation in the conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye), leading to increased tear production.

2. Infections (Bacterial, Viral, Fungal)

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: This is a very common cause, characterized by thick, often yellow or green, pus-like discharge, redness, and discomfort. It can be primary or secondary to another eye problem.
• Viral Infections: Viruses like canine distemper or herpesvirus can cause eye discharge, though it’s often accompanied by other systemic signs of illness.
• Fungal Infections: Less common but possible, especially in certain geographic regions or after eye trauma.

3. Blocked or Malformed Tear Ducts (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction)

Tears are produced by glands above the eye and drain through small openings (puncta) in the inner corner of the eyelids, into tear ducts that lead to the nasal cavity. If these ducts are blocked or malformed, tears cannot drain properly and overflow onto the face. This is particularly common in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds due to their facial anatomy.

4. Corneal Ulcers or Injuries

The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. A scratch, foreign body (like a piece of grass or dirt), or even an eyelash rubbing against it can cause an ulcer. Corneal ulcers are extremely painful and typically result in significant tearing, squinting, redness, and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, they can lead to severe vision impairment or even eye loss.

5. Eyelid Abnormalities

Several genetic or acquired eyelid conditions can lead to chronic eye irritation and discharge:

• Entropion: The eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes and fur to rub against the cornea. This is very painful and common in breeds like Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Shar-Peis.
• Ectropion: The eyelid rolls outward, exposing the conjunctiva and allowing debris to easily enter the eye. This is common in Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and Cocker Spaniels.
• Distichiasis: Extra eyelashes grow from the oil glands in the eyelid margin and rub against the eye.
• Ectopic Cilia: A single eyelash grows through the conjunctiva on the inside of the eyelid, directly irritating the cornea. This is often severely painful.

6. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca – KCS)

Ironically, dry eye often causes excessive tearing. KCS occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears, or the tears produced are of poor quality. The eye tries to compensate by producing a thick, stringy mucus to protect itself, and sometimes reflex tearing occurs due to irritation. This condition can lead to chronic inflammation, corneal damage, and even blindness if untreated. Breeds like Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, and Shih Tzus are predisposed.

7. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye, which can lead to pain, vision loss, and eventually blindness. Symptoms include a dilated pupil, cloudiness of the cornea, redness, and often excessive tearing due to pain. It is a veterinary emergency.

8. Irritants

Simple irritants in the environment can cause a dog’s eyes to water. This includes smoke (from cigarettes, fireplaces), dust, strong perfumes, cleaning products, or even wind during a car ride with the head out the window.

9. Breed Predisposition

Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to specific eye conditions:

• Brachycephalic Breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Pekingese): Their prominent eyes, shallow eye sockets, and facial folds make them prone to corneal ulcers, dry eye, and tear duct issues. Their short muzzles can also contribute to tear drainage problems.
• Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Prone to KCS.
• Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, St. Bernards: Prone to ectropion.
• Rottweilers, Shar-Peis, Bulldogs: Prone to entropion.

10. Other Systemic Diseases

Less commonly, excessive tearing or discharge can be a symptom of a broader systemic illness, such as certain autoimmune diseases or neurological conditions affecting tear production or eyelid function.

When to See a Veterinarian

Given the wide range of potential causes, some of which are very serious, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian if you notice persistent or concerning eye discharge or tearing. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent pain, vision loss, and long-term complications.

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care If You Notice:

• Sudden onset of severe tearing or discharge.
• Any change in the color or consistency of discharge (especially yellow, green, or bloody).
• Squinting, holding the eye shut, or obvious pain.
• Redness or swelling around the eye.
• Cloudiness of the eye or a visible foreign object.
• Your dog rubbing their eye excessively.
• Any signs of vision impairment.

Even if the symptoms seem mild, if they persist for more than 24-48 hours, a vet visit is warranted. Chronic, clear tearing, even without other alarming signs, can lead to skin irritation, infection, and significant tear staining, which can be difficult to manage.

The Veterinary Diagnosis Process

When you take your dog to the vet for eye issues, your veterinarian will perform a thorough ophthalmic examination. This typically involves several steps to pinpoint the exact cause.

1. Comprehensive Ophthalmic Exam

The vet will visually inspect your dog’s eyes, eyelids, and surrounding structures. They’ll check for redness, swelling, discharge type, eyelid abnormalities, and signs of pain.

2. Schirmer Tear Test (STT)

This test measures tear production. A small strip of filter paper is placed inside the lower eyelid for one minute. The amount of wetting on the strip indicates whether your dog is producing enough tears. This is crucial for diagnosing KCS (Dry Eye).

3. Fluorescein Stain Test

A special orange dye is applied to the eye. If there’s an abrasion or ulcer on the cornea, the dye will stick to the damaged area and glow green under a blue light. This test is essential for detecting corneal injuries.

4. Tonometry

This measures the pressure inside the eye. It’s a quick, painless test performed with a special instrument. Elevated pressure indicates glaucoma, a serious condition requiring immediate treatment.

5. Nasolacrimal Duct Flush

If a blocked tear duct is suspected, the vet may try to flush the duct with saline solution. This helps confirm the blockage and sometimes resolves it.

6. Cytology or Culture and Sensitivity

If an infection is suspected, a sample of the discharge may be taken for microscopic examination (cytology) or sent to a lab for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. This helps identify the specific type of bacteria and determines which antibiotics will be most effective.

7. Blood Tests or Allergy Testing

In some cases, if systemic disease or allergies are suspected, your vet may recommend blood tests or specialized allergy testing to identify underlying causes.

Treatment Options for Excessive Tearing and Eye Drainage

Treatment for excessive tearing and eye drainage depends entirely on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will tailor a treatment plan based on the diagnostic findings.

1. Medical Treatments

• Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointments: For bacterial infections (e.g., conjunctivitis). These are typically applied several times a day for a week or more.
• Anti-inflammatory Eye Drops: To reduce redness and swelling caused by allergies, irritation, or some inflammatory conditions.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus): Crucial for treating KCS (dry eye) by stimulating tear production and reducing inflammation. These are often lifelong medications.
• Artificial Tears: For dry eye or to lubricate eyes irritated by environmental factors. They provide moisture and comfort.
• Pain Medication: For painful conditions like corneal ulcers or glaucoma.
• Oral Medications: In some cases, oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or antihistamines may be prescribed, especially for severe infections or allergies.

2. Surgical Interventions

For structural problems, surgery may be the most effective or only solution.

• For Eyelid Abnormalities (Entropion/Ectropion): Corrective surgery reshapes the eyelids to prevent them from rolling inward or outward, protecting the eye.
• For Distichiasis/Ectopic Cilia: Specialized procedures (e.g., cryosurgery, electrocautery, or surgical excision) are used to remove or destroy the abnormal eyelashes.
• For Blocked Tear Ducts: In some cases, a surgical procedure may be performed to open or reconstruct the tear duct system, though this can be challenging.
• For Severe Corneal Ulcers: Some deep or non-healing ulcers may require surgical repair, such as a conjunctival flap, to promote healing.
• For Glaucoma: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be considered to reduce intraocular pressure, though medical management is often the first line of defense.

3. Home Care and Management

While awaiting or complementing veterinary treatment, certain home care measures can help manage symptoms and promote comfort.

• Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth (warm water only) or a veterinary-approved eye wash to gently wipe away discharge from around the eyes. Always wipe away from the eye, towards the nose. Use a fresh part of the cloth for each eye to prevent cross-contamination.
• Avoid Irritants: Keep your dog away from smoke, strong cleaning chemicals, and excessive dust. If allergies are suspected, try to reduce exposure to known allergens.
• Proper Grooming: For long-haired breeds, keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short to prevent it from irritating the eyes or trapping moisture and debris.
• Dietary Adjustments: If food allergies are suspected, your vet may recommend a prescription hypoallergenic diet trial.

Breed-Specific Considerations

As mentioned, some breeds are particularly prone to certain eye conditions due to their unique anatomy or genetics. Awareness of these predispositions can help owners be proactive in monitoring their dog’s eye health.

Brachycephalic Breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Pekingese)

• Prominent Eyes: Their eyes often protrude, making them more vulnerable to trauma, corneal ulcers, and exposure keratopathy (dryness due to incomplete blinking).
• Shallow Eye Sockets: Contributes to eye prominence.
• Facial Folds: Can trap moisture and debris, leading to skin fold dermatitis and irritation around the eyes.
• Tear Drainage Issues: Their short muzzles and altered skull structure can lead to kinked or blocked tear ducts, causing chronic epiphora and tear staining.
• Eyelid Issues: Prone to entropion (inward rolling eyelids).

Breeds Prone to Dry Eye (KCS)

• Cocker Spaniels
• West Highland White Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Lhasa Apsos

Breeds Prone to Eyelid Abnormalities

• Entropion: Shar-Peis, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Chow Chows, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers.
• Ectropion: Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Cocker Spaniels.
• Distichiasis/Ectopic Cilia: Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels.

If you own one of these breeds, discuss potential predispositions with your veterinarian during routine check-ups. Early detection and management are key.

Home Care Tips While Awaiting a Vet Visit

While professional diagnosis is always recommended, here are some safe home care tips to make your dog more comfortable until you can see the vet:

• Gentle Cleaning: Use a clean, soft cloth dampened with warm water to gently wipe away discharge. Wipe from the inner corner of the eye outwards. Use a separate cloth or a fresh section for each eye to prevent spreading potential infection. Do this 2-3 times a day as needed.
• Warm Compresses: A warm, damp cloth held gently over the eye for a few minutes can help soothe irritation and loosen dried discharge. Ensure the cloth is warm, not hot.
• Keep Hair Trimmed: If your dog has long hair around their eyes, carefully trim it to prevent it from irritating the eye or trapping discharge. Use blunt-nosed scissors and be extremely cautious.
• Monitor for Changes: Pay close attention to any changes in the discharge, redness, pain level, or your dog’s overall behavior. This information will be helpful for your vet.
• DO NOT Use Human Eye Drops: Never use over-the-counter human eye drops or medications on your dog without explicit veterinary instruction. Many human products are harmful or ineffective for dogs.
• Prevent Rubbing: If your dog is rubbing or scratching their eye, consider an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent further self-trauma until you can see the vet.

Tables for Quick Reference

Table 1: Common Causes and Associated Symptoms of Excessive Tearing/Drainage

Cause	Common Symptoms	Typical Discharge Type
Allergies	Itchy, red eyes; sneezing; general itchiness	Clear, watery
Bacterial Infection (Conjunctivitis)	Redness, swelling, squinting, discomfort	Yellow, green, thick, pus-like
Blocked Tear Duct	Constant overflow of tears onto face; tear staining	Clear, watery
Corneal Ulcer/Injury	Severe pain, squinting, redness, light sensitivity	Excessive clear, watery; sometimes thick if infected
Eyelid Abnormalities (Entropion/Ectropion)	Chronic irritation, redness, squinting, tearing	Clear, watery; sometimes thick if secondary infection
Dry Eye (KCS)	Chronic redness, discomfort, corneal changes (cloudiness)	Thick, stringy mucus; sometimes reflex clear tears
Glaucoma	Pain, dilated pupil, cloudy eye, redness, vision loss	Excessive clear, watery (due to pain)
Irritants (Dust, Smoke)	Sudden onset of tearing, mild redness, temporary discomfort	Clear, watery

Table 2: Common Diagnostic Tests for Eye Issues

Diagnostic Test	What It Checks For	Purpose
Ophthalmic Exam	Overall eye health, eyelids, conjunctiva, visible abnormalities	Initial assessment; identifies gross problems
Schirmer Tear Test (STT)	Tear production rate	Diagnoses Dry Eye (KCS)
Fluorescein Stain Test	Corneal abrasions, ulcers, foreign bodies	Detects damage to the cornea’s surface
Tonometry	Intraocular pressure (IOP)	Diagnoses Glaucoma
Nasolacrimal Duct Flush	Patency of tear drainage system	Checks for blocked tear ducts
Cytology / Culture & Sensitivity	Type of cells, presence of bacteria/fungi, antibiotic susceptibility	Identifies infections and guides antibiotic choice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is clear, watery tearing always a sign of something serious?

A: Not always. Occasional clear tearing can be normal, especially if it’s brief and resolves quickly, perhaps due to a speck of dust or mild irritation. However, if clear tearing is constant, excessive, or accompanied by redness, squinting, or pawing at the eye, it’s a sign that something is amiss, even if it’s not immediately life-threatening. It could indicate allergies, a blocked tear duct, or even the early stages of a more serious issue. It’s best to consult your vet if it persists.

Q2: Can I use human eye drops, like Visine or saline solution, on my dog’s eyes?

A: Absolutely not. You should never use human eye drops or medications on your dog without specific instructions from your veterinarian. Many human products contain ingredients that can be harmful, irritating, or ineffective for dogs. For example, some human eye drops contain vasoconstrictors that can worsen certain eye conditions in dogs. A simple sterile saline solution can be used for gentle cleaning, but for any medicated purpose, always use veterinary-prescribed drops.

Q3: How do I safely clean my dog’s eyes at home?

A: To safely clean your dog’s eyes, use a soft, clean cloth or cotton ball dampened with warm water or a veterinarian-approved canine eye wash. Gently wipe away discharge from the inner corner of the eye outwards, towards the nose. Use a fresh part of the cloth or a new cotton ball for each eye to prevent spreading potential infections. Be very gentle and avoid touching the eyeball directly. If the discharge is matted into the fur, you can use a warm compress to soften it before wiping.

Q4: Are tear stains around my dog’s eyes a health concern?

A: Tear stains themselves (the reddish-brown discoloration of fur) are primarily a cosmetic issue caused by porphyrins, pigments found in tears, or yeast infections thriving in the constantly damp fur. However, their presence indicates chronic excessive tearing, which *is* a health concern. The underlying cause of the excessive tearing (e.g., blocked tear ducts, allergies, structural issues) needs to be identified and addressed by a vet. Persistent dampness can also lead to skin irritation and secondary bacterial or yeast infections in the fur around the eyes.

Q5: What dog breeds are most prone to excessive tearing and eye drainage?

A: Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are highly predisposed due to their facial anatomy. This includes breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Boston Terriers. Their prominent eyes, shallow eye sockets, and potential for kinked tear ducts often lead to chronic tearing. Other breeds prone to specific issues include Cocker Spaniels and West Highland White Terriers (dry eye), and breeds like Shar-Peis and Basset Hounds (eyelid abnormalities like entropion or ectropion).

Q6: How often should I clean my dog’s eyes?

A: The frequency of cleaning depends on your dog’s individual needs. If your dog has excessive tearing or discharge, you might need to gently clean their eyes 1-3 times a day to prevent matting, skin irritation, and secondary infections. For dogs with normally healthy eyes, a quick daily check and occasional wipe with a damp cloth should suffice to remove any morning “sleep” or dust. Always observe your dog’s comfort level during cleaning.

Q7: Is excessive tearing an emergency?

A: Not all excessive tearing is an emergency, but some signs warrant immediate veterinary attention. Seek emergency care if you notice sudden, severe pain (squinting, holding eye shut), a sudden increase in discharge, a change in discharge color (especially yellow, green, or bloody), cloudiness of the eye, a visible injury, or if your dog is pawing at their eye relentlessly. If the tearing is chronic but mild, it’s still important to see your vet soon, but it may not be an emergency.