By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Some dogs have a small amount of clear crust in the corner of the eye every morning, and that is normal. Constant tears running down the face, rust-brown stains on a white coat, or yellow-green discharge are different. They are signs that tears are either being made in excess, often because something is irritating the eye, or are not draining away properly. Most causes are manageable, but a few, such as a corneal ulcer or glaucoma, can damage the eye quickly.
Key takeaways
- Excessive tearing (epiphora) happens when the eye overproduces tears or the drainage system cannot cope.
- Clear watery tears often point to irritation, allergy or poor drainage. Thick yellow or green discharge suggests infection or dry eye.
- Flat-faced breeds and small white dogs are especially prone to tear staining.
- Squinting, a cloudy eye or a red, painful eye needs a vet the same day.
- Tear stains are usually a cosmetic sign of an underlying problem, not the problem itself.
How tears normally drain
Tears keep the cornea moist, clean and healthy. They drain through two tiny openings near the inner corner of the eyelids into the nasolacrimal duct, which runs to the nose. If that drainage is blocked, or the eyelid shape stops tears reaching the openings, tears spill onto the face.
What the discharge looks like
- Clear and watery: irritation, allergy, a blocked duct or something rubbing the eye.
- Mucus, grey or white strings: mild conjunctivitis or early dry eye.
- Yellow or green and sticky: infection or dry eye. See our guide to dry eye in dogs.
- Reddish-brown staining on the fur: porphyrins in tears that oxidise on light coats. A sign of chronic overflow.
- Blood-tinged: injury or a lump on the eyelid. Needs prompt attention.
Common causes
Eyelid and eyelash problems
- Entropion: the eyelid rolls inwards so fur rubs the eye. Common in Shar Peis, Bulldogs, Chow Chows and some retrievers. Read more about entropion in dogs.
- Distichiasis: extra eyelashes growing from the eyelid margin that brush the cornea.
- Facial folds and nose fur: in Pugs, Shih Tzus and Pekingese, skin and hair can sit against the eye.
Drainage problems
- Narrow or blocked nasolacrimal ducts, sometimes present from birth in small breeds such as Poodles, Maltese and Bichon Frises
- Shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes in flat-faced breeds, which let tears spill over
- Infection or inflammation in the tear duct, sometimes with discharge from the corner of the eye when pressed
Irritation and disease of the eye
- Allergies to pollen, grasses or dust, often with itchy paws and ears
- Conjunctivitis, explained in our article on conjunctivitis in dogs
- Grass seeds or foreign bodies, very common in Australian summer
- Corneal ulcers
- Glaucoma and uveitis, which make eyes watery and red
When to see a vet
Same day: squinting, holding the eye shut, a cloudy or blue patch on the eye, a red painful eye, a visible grass seed, an eye injury, or a sudden change in vision.
Within a few days: yellow or green discharge, tearing that started recently, tearing in one eye only, or a dog rubbing its face along the carpet.
Next routine visit: long-standing tear staining in a comfortable dog with clear eyes.
How vets find the cause
Your vet will look closely at the eyelids, lashes and eye surface, often with magnification. They may:
- Stain the eye with fluorescein to look for ulcers. If dye appears at the nostril, the duct is open.
- Measure tear production with a Schirmer tear test.
- Check eye pressure.
- Flush the tear ducts, sometimes under sedation.
Treatment depends on the cause. It might mean medicated drops, removing extra lashes, eyelid surgery for entropion, managing allergies or flushing a blocked duct. Your vet will explain the plan and any medicine.
Caring for watery eyes at home
- Wipe tears and crust away gently once or twice a day using a clean, soft cloth or cotton pad moistened with cool boiled water or sterile saline. Use a fresh pad for each eye.
- Keep fur around the eyes trimmed short by a groomer to reduce wicking.
- Dry the skin afterwards to prevent skin fold irritation.
- Avoid stain removers, tea bags or homemade remedies near the eye.
- Do not use leftover or human eye drops unless your vet has approved them.
FAQ
Are tear stains a health problem?
The stain itself is not harmful, but it shows tears are overflowing. A vet check can find whether the cause is treatable.
Can food cause tear stains?
Food allergy can contribute in some dogs, but anatomy and drainage are more common causes.
Is it normal for puppies to have watery eyes?
Mild tearing is common while teething, but ongoing tearing or discharge should be checked.
Can I use a tear stain remover?
Some are safe for the fur around the eyes, but keep products out of the eye itself and ask your vet first.
Talk with a vet
If your dog's eyes have been watery or gooey and you are not sure whether it needs a clinic visit, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide. Talk with Dial A Vet. A painful, cloudy or injured eye needs in-person care today.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Disorders of the nasolacrimal and lacrimal apparatus in dogs
- American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO): Owner information on eyelid and tear problems
- Maggs DJ, Miller PE, Ofri R. Slatter's Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th edition
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase: Brachycephalic dogs and their health problems
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
