Does your dog have weepy eyes?

Q: My five-year-old Springer Spaniel is prone to weepy eyes. Should I take him to a vet or just keep cleaning his eyes with cooled boiled water?

A: If the discharge is clear or brownish in colour, it’s normal tear production – possibly excessive because of irritation or allergy. If the discharge is yellow, it’s a bacterial infection that will need antibiotic medication from your vet.

Many owners report that their dogs have weepy eyes during early spring, possibly associated with the increase in pollens and dust in the atmosphere. A good wipe clean with cooled boiled water would be a perfect way to keep your Springer’s eyes clean and clear, so continue as you are unless infection does become apparent.

Can dogs get sunburn?

Summer trips to the beach, long walks and afternoons in the garden mean your dog might spend more time in the sun than normal. But do dogs get sunburn? Here’s everything you need to know.

A golden retriever lies in green grass, looking off to the right.

Dog health - 3 reasons to trust your instincts

An ageing dog needs to be monitored carefully to spot any new health issues early. Here are the signs to watch out for.

Signs of blindness in dogs

From a sudden injury to old age or illness, your dog’s eyesight can be affected by many things

Mixed breed dog snuggled in white and grey blanket

Signs of poisoning in dogs

Discover some of the most common dog poisoning symptoms – and find out what to do next.

A golden retriever dog with bright eyes gazes off camera with a green outdoor background.

Common health problems in older dogs

Peplan Vet Brian Faulkner shares insight into eight common health problems in older dogs.

Are dogs colour-blind?

Do dogs just see in black and white? Read more to find out how your dog really sees the world.

The ultimate guide to bloat in dogs

Vet Brian Faulkner shares the early signs of bloat to look out for, plus how to treat and prevent it.

A man writing in a diary, with date & time written down.

Guide to epileptic seizures in dogs

Petplan veterinary expert Brian Faulkner shares advice on what to do if your dog has a seizure.

A golden retriever peeks out from under a gray blanket, looking at the camera.

What is pyloric stenosis in dogs?

Petplan Vet Brian Faulkner explains what causes pyloric stenosis, the symptoms and how it can be treated.

A zoomed-in image of a dog drinking from a bowl.

Pyometra in dogs: what to look out for

Learn about pyometra, a common, yet life-threatening, condition that affects unspayed female dogs.

Can dogs get colds?

Can your dog catch a cold? Find out about kennel cough and how it could affect your pet.

Close-up of an older dog's face with a grey muzzle and eyebrows, looking directly at the camera.

Dog eye problems: an owner’s guide

Find out how to spot and treat common issues with our guide to canine eye health.

Cockapoo eye problems: an owner’s guide

Learn more about the eye issues cockapoos can face, like primary glaucoma and retinal atrophy.

A fluffy brown cockapoo dog lying on a dog bed.

Babesiosis: symptoms and treatments

Vet Brain Faulkner looks at Babesiosis and shares advice on what you can do to prevent infection.

yellow Labrador laying next to food bowl

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs

Advice on CDS in dogs - or canine dementia - including symptoms, causes and how to manage it.

Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England and Wales with company number 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England and Wales with company number 84638).

Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, reference number 121849. Registered address for both companies: 15 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 3AR. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc.