Dogs
Cats
Brand Reviews
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Copy Link
What Is Dog Eye Discharge Called?
Dog eye discharge or ocular discharge is called conjunctivitis because it is the main symptom of this eye inflammation. There’s a wide range of causes for conjunctivitis, from allergies, injury, birth defects, and tear duct problems, to foreign matter, dry eye, distemper, or even eye tumors.
What are the Types of Dog Eye Discharge?
There are different types of dog eye discharge:
- Watery Discharge. While tears play a vital role in hydrating the eye and keeping the cornea nourished with oxygen, excessively watery eyes can be associated with a variety of medical conditions ranging from common allergies to more serious anatomical abnormalities.
- Mucous Yellow/Green Discharge. Excessive epiphora accompanied by pus can be an indication of conjunctivitis that has caused inflammation in the inner lining of a dog’s eye.
- Sticky Discharge. A condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, presents with a sticky, thick discharge of a mucous-like substance. This occurs when a dog’s tear ducts are unable to produce adequate tears for eye lubrication and can lead to eye infections and eye ulcers.
- Brown Discharge. Tear stains are common, especially in light-colored dogs. The brownish-red pigment is from porphyrin in the dog tears that turn a rust color when exposed to air. Tear staining is common in certain dog breeds, such as Maltese and Poodles.
- The Vets Preferred Eye Wash for Dogs gets rid of dirt, debris, and irritants.
- Apply the dog's eye drops to ease allergies, wash out dirt and moisten dry eyes.
- Improves tear staining and allergies by breaking up and dissolving crust and discharge.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Have Discharge in Their Eyes?
No, the normal eye does not have discharge.
While a small amount of clear dog eye discharge at certain times (like, for example, gunk buildup after waking up) is normal, anything beyond that is a cause of concern and requires vet attention.
What Causes Eye Discharge in Dogs?
There are different causes of eye discharge, including:
- Conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the dog’s eye lining and can be a powerful irritant that leads to excessive tearing, crusty formations around the eye, and eye problems caused by scratching and pawing the eye.
- Eye Injuries. Trauma can be caused by many things, including foreign bodies, rough playing, and corneal ulcers. Treatment may be as simple as using eye drops to clear the irritation or as serious as surgical intervention.
- Eye Infection. Infections are one of the common causes of dog eye boogers. An eye infection should be dealt with immediately as it can cause blindness and the loss of an eye if left untreated.
- Eye abnormalities. Eyelid and eyelash issues such as entropion or distichia can also result in dog eye discharge. These issues are congenital and cannot be prevented.
How do I Get Rid of My Dogs Eye Discharge?
To help get rid of eye gunk, you can use a cotton ball and warm water to clean the area around the eye. This should work in most cases, and a fresh cotton ball should be used on each eye.
There are also over-the-counter treatments dog owners can use at home. Here are some of them.
Vets Preferred Dog Eye Wash Drops for Infection & Tear Stain Remover. Formulated with antibacterial agents, this eye wash is suitable for daily use as well as in urgent cases. It removes foreign particles like pollen, dust, and dirt and rinses clean the surface of the eye. It is also great for cleaning dog eye discharge.
When used regularly, this can help to clear up tear stains and prevent them from forming in the future. It is made in a GMP-certified facility in the USA to provide customers with the best safety standards and quality control possible.
OptixCare Pet Eye Lube Plus + Hyaluron. This eye lubricant safely and gently cleans the eye and surrounding area with a unique pH-balanced solution. It can be used to flush debris, allergens, mucous, and dog eye discharge.
Containing hyaluronic acid and chamomile, this formula is made to hydrate and soothe burning, stinging, and itching eyes. It is made without peroxide, antibiotics, bleaches, or boric acid to provide the best and safest quality for your dog.
Sentrx Ocunovis BioHAnce Gel Eye Drops Artificial Tears for Dog. These eye drops are tailored for easy application with their “not too thick, not too watery” consistency. This gives them a consistency similar to natural tears that creates a protective film over the eye when tear production is at a low.
It can be used daily for eye health, and it does not evaporate like other eye drop formulas. This product was developed in the U.S. and contains hyaluronic acid, which has been specifically modified for the ocular surface environment of dogs and cats.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Dogs Eye Discharge?
Dog eye discharge is something pet owners should worry about if present in excess amounts or discolored. It is also a cause of concern if accompanied by additional signs and symptoms like squinting, pawing at the eye, pink eye or red eye, etc.
Most eye issues progress quickly and, if left untreated, can have severe consequences. Therefore, you need to see a DVM, if your dog has eye discharge or you suspect an eye problem.
