5 Types of Dog Eye Discharge and What They Mean
Eye discharge is a common problem in dogs. It is completely normal in some species, while others are associated with potentially serious health problems.
To determine when you should take your dog to the vet, you need to understand the various types of dog eye discharge and what each might mean.
5 Common Types of Eye Discharge in Dogs
Let's take a look at five common types of dog eye discharge and what you should do about them.
1. A Little Stickiness or Crust
Tears play an important role in maintaining eye health. They provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea (the transparent layer of tissue at the front of the eye) and help remove debris from the surface of the eye.
Tears normally flow through channels located in the inner corner of each eye, but sometimes a little gunk or crust accumulates there. This material is made of dry tears, oil, mucus, dead cells, dust, etc. and is typically clear or slightly reddish brown in color.
It is most noticeable in the morning and is usually completely normal. The amount of eye drops a dog produces each night (or after long naps) should remain relatively constant.
The sticky part or crust should be easy to remove with a warm, damp cloth. The eyes should not be red and your dog should not show any signs of eye discomfort (rubbing, squinting, blinking, and/or sensitivity to light).
If at any point you notice an increase in your dog's eye socket or other concerning symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
2. Watery Eyes
Excessive eye watering (epiphora) is associated with many different conditions, ranging from relatively benign to serious. A few common causes of watery eyes in dogs include:
Allergy
irritants
Foreign matter in the eye
Anatomical abnormalities (e.g. prominent eyes or rolled eyelids),
clogged tear ducts
corneal wounds
Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
If your dog has a relatively mild increase in tears, but his eyes appear normal in all other respects and he is not experiencing any discomfort, it makes sense to monitor the situation for a day or two.
Your dog's face fills with pollen or dust, and increased tearing works to solve the problem. But if their eyes continue to water or your dog develops red, sore eyes or another type of eye discharge, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
3. Reddish-Brown Tear Stains
Light-colored dogs often develop a reddish-brown discoloration in the fur near the inner corner of their eyes. This is because tears contain a pigment called porphyrin, which turns reddish brown when exposed to air for long periods of time.
In the absence of other problems, tear staining in this area is normal and is only a cosmetic concern. If you want to minimize your dog's tear stains, try one or more of the following solutions:
Wipe the area several times a day with a cloth moistened with warm water or an eye cleaning solution made specifically for dogs.
Keep the fur around your dog's eyes trimmed short
Try giving your dog a non-antibiotic supplement that reduces tear stains.
Be aware that it may take several months for porphyrin-stained fur to grow and for the effects of any of these solutions to become apparent.
If you notice any of the following, make an appointment with your veterinarian for an eye exam:
Increase in the amount of tear stains
A change in the appearance of your dog's tear stain
Your dog's eyes become red and painful
4. White-Gray Mucus
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS) is a condition that usually develops when a dog's immune system attacks and destroys the tear-producing glands.
With fewer tears, the body tries to compensate by producing more mucus to lubricate the eyes. However, mucus cannot replace all the functions of tears. Because of this, the eyes become red and painful. Ulcers and abnormal corneal pigmentation develop.
If left untreated, KCS causes severe discomfort and blindness.
If you notice white-gray mucus collecting around your dog's eyes, make an appointment with your veterinarian. A simple procedure called the “Schirmer Tear Test” is performed to distinguish KCS from other diseases associated with increased eye mucus production.
Most dogs respond well to treatment for KCS, which may include cyclosporine, tacrolimus, artificial tears, and/or other medications.
Surgery may also be considered, but should be reserved for cases where medical treatment has failed.
5. Yellow or Green Eye Discharge
A dog whose eyes produce yellow or green discharge; It is often diagnosed with an eye infection, especially if eye redness and discomfort are also evident.
Eye infections can develop as a primary problem or as a result of another condition (wounds, dry eyes, etc.) that weakens the eye's natural defenses against infection.
Sometimes what looks like an eye infection is actually a sign that a dog has a systemic disease or problem affecting the respiratory tract, nervous system, or other parts of the body.
Any dog that appears to have an eye infection should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.