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Dogs can eat some pretty disgusting things at times! It may be something a dog pulls out of the kitchen wastebasket, like an old chicken carcass. Or he may try to eat medications, socks, and more. But why on would a dog eat something like eye boogers? Can eye boogers make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten eye boogers? Are you worried the eye boogers will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary (and gross!) when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together information on eye boogers and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Eye Boogers?
Dog eye boogers are sometimes also called “goop” or “gunk” or even “eye gunk.” The thing these names have in common is that they are referring to eye discharge that dogs may develop at times.
Eye discharge in dogs may be caused by debris that accumulates in the corner of the eye. It may appear brown and hard or somewhat gunky. You may notice this in the morning when your fur baby wakes up. The eye gunk is probably nothing to worry about if your dog’s eyes are otherwise clear and look healthy.
However, eye discharge can also be caused by allergies, infections, and more. If the eye discharge is green, yellow, or another color, it’s time to call the vet. Your dog’s eyes need to be checked for a medical problem that may be causing this issue.
But what happens if a dog eats eye boogers?
Eye Boogers & Dogs
Fortunately, eye boogers rarely make a dog sick. However, they can be an indication that your dog’s eyes have some problem, as noted above.
Why would a dog eat eye boogers? It’s possible the eye gunk could be irritating their skin or eyes. In that case, the dog may try to remove the gunk with his paws and then clean the eye boogers off his fur. That’s gross, but this is what dogs do clean their eyes off.
Eye Boogers & When to Call the Vet
You should call the vet if you notice your dog’s eye gunk and the following symptoms:
- Red eye(s)
- Swollen eye(s)
- Rubbing of the eyes
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Head shy behavior (doesn’t want you to pet him)
- Colored eye discharge (brown, red, green, yellow)
If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to call the vet. Your fur baby needs to have his eyes evaluated. He could have allergies, an infection, or another type of eye problem. Fortunately, the vet has medications and treatments that can clear up most issues that cause eye boogers in dogs!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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