Weepy eye in dogs

Weepy eyes are very common in dogs and are associated with things that irritate the eye or a problem with tear drainage. A small amount of gunk in the corner of the eye is normal, but continuous weeping or a sticky discharge is not.

There are a variety of possible causes for excessive tearing and eye drainage problems in dogs. It’s best to seek veterinary attention if your dog has weepy eyes, otherwise, the problem can worsen.

What to do

What to do if your dog has weepy eyes

If your dog has weepy eyes but is not holding them closed or pawing at their face, and their eyes look normal:

Clean your dog’s eye using a cotton pad and cooled, boiled water, two to three times during the day.
Monitor for 24 hours, if no improvement is seen or new signs are identified, contact a vet.

Causes

Why does your dog have weepy eyes?

Normally, a thin clear film of tears is produced to lubricate the eyes and the excess fluid drains into the tear ducts located in the corner of the eye next to the nose (nasolacrimal ducts).

Overproduction of tears can be caused by either insufficient drainage from the tear ducts or by an excessive production of tears.

Weepy eyes in dogs are most commonly caused by:

Conjunctivitis
Eye ulcers
Eyelashes or eyelid problems
Something stuck in the eye or bothering the eye (grass seed, lump)
Allergies
Tear duct problems
Dry eye, a condition that causes thick discharge instead of watery

When to worry

When do you need to call a vet if your dog has weepy eyes?

If your dog shows any of the following signs, call your vet:

Squinting or inability to hold the eye(s) open
Signs of pain, including pawing at the face
Eye discharge that is persistently yellow, green or sticky
Red eye
Cloudy eye
Consistently watery eye(s)

Call us at Joii if:

Your dog has just developed watery eye(s)
If you need help removing tear stains
If you’re not sure if your dog has an eye problem and would like advice

Prevention

How to prevent weepy eyes in your dog

Keep their eyes clean. Use cotton wool and cooled boiled water to clean them when needed.

For long-coated dogs, keep their facial hair trimmed. This will prevent matted hair around the eyes and allow them to see better.

Have regular vet checks and discuss any concerns. Some eye problems are less obvious than others.

Diagnosis

What to look out for in a dog with weepy eyes

Excessive moisture around the eyes can cause further issues, such as:

Matted hair close to the eyes
Crusts and gunk
Small wounds on the skin, usually below the eyes

If your dog has weepy eyes, monitor them closely. Follow the home treatment tips provided below.

If you are struggling with dry, crusty discharge, consider applying warm water using a cotton pad. Repeat this several times until it softens the crust.

If your dog doesn’t like having their eyes cleaned, try distracting them by smearing peanut butter or spray cheese on a lick mat or toy and letting them lick the treat while you clean their eyes.

Home treatment

How to treat weepy eyes in dogs at home

Home treatment is only recommended if your vet has ruled out other medical causes. Tips for home care of weepy eyes:

Start by keeping the area as clean and dry as possible.
For dogs with long hair, carefully trim the fur short around the eyes.
Take extra care with the skin around the eyes, as it tends to be very sensitive. Avoid excessive cleaning and only use products recommended by vets.
Remove any built-up gunk or crusts.
Excessive tearing can cause stains, particularly in white-haired dogs. There are tear-staining products available, speak to a vet at Joii for further information.

Vet treatment

Vet treatment for weepy eyes in dogs

Vets prescribe different treatments depending on what’s causing the weepy eyes. Treatments include:

Eye cleaners: washes, wipes, gels
Antibiotics: gels, ointments, drops for the eye, oral medication
Lubricating, soothing treatment: gels, ointments
Steroid anti-inflammatory: drops, ointment, oral tablets
Surgery may be necessary to treat tear duct problems or eyelid and eyelash problems.

Risk

Are some dogs more at risk of having weepy eyes than others?

Short-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, Pugs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are some of the breeds prone to eye discharge because of their face shape.

The large and protruding eyes of these dogs mean that their eyelids cannot close fully. This dries the eyes and often leads to eye ulcers and excessive tearing.