Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from eye irritation, which often presents itself in the form of eye boogers. These eye boogers, which can be yellow, green, or even white in color, are most commonly caused by a combination of dust and mucus. While it is natural for a small amount of eye boogers to appear in dogs, it can be an indicator of an underlying medical issue. In this blog post, we will discuss the various causes of eye boogers in dogs, as well as the potential health risks that can arise from them. We will also discuss the signs that a dog may have an underlying medical issue, and the steps to take if eye boogers become a regular occurrence. Lastly, we will outline the best methods of treating and preventing eye boogers in your pet.
Abnormal eye leakage might signal a dog eye infection or other issues.
“The presence of ocular discharge is a non-specific sign,” Dr. Kimmitt says. This means that a number of ocular disorders could be the cause. Ulcers, entropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and conjunctivitis (allergic or bacterial) are common causes of dog eye discharge. Damage to the cornea, the transparent membrane that covers the iris and pupil, results in a corneal ulcer.
When the eyelid rolls inward, a condition known as entropion, the eyelashes rub against the cornea. Dryness of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white part of the eye, is known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (also known as dry eye). Conjunctivitis (sometimes called pink eye) is inflammation of the eye. Your dog’s abnormal eye discharge can be identified by a vet visit and tests.
Certain breeds are prone to dog eye discharge.
Due to the combination of their short noses and large, round eyes, brachycephalic dog breeds like Pugs and Boxers may exhibit a slight increase in eye leakage compared to other breeds. Some dog eye discharge in these breeds may be normal, especially if it is clear, but abnormal dog eye boogers require a trip to the veterinarian.
Additionally, blocked tear ducts are more common in Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. The tears from your dog’s eyes typically exit these ducts through the nose and back of the throat. Because there is nowhere for the tears to drain when the tear ducts are blocked, they spill over the edge of the eyes and fall to the face.
A Little Goop or Crust
Tears play an essential role in maintaining eye health. They help clear debris from the surface of the eye and nourish and oxygenate the cornea, the transparent layer of tissue at the front of the eye.
Normal tear drainage occurs through ducts at the inner corners of each eye, but occasionally a small amount of goop or crust will build up there. This substance is created from dead cells, dust, oil, mucus, dried tears, etc. , and is typically clear or a slightly reddish-brown color.
It’s most noticeable in the morning and frequently completely normal. A dog should produce about the same amount of eye goo each night (or after lengthy naps).
A warm, damp cloth should make it simple to remove the goo or crust. Your dog’s eyes shouldn’t be red, and they shouldn’t show any symptoms of eye discomfort, such as rubbing, squinting, blinking, or sensitivity to light.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you ever notice an increase in your dog’s eye goop or any other concerning symptoms.
Epiphora, or excessive tear production, is a symptom of a wide variety of illnesses, from minor to serious. The following are some typical reasons for dogs’ watery eyes:
It is reasonable to keep an eye on the situation for a day or two if your dog has a relatively mild increase in tearing but otherwise appears to be in good health.
It’s possible that your dog’s face was simply covered in pollen or dust, and the increased tearing is trying to wash it off. But schedule a visit with your veterinarian if his eyes continue to be watery, your dog experiences red, painful eyes, or any other types of eye discharge.
Near the inner corner of their eyes, light-colored dogs’ fur frequently turns reddish-brown. This happens as a result of porphyrin, a pigment found in tears, which when exposed to air for an extended period of time turns reddish-brown.
If there are no other issues, tear staining in this area is common and only an aesthetic worry. Try one or more of these remedies to lessen your dog’s tear stains:
Remember that it may take several months for porphyrin-stained fur to grow out and for any of these treatments to show their full effects.
If you notice any of the following, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an eye examination:
The condition known as dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS) commonly arises when a dog’s immune system attacks and kills the glands that produce tears.
The body tries to make up for less tears by producing more mucus to lubricate the eyes. However, mucus can’t fully replace tears, so eyes become painful, red, and may even develop ulcers and abnormal corneal pigmentation.
Left untreated, KCS can result in severe discomfort and blindness.
Make a vet appointment if you see white-gray mucus accumulating around your dog’s eyes. They can use a quick test known as the “Schirmer Tear Test” to distinguish KCS from other conditions that are linked to increased production of eye mucus.
The majority of dogs respond well to KCS treatment, which may include cyclosporine, tacrolimus, synthetic tears, and/or other drugs.
Surgery is an option, but it should only be used when all other medical options have failed.
FAQ
What does it mean if my dog has a lot of eye boogers?
Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of your dog’s eye’s lining, can cause mucus, yellow-green pus, or watery eye discharge. Conjunctivitis can be brought on by a variety of conditions, including allergies, trauma, birth defects, issues with the tear ducts, foreign objects, dry eyes, distemper, and even tumors.
When should I be concerned about my dogs eye discharge?
Make a vet appointment right away if your dog has colored eye discharge, such as green, yellow, or other colored eye discharge. Other indicators of a potential issue include squinting, a red appearance to the eye, or your dog rubbing or pawing at it.
Should I remove dog eye boogers?
Don’t attempt to remove anything from your dog’s eye if you can see it there. Ask your vet to do so.
Are eye boogers common in dogs?
Dog eye discharge is a common issue that affects our canine friends, particularly small dog breeds. Dogs can develop goopy eyes for a variety of reasons, from minor, temporary problems like allergies to serious conditions like glaucoma that can result in blindness.