Why does a dog get watery eyes and what to do?

Our pets get sick no less often than we do. They also suffer from inflammatory and allergic diseases, infectious and toxic processes. For example, a dog's eyes often water: this symptom may indicate both an internal disease and external irritation of the visual organ. How to understand and how to help the animal?

Epidemiology

Pathological appearance of tears from the eyes of a dog is a fairly common phenomenon. Although exact statistics of such cases are not kept.

However, according to veterinary experts, every second dog owner seeks medical help precisely because of this problem.

The most common reason for a dog's eye to water is mechanical damage, and conjunctivitis is second. About 50% of four-legged patients with eye diseases are puppies.

Causes dog tears

There are many known reasons why a dog's eyes may water. For convenience, these reasons are divided into several categories. Thus, infectious and inflammatory diseases can be primary or secondary - for example, they develop as a consequence of other microbial or viral lesions. Secondary infections most often include conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis.

Non-infectious pathologies are formed by mechanical damage to the organ of vision, with a violation of the location of the eyelashes (trichiasis). Inflammatory processes affecting the eyelids can also be non-infectious, for example, post-traumatic.

The third reason why a dog's eyes are watery is a congenital feature of the visual organs. Such problems are most often characteristic of animals representing certain breeds. For example, congenital problems are often found in bassets, bulldogs, boxers, Pekingese, St. Bernards, spaniels, chow chows, etc.

For ease of identification of the causes of tear secretion in dogs, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following table:

Origin of lacrimation	Possible Root Causes	Risk factors
Infectious origin	Herpevirus, chlamydia, mycoplasma, etc.	Transmission of infection from parents, lack of vaccinations, failure to comply with the conditions of keeping the animal
Breed characteristics	Numerous skin folds, abnormal eyelash growth, an abundance of hair around the eyes (all of this contributes to the penetration of microbes into the mucous membrane of the eye)	Certain dog breeds (pug, shar pei, cane corso, etc.)
Allergic reaction	Hypersensitivity, individual response to certain types of treatment, unsuitable type of food, reaction to the presence of dust, pollen, etc.	Individual sensitivity, hereditary predisposition, weakness of the animal's immunity
Mechanical irritants	Trauma to the organ of vision, foreign body penetration, inversions.	Insufficient care of the pet, breed characteristics
Chemical exposure	Long-term use of antibacterial drops, accidental contact of household chemicals with the eye	Self-medication, failure to comply with the rules for safe storage and use of household chemicals

Pathogenesis

The structure of the visual organ in dogs is very similar to the structure of the human eye. Its functional capabilities are determined by the performance of the auxiliary apparatus of the eye. This term refers to such additional visual structures as the eyelids, glandular and ductal lacrimal mechanism, cilia, etc.

With the help of lacrimal fluid, the anterior surface of the eye is moistened, the smallest dust particles, bacteria and viruses that can have a damaging effect on the eye are retained. Tears in one volume or another are secreted almost constantly: circulation goes from the outer corner of the eye (from the area of the exit of the lacrimal ducts) to the inner corner (in the area of the beginning of the nasolacrimal canal). If the circulation mechanism is disrupted, the dog's eyes begin to water.

Among the most simple reasons for the secretion of tears in dogs is the penetration of dust particles or larger elements (for example, sand) into the mucous membrane of the eye.

In case of severe contamination, the nasolacrimal canal may become blocked: this causes the dog to squint and water (usually one, not both organs of vision). This condition cannot be called a pathology, because the disorder can be easily corrected by a banal rinsing procedure. It is important not to delay such rinsing, because along with the contamination, an infectious agent may also get onto the mucous membrane: as a result, an infectious and inflammatory process may develop - and this is already a disease, and a very serious one.

Often, the fact that a dog has watery, itchy eyes is a breed characteristic. If the animal has small eye sockets and at the same time large, protruding eyeballs, then this phenomenon is considered one of the normal variants. For example, a Pekingese, a boxer or a pug have watery eyes almost constantly: moreover, these dogs are predisposed to various diseases associated with the ophthalmological apparatus. Usually, for the owners of animals of these breeds, there are recommendations for especially careful care of the visual organs of their pets.

Symptoms dog tears

Most often, a dog's eyes water due to the following pathologies:

• Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye.

The dog's eye is red and watery as a result of a viral infection, injury, or a violation of the shape and patency of the tear duct. After the redness and tear discharge, greenish-yellowish pus may appear. The animal begins to blink frequently and squint.

• Inflammatory process in the Gardner gland (third eyelid).

This gland protects the cornea from all sorts of external irritants. With the onset of an inflammatory reaction, it swells and turns red: it becomes noticeable that the dog's eye is swollen, watery, and the animal itself behaves restlessly. It is possible that mucus with a yellowish tint may form in the eye.

• Inflammatory process of the eyelids – blepharitis.

Blepharitis develops after injuries, as well as against the background of systemic pathologies, demodicosis, allergies. The dog's eyes are very watery, itching, swelling, redness may bother.

• Traumatic injury.

A dog can damage its eye against objects or while playing with other animals. At first, the process may go unnoticed, but after a few days, the owner will definitely notice: the dog's eye is watery and squinting, it swells, and signs of suppuration appear.

• Inversion of the eyelid.

This pathology can be congenital, paralytic or post-traumatic (post-operative). Among the accompanying symptoms, the following can be noted:

• - the eyelids do not close completely;
• - the dog's eyes are watery and festering.

Typically, the first signs of tearing appear after the dog sleeps, for example, in the morning. A lump of mucus forms in the inner corner of the eye, or a dark path from the tear fluid becomes visible below the inner corner.

It is believed that some dog breeds can secrete tears in moderate quantities. Such secretion may be associated with the characteristic anatomical type of the skull and the size of the eye sockets, or with other individual characteristics of the animals. For example, you can often see how the eyes of a Yorkshire terrier are watery - this is a fairly small dog, whose weight usually does not exceed 3.5 kg. Unfortunately, Yorkshire terriers are quite often ill - in particular, with ophthalmological diseases. This is due, first of all, to the peculiarity of the animal's fur: their coat is prone to tangling, it can easily damage the mucous membrane if it gets into the eye. In addition, small dogs are very curious and playful: during play, they can damage the eye, colliding with small and even prickly objects. For the same reasons, the eyes of a toy are watery: this miniature dog has slightly bulging eyes, which contributes to mechanical damage. To avoid problems, terriers should be regularly combed and trimmed, and their eyes should be washed (for example, with chamomile infusion). Toy terriers' eyes should be wiped daily, removing mucus accumulations in the corners between the eyelids with a cotton swab.

Dog breeds that have a short muzzle with a flattened nose are also prone to eye problems. If a pug or a shar pei has watery eyes and no other symptoms are observed, then this condition can be considered a normal variant. Animals prone to constant tearing require special appropriate care.

When a Spitz's eyes are watery, it becomes noticeable by the formation of specific tear tracks (they are clearly "eye-catching" in animals with a light color). If there is little such discharge, then there is nothing to worry about: you just need to take care of your pet, regularly wash problem areas, and watch so as not to miss really painful symptoms.

A similar situation occurs if a Chihuahua has watery eyes - this is just a feature of a purebred animal. To prevent such tears from leading to a real disease, it is necessary to periodically remove all accumulations and crusts from the eyes, because these secretions become a favorable environment for the development of microbial flora. Incorrect and insufficient care can provoke the development of conjunctivitis and other troubles.

Small dogs have more eye problems than larger animals. For example, a Labrador's eyes water relatively rarely: this can only happen due to mechanical or allergic reasons. For example, foreign bodies, dust, sand sometimes get into the organ of vision (for example, during a walk in windy weather). Other factors include viral infections and helminthiasis.

The shepherd's eyes do not water very often: this is a large dog, with an adequate skull shape, relatively short hair. But even this strong animal is not protected from the development of conjunctivitis, which can occur in catarrhal, acute and chronic forms. The first discharge looks like mucus: the cover around the eyes becomes wet, the "tears" dry up with the formation of crusts, the dog avoids brightly lit rooms and expresses obvious anxiety. Such a situation requires the mandatory intervention of a veterinarian.

When conjunctivitis develops, the spaniel's eyes water: if redness or drooping of the lower eyelid is observed, the pet should be urgently shown to a doctor. The owner himself can also provide first aid - for example, wash the problem areas with a cotton pad soaked in a solution of furacilin or in "children's" albucid.

Chow Chows have watery eyes due to eversion of the eyelids (the most common cause), as well as due to improper formation or blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. The presence of helminthic invasion cannot be ruled out. To clarify the diagnosis, you should contact a specialist and take the appropriate tests.

The dachshund's eye does not often water: the unpleasant symptom most often accompanies catarrhal conjunctivitis. The dachshund is not prone to constant lacrimation, as in some other breeds. However, the animal has a predisposition to certain ophthalmological diseases - for example, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis. This must be taken into account when caring for the dog.

Another representative of short-muzzled and long-haired dog breeds is the Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu's eyes water mainly due to the incorrectly directed growth of eyelashes, or because they grow in. However, other possible problems cannot be ruled out - for example, inflammation of the conjunctiva, injuries, etc. One should not forget about special care for the Shih Tzu: examination and cleaning of the eyes of these dogs should be carried out daily.

A French bulldog's eyes are watery, even if the dog is completely healthy: such discharge appears due to anatomical features, as well as under the influence of wind, frost, dust particles or smoke. A small amount of transparent secretion from the eyes is removed with a clean dry napkin. If the eyes are watery against the background of redness and swelling, then it is necessary to show the pet to the doctor.

Complications and consequences

If a dog's eyes are watery as a result of some ophthalmological pathology, then this condition can be insidious: insufficient treatment, or its absence, can cause a lot of complications, including long-term ones, which develop after several months and even years.

Complications may be expressed in the appearance of such pathologies:

• - visual impairment, blurred vision, even blindness;
• - keratoconjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome;
• - clouding of the lens, cataract;
• - increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma.

To avoid further problems, at the first signs of deterioration in the animal's health, you need to contact a veterinarian. For example, if a dog rubs its eye, avoids light, loses its appetite, then a visit to the doctor should be mandatory.

Diagnostics dog tears

When a dog has watery eyes, the first thing a veterinarian will do is conduct a thorough examination using a special illuminating device, a slit lamp, or a biomicroscope. Additionally, corneal fluorescein staining (a test for ulcerative corneal lesions), a Schirmer test (to determine the patency of the tear duct), as well as cytological tests, washes, and scrapings with the identification of pathogenic microorganisms can be used.

Additionally, the veterinarian can take blood and urine tests, measure eye pressure, and perform x-rays.

Instrumental diagnostics are used rarely and only according to individual indications for the animal.

If there is even the slightest doubt about the correct diagnosis, then differential diagnostics are carried out. The main diseases that are subject to differentiation are conjunctivitis (the most common cause), anterior uveitis and glaucoma. Other pathologies - for example, panophthalmitis and episcleritis - can also be considered as causes of tear discharge from the dog's eyes, but they are detected much less often.

Treatment dog tears

If the veterinarian finds the reason why the dog's eyes are watering, then in most cases he prescribes complex treatment with constant medical supervision. The therapeutic scheme usually consists of the following areas:

• elimination of allergen, blocking of allergic reaction;
• fight against an infectious agent, suppression of its development;
• inhibition of the inflammatory response;
• elimination of purulent or exudative discharge;
• removal of irritants, dust particles, sand, etc. from the eye;
• correction of autoimmune disorder;
• treatment of other ophthalmological diseases.

Foreign bodies and dust particles are removed in several ways. Sometimes this is done mechanically, by pulling the dog's eyelid and removing the particle with a special tool. It is also possible to "wash out" foreign particles with antiseptic solutions (use furacilin, chlorhexidine solution, etc.).

The fight against infection consists of using both the above-mentioned antiseptic liquids and the use of antibacterial eye ointments (for example, gentamicin, streptomycin, etc.).

In case of a viral infection (for example, distemper), treatment is given to the underlying cause – the viral infection.

The inflammatory reaction is also suppressed in different ways: it is possible to use anti-inflammatory eye drops (for example, zinc-salicylic, etc.), or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (orally, as prescribed by a doctor).

Purulent and exudative discharges are removed by washing with antiseptic liquids, after which special drops are instilled into the eyes. The following preparations are especially popular with dog owners:

• Albucid 20% (used for rinsing, or 2 drops are dripped into the affected eye 5-6 times a day);
• Vitabact (1 drop two to six times a day for ten days);
• Garazon (1-2 drops are instilled under the conjunctiva, up to four times a day; contraindications: glaucoma and viral infection);
• Fucithalmic (insert 1 drop into the affected eye twice a day for a week).

For complex inflammations that do not go away within a week, local corticosteroids are prescribed:

• Tobradex (available as an eye ointment and drops, used as directed by a veterinarian);
• Maxitrol (most often used in the form of drops, 1-2 drops up to 5 times a day).

Corticosteroids should never be used independently, without a doctor's recommendation. Such drugs cannot be used without a confirmed diagnosis, as well as for preventive purposes.

In allergic processes, the potential allergen that provokes the development of allergies is removed if possible. This allergen can be a food component, dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, etc. Additionally, drugs are used that inhibit the production of histamine, a substance responsible for the development of an allergic reaction. The most well-known antihistamines include suprastin, diphenhydramine, diazolin, etc.

What to do if your dog has watery eyes?

First of all, do not panic: lacrimation is not always a sign of such dangerous pathologies as, for example, plague. Secondly, you should wash the animal's eyes with chamomile infusion, albucid or furacilin solution, and then carefully examine the pet: does it have any other suspicious symptoms? The following signs should be especially alarming:

• general lethargy, loss of appetite, depressed and restless state of the dog;
• redness, swelling of the eye;
• nausea, vomiting;
• mucous discharge from the nose;
• change in coat condition;
• photophobia (the dog tries to hide, hides in dark corners and places);
• increase in body temperature.

Any of the above symptoms is a reason to urgently visit a veterinarian. To avoid complications, it is important to begin proper treatment as early as possible.

Additional medications your veterinarian may prescribe

• "Bars" drops: used for eye washing if the dog's eyes are watery as a result of conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis. "Bars" can also be used for preventive purposes.
• "Iris" drops: used for acute or chronic conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, uveitis, dacryocystitis, as well as for injuries and ulcerative corneal processes.
• "Tsiprovet" drops: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drug based on ciprofloxacin, prescribed for acute and chronic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, keratitis, ulcerative corneal process, iridocyclitis, blepharitis. Drops can be dripped into the affected eye after injury or penetration of foreign particles.

The indicated drugs are instilled into the affected eye 1-2 drops up to 4 times a day, for 1-2 weeks (until the clinical signs of the disease disappear).

When applied externally, these drops usually do not cause side effects. Occasionally, itching and redness of the conjunctiva may occur, which disappear without outside intervention within five minutes after application.

How to wipe a dog's eyes if they are watery?

It is not recommended to try to diagnose your dog yourself: treating eye diseases without the help of a specialist is fraught with the development of further health problems for the animal.

If you need to help your dog before visiting a doctor, you can pay attention to the following methods:

• The eye that is watering is wiped with a furacilin solution (one tablet is dissolved in 100 ml of warm boiled water). For wiping, use a cotton pad or ball (a separate pad for each eye). Wipe in the direction from the outer corner to the bridge of the nose.
• For wiping, use strong tea leaves, fresh, slightly warm. The tea can be either black or green, but without any additives (for example, fruit flavors, spices, etc.).
• Instead of tea, you can brew chamomile flowers: to prepare an infusion, brew 1 teaspoon of raw material per 150 ml of boiling water. Infuse until cool, wipe with a cotton pad soaked in a warm solution.

Prevention

Prevention of the disease is always a more thoughtful and correct way, because treatment is always more expensive and more difficult. What methods of preventing lacrimation can be offered to dog owners?

Regular eye examinations are very important; if any suspicious signs appear, you should immediately visit your veterinarian.

If the dog's eyes do not water, then you should also pay attention to the presence of redness, discharge, and other symptoms:

• squinting of one or both eyes;
• photophobia;
• rubbing eyes with paws;
• change in eye shape;
• general anxiety of the dog;
• other signs indicating deteriorating vision.

In some cases, for example after a long sleep, a small amount of mucous secretion may accumulate at the edge of the eyes, which must be removed with a clean cloth or cotton pad soaked in warm boiled water.

In some dog breeds, lacrimation is considered a relatively normal, everyday occurrence. Many owners of such animals recommend systematically washing the eyes of their pets with fresh, warm chamomile infusion or diluted boric acid.

Forecast

Eye diseases in animals are not uncommon and can be caused by a variety of reasons. However, to avoid complications and serious problems, do not wait for the problem to go away on its own – you need to act. First of all, you need to see a veterinarian – even though in some cases, lacrimation can be eliminated by simply washing the affected eye. It is better to consult a doctor: he will assess the general condition of the dog, point out possible errors in care, nutrition, etc.

If a dog's eyes are watering as a result of infectious diseases or mechanical damage, then in most situations the prognosis can be considered positive. But in general, the quality of the prognosis depends on the age category of the animal, on the timeliness of the treatment procedures. The absence of treatment inevitably leads to many serious problems, including loss of vision.