Does your dog have weepy eyes? Causes and treatments for eye discharge

There can be a few reasons for a dog having weepy eyes, from something caught in their eye to an underlying health condition. Your dog’s eyes are extremely delicate, so knowing what to look out for means you can get help as soon as possible. 

A small amount of clear discharge around your dog’s eyes isn’t usually anything to worry about. Tears help keep your dog’s eyes lubricated and rinse away dust, pollen or other irritants.  

A small amount of dried discharge in the corner of your dog’s eyes after they’ve been sleeping is also normal, as long as there are no other signs of infection or irritation. 

Signs that your dog’s eyes may be infected or irritated include: 

• Excessive discharge 

• Signs of pain 

• Rubbing eyes 

• Cloudiness  

• Swelling 

• Redness 

If your dog has any of these signs, contact your vet for advice. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to share any concerns with a professional, 24/7. To get started, log in to your My Petplan account. 

If your dog has runny eyes, pay attention to the colour and type of discharge, as this can sometimes provide a useful clue about what’s causing it and whether you should be worried. 

Clear, watery discharge is usually linked to normal tear production. It can also be a sign of allergies, irritation, or a reaction to wind or dust. Clear discharge can also be due to corneal irritation or other eye conditions, including glaucoma, especially if it only affects one eye. 

Red or brown stains running from the corner of the eye down the face are caused by pigments in tears, which can stain their fur. They’re often particularly noticeable in dogs with white or light-coloured coats. 

If you’re worried about your dog’s tear stains, speak to your vet for advice. They may suggest regularly cleaning the area with a damp cloth or using a specialised product.

Yellow or green discharge can be the sign of an eye infection or other inflammation. You may notice other signs of irritation as well, including redness, swelling and signs of pain. If you notice this kind of discharge, speak to your vet for advice as soon as possible. 

A small amount of crusty or gloopy discharge in the corner of your dog’s eyes when they wake up isn’t usually a cause for concern. Just like in our eyes, this discharge is made up of tears, dust and dead skin cells. You can wipe it away with a damp piece of kitchen towel or a soft cloth. 

If there’s a lot of discharge and you notice it recurring throughout the day, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as dry eye. In this case, speak to your vet for advice.  

If your dog’s weepy eyes are combined with redness, irritation and a yellow or green discharge, this can be a sign of infection or inflammation. A quick trip to the vet is important for diagnosing the problem, as injuries, allergies and other eye problems can cause similar symptoms.  

Your vet will examine your dog’s eyes and may carry out tests to determine the cause. Depending on the results, your dog might need treatment, which could include prescription eye drops or ointment.  

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. It’s also sometimes called pink eye. It can have a range of causes, including allergies, bacterial or viral infections, injuries and eye diseases.  

Treatment depends on the cause and may include prescription eye drops, lubricants or other medications recommended by your vet. Most dogs make a full recovery, but early treatment is important.  

If your dog has weepy eyes or any discharge, it’s important to speak to your vet rather than try to treat the problem yourself. Once they’ve assessed your dog, they may recommend simple remedies such as gently cleaning your dog’s eyes – but this will depend on the cause.  

It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of any prescribed medication, even if your dog’s eyes seem to improve.