Watery eyes in dogs, known as epiphora, are a frequent issue that can have multiple origins. While normal tear production is essential for eye lubrication, excessive tearing often indicates an underlying problem. This article delves into the causes of watery eyes in dogs, offers home management tips, and highlights when to seek veterinary care.
Causes of Watery Eyes in Dogs
Allergies: Dogs can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, or certain foods, leading to eye and nasal passage inflammation. This inflammation can result in increased tear production.
Infections: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all cause excessive tearing. These infections may be due to eye injuries, exposure to infected animals, or weakened immune defenses.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This condition involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the eye, leading to watery eyes, discharge, and redness.
Eyelash and Eyelid Issues: Problems like ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis), abnormal eyelash growth (distichiasis), or eyelids that roll inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion) can irritate the eye, causing excessive tearing.
Prolapsed Third Eyelid (Cherry Eye): This occurs when the gland of the third eyelid protrudes, resulting in irritation and increased tear production.
Eyelid Masses: Small growths on the eyelid can irritate the eye, leading to chronic tearing.
Glaucoma: Elevated pressure inside the eye can lead to excessive tearing as a symptom.
Abnormal Tear Drainage: Issues such as shallow eye sockets, blocked tear ducts, or congenital problems (like imperforate puncta) can prevent normal tear drainage, causing overflow.
Breed-Specific Epiphora: Some breeds, such as Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese, naturally produce more tears due to genetic factors.
Managing Watery Eyes in Dogs - Home Care Tips:
If you notice that your dog's eyes are excessively watery, it's important to take action to manage the condition. For dogs that are genetically predisposed to watery eyes, managing the condition involves maintaining cleanliness around the eye area. Here are some tips:
Use only gentle cleaning solutions: Use products like Eye-Care to clean your dog's eyes without causing irritation. Apply the solution to a soft pad and gently wipe the eye area.
Regular cleaning: Clean around your dog’s eyes regularly with cleaning solution and soft pads to prevent discharge buildup. CLEANIES are made from soft bamboo viscose, which is gentler on sensitive skin than cotton.
Monitor for infections: If watery eyes are accompanied by discharge, redness, or swelling, consult a vet. They can prescribe antibiotics or other treatments if necessary.
When to Seek Veterinary Care:
If the discharge is greenish-yellow.
If your dog is squinting or appears to be in pain.
If there is no improvement with home care.
