Image Source: Pixabay.com
While eye discharges are pretty common among canines, it is important to know exactly when the problem is indicative of an underlying medical condition of a more serious magnitude. In order to ensure timely corrective action, as a pet parent you must learn to understand the various types of eye discharges in dogs and what they actually indicate.
Clear, Watery Discharge
While tears play a vital role in hydrating the eye and keeping the cornea nourished with oxygen, the excessively watery eyes of your furry little friend might be associated with a variety of medical conditions ranging from common allergies to more serious anatomical abnormalities. Excessive watering in a dog's eye when exposed to excessive dust irritants, pollutants, pollens or smoke is known as epiphora. However, If your dog experiences constant redness or inflammation in his eyes and appears to be in pain or acute discomfort, you must consult the vet immediately to rule out any chances of any corneal wounds or glaucoma.
Mucus With Yellow Pus Discharge
If you notice excessive epiphora along with mucus and pus discharge in your dog’s eyes, it might indicate an affliction of conjunctivitis that has inflamed the inner lining of your dog’s eyes. Among the various factors that can cause conjunctivitis in dogs, tumors, distemper, dry eye, presence of foreign matter, tear duct conditions, birth defects, and injuries are the commonest. Your vet will first examine your dog’s condition and then prescribe a suitable line of treatment after ascertaining the underlying cause for the discharge.
Sticky And Tenacious Discharge
If your four-legged friend has developed a sticky eye that constantly discharges a thick mucus like substance, he might be suffering from a condition called canine dry eye. A dry eye occurs when the dog’s tear glands are unable to produce sufficient quantities of tears for keeping the eye cleansed and hydrated. When left untreated, dry eyes can advance to more serious eye infections and eye ulcers due to excessive scratching or chaffing of the eye in absence of enough lubrication.
Glaucoma Associated Discharge
Some dog breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows and Poodles are genetically more predisposed to developing glaucoma at some point in their lives. Glaucoma may be classified into two basic categories including primary glaucoma and secondary glaucoma. Common symptoms of glaucoma other than excessive eye discharge include dilated pupils, clouded eyes, bulging of the eyes, a sensation of high pressure on the eyes, abnormal blinking and loss of vision. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it might be time for you to pay a visit to your dog’s vet.
Reddish Brown Stain Like Discharge
Some light-colored breeds are susceptible to developing reddish brown pigmentation in their fur just beneath the inner eye corners. The reason behind this pigmentation is the presence of a pigment known as porphyrin in the dog tears that transforms into a reddish-brown color upon prolonged exposure to the atmospheric air. Typically, this condition is a cosmetic concern and does not indicate any serious medical issue.
All you need to know about dog eye discharge
The eye of a dog is similar to that of a human. Dogs can suffer identical eye problems as humans, including glaucoma, cataracts, and conjunctivitis. Ocular discharge or dog eye discharge is a common problem. Multiple causes exist for this phenomenon. If you see your dog suffer ocular discharge, it is safest to take your four-legged family friend as soon as possible to the veterinarian.
Causes of dog eye discharge
Your dog could suffer from dog eye discharge due to a number of reasons. The principal two reasons are canine conjunctivitis and seasonal discharge. Since the eye of the dog is similar to humans, the animal's eyes could get red and itchy. The primary cause of such a symptom is wind, dust, dirt, and pollen allergies. Mold spores and mites are also responsible. A few dogs could develop a number of benign tumors on eyelids that rub the eye surface. The resultant is discomfort accompanied by discharge for the dog. A few canines could also be born with collapsed or incomplete tear ducts. This leads tears to regularly spill over and consequently stain fur located underneath the eyes. A few dogs could be born with droopy eyelids. They roll in, causing dryness or chronic irritation, leading to eye goobers. Dog eye discharge could also be a result of a traumatized cornea. Keratitis conjunctivitis or dry eye may cause the accumulation of slimy green mucus on the eye of the dog. Canines could suffer from excessive tearing as a consequence of abnormal lashes, glaucoma or conjunctivitis infections.
Prevention and treatment
You can take a few corrective measures to stop dog eye discharge. The most obvious-and the cheapest- action to take is to take your dog to a veterinarian at least twice every year. Problems, if any could be detected early. The veterinarian will take the necessary steps to make sure that the eye of the dog will not cause any problems down the road. In case your pet is susceptible to seasonal allergies, begin the pretreatment with the compound diphenhydramine. Discuss with the veterinarian concerning other anti-histamines. In case your dog has wispy and long hair which sticks to the dog's eyeballs, trim its hair away from the eyes. Surgical treatments are a must if the dog has deep nasal folds rubbing the eye or rolled eyelids. Surgery is also needed for collapsed tear ducts and eyelid margin tumors. The best technique to treat dog eye discharge is gentle eye irrigation with sterile saline. This should be done to remove any irritating substance from the eye, including pollen and dirt. The procedure should be done at least once a day, and even two times per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be concerned about my dog's eye discharge?
As a general rule, any changes in your dog's eyes should be monitored closely, and if you notice persistent or excessive eye discharge, it may be cause for concern. If you notice that your dog's eyes are consistently watery or producing a discharge, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. A change in the color or consistency of the discharge, such as yellow or greenish discharge, may be a sign of an infection. If you notice white discharge in your dog's eye and/or if the discharge is sticking to the surface of the eye, it may indicate an underlying eye problem that requires medical attention. White discharge can be a sign of conjunctivitis or other eye infections, and if left untreated, it can lead to more serious eye problems. Redness or swelling around the eyes can indicate an injury, irritation, or infection. If your dog is rubbing or scratching at their eyes, it may be a sign of discomfort or irritation. If you notice changes in your dog's behavior, such as decreased energy or appetite, it may be a sign that something is wrong. If you notice any of these signs or have any concerns about your dog's eye health, it is best to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent more serious problems down the line.
How do I get rid of my dog's eye discharge?
The treatment for your dog's eye discharge will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe away any discharge from around your dog's eyes. Be gentle and careful not to put pressure on the eye. If your dog has an eye infection, your vet may prescribe eye drops or ointments to help clear up the infection and reduce discharge. It is not recommended to use over-the-counter drops such as contact solution or sterile saline as a treatment for dog eye discharges without consulting a veterinarian first. While these solutions may be safe for human use, they can cause irritation or further damage to the dog's eyes if not used properly or if the underlying cause of the discharge is not properly addressed. Keep your dog away from smoke, dust, and other irritants that can cause eye irritation and excessive discharge. Make sure your dog's bedding is clean, and wash your dog's face and paws regularly to prevent bacteria from spreading. Give your dog a healthy diet: A well-balanced diet can help strengthen your dog's immune system, which can reduce the risk of eye infections.
Should I wipe my dog's eye discharge?
If your dog has eye discharge, it is generally safe to wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth or cotton ball. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals or rough materials that could irritate your dog's eyes. It is important to note that wiping away the discharge may provide temporary relief for your dog, but it is not a substitute for proper veterinary care. Eye discharge can be a symptom of an underlying health condition that requires medical treatment. If the discharge is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or discomfort, it is important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.
Will conjunctivitis go away by itself in dogs?
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common condition in dogs that can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. In mild cases, conjunctivitis may go away on its own without treatment, especially if the underlying cause is a mild irritant or allergen. However, conjunctivitis can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as a bacterial or viral infection, that requires medical treatment. If your dog's conjunctivitis does not improve or worsen over time, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or discharge, you should seek veterinary care. Your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your dog's conjunctivitis and recommend the appropriate treatment. This may include prescription eye drops or ointments, antibiotics, or other medications. Proper treatment can help to alleviate your dog's symptoms, prevent complications, and protect its vision.
