Eye discharge is common among dogs, particularly in small breeds. It can be a sign of minor allergies to severe infections, such as glaucoma or conjunctivitis, resulting in loss of sight if left untreated. Pets with flatter faces, such as boxers, pugs, bulldogs, and Pekingese, are generally more vulnerable to eye discharge than the other breeds. It is because they have shallow eye sockets and bulging eyes.
You are responsible for their health and long life as a pet owner. That’s why it’s essential to know some common health conditions of dogs on their ears, skin, teeth, etc.
Top 5 Reasons For Eye Discharge in Dogs
The usual types of dog eye discharge include watery eyes, a little goop or crust, white-gray mucus, yellow or green, and red-brown tear stains. If you suspect your pet’s eye discharge is not normal, take them immediately to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
1. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of a dog’s eye lining. This infection, also known as “pink eye,” usually causes discomfort, making dogs often blink or squint and paw at their infected eye. Physically, there is a clear or green discharge from that eye or the sclera (white part of the eye), eyelids, or the area that surrounds their eye are swollen and red.
You can also see them blinking excessively or keeping their eyes closed. This infection in dogs arises from various conditions, such as:
- Allergies
- Viral infections
- Irritation from foreign particles
- Injury
- Parasitic infections
- Obstructed tear ducts
- Existing eye conditions (glaucoma, anterior uveitis, ulcerative keratitis)
- Trauma to the eye
- Birth defects
2. Epiphora or Excessive Tearing
Rather than a specific disease, epiphora is more of a symptom of many underlying illnesses, including allergies, inflammation, corneal ulcers, abnormal eyelashes, eye pain, and even tumors. Dogs with epiphora usually have watery, teary eyes with reddish-brown staining of the fur underneath their eyes.
3. Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers can be a simple defect or abrasion of the eye’s tissue resulting from minor trauma. Deeper ulcers often suggest a bacterial infection, which is sometimes considered an emergency due to the danger of eye rupture.
The most common symptoms are squinting, redness, and discharge. Corneal ulcers are usually painful, forcing infected dogs to squint, blink exceedingly, and even hold their eyes entirely closed. The white of their eyes also becomes red and swollen in many cases.
4. Dry Eye
When a dog’s eye stops producing enough tears that naturally cleanse its eyes, it produces a sticky, firm discharge. Often you can also see mucus and inflammation. Dry eyes in dogs may result from an injury, distemper, or their own body’s immune system attacking their tear gland tissue.
Vets identify the severity of your dog’s condition and recommend any of the following treatments:
- Artificial tears for some weeks for mild cases
- Antibiotic eye drops to aid in managing secondary infections
- Immunosuppressant drugs to help control the immune system
- Surgery
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma arises from excessive pressure in the eye that manifests only in a couple of days with signs, including cloudy eyes, pus-like discharge, bulging eye or eyes, and in some cases, tearing. This condition hurts and causes infected canines to lose their appetite and sometimes vomit. The veterinarian may prescribe medications to manage ocular pressure but might also recommend surgical treatment.
Many dog owners are not aware that glaucoma is associated with dental problems. Meaning, you shouldn’t focus on just one area of their health. Besides, dogs need to have their teeth checked at least once a year. It’s more convenient if you choose a vet clinic that offers a wide range of vet services, such as MVS pet dentistry services.
Avoiding Eye Problems in Dogs
Before it even occurs, avoid eye problems that can hurt your pets by regularly inspecting their eyes. Their eyes should be bright and crust-free without redness around the white of their eyes. Make sure that their pupils have the same size, and there must be no or slight tearing, no squinting, and their inner eyelids are not visible.
When checking their eyes, gently pull down their lower lids. They should be pink and not red nor white. If there’s tearing, discharge, cloudiness, tear-stained fur, noticeable third eyelid, unequal-sized students, closed or squinted eyes, take them to the veterinarian immediately.
Picking the Right Vet for Your Pet
Picking a vet for your pet plays a vital role in their health and long life. That’s why you need to ensure you’re dealing with the right animal doctor. Typically, you can tell they’re reputable and reliable if their clinic or hospital has veterinarians of different specializations, such as dermatology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, and so on.
It’s also essential that you consider a vet facility near you so that you can arrive in a short period in case of emergencies. It would be best if you also looked for a vet clinic or hospital that offers 24/7 services. Visit this page for more information or expert advice on pet emergencies,