Have you noticed your dog’s eye running? Has he developed rusty stains near his eyes? Or does he have dry, crusted gunk around his eyes? If so, it may be time for a vet visit.
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In this article, we’ll review the problems that can cause eye running, as well as treatment options for these issues.
What Causes a Dog’s Eye to Run?
As with other canine eye problems, watery, running eyes is a common problem. Watery eyes usually include discharge of some type from the eyes, too.
Running eyes with discharge can be caused by the following health issues:
Conjunctivitis: this condition can be caused by different issues and it’s usually companied by discharge from the eyes. The discharge includes mucus, yellow-green pus, or clear discharge. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of your dog’s eyes. This condition can be caused by eye trauma (including injury), birth defects, tear duct problems, allergies, a foreign object in the eye, and more.
Dry eye: dogs can develop this problem, just like their pet parents. With dry eyes, you may have noticed a discharge of mucus, inflammation, etc. This condition can develop when the tear glands are somehow infected or irritated.
Glaucoma: this is a condition that causes excessive pressure in the eyes. The eyes can appear cloudy, bulging, and may have a discharge. Glaucoma can cause the eyes to be painful. In some cases, this condition can be treated with prescribed eye drops; however, it may also need to be treated with surgery. If glaucoma is left untreated it can lead to blindness.
Other causes of running eyes can include an eye infection (bacterial or viral), and other eye problems.
Symptoms of Running Eyes in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms when your dog has watery eyes:
- Squinting
- Discharge (may be colored)
- Reddish-brown stains on fur under the eyes
- Sneezing
- Eye redness
- Puffy eyes
- Odor
- Rubbing eyes
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, then it’s time for a visit for the vet. The conditions (listed earlier) can be painful and irritating or even lead to blindness. So, seeking out treatment right away is the best step you can take.
The vet will make an examination of your dog’s eyes, and treatment will depend on the vet’s diagnosis. The main thing is to head to the vet to help your fur baby feel better!
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.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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