Canine Runny Eyes

Runny eyes can be caused by a variety of conditions. Some common causes of runny eyes include allergies, eye infections, and eye irritations. Allergies are a very common cause of runny eyes. Dogs can be allergic to anything from food to environmental allergens such as dust or pollen. 

Eye infections can also cause runny eyes, and they can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Eye irritations can also be a cause. Eye irritations can be caused by foreign objects like dirt or dust getting into their eye, or from something like chemical irritation due to a shampoo or other product.

If your dog’s runny eyes are persistent or if you think that they have an underlying condition, it’s important to visit your vet for further evaluation and treatment.

Symptoms of Canine Runny Eyes

Symptoms of Runny Eyes can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

  • Excessive tearing
  • Eye redness or inflammation
  • Eye discharge
  • Squinting or pawing at their eyes

If your dog’s runny eyes are caused by allergies, they could also have other allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and hives.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for an evaluation and treatment.

Diagnosing Canine Runny Eyes

In order to diagnose runny eyes, your vet will need to perform a physical examination on your dog and might also recommend additional tests like blood work or imaging. During the physical exam, your vet will be looking for signs of infection, inflammation, or other conditions that could be causing their runny eyes. Blood work can help identify any underlying issues such as allergies or infections, while imaging can help your vet get a better look at what is going on with the eye itself.

Stages of Canine Runny Eyes

Acute stage:

The acute stage of runny eyes is when the condition first begins. Symptoms at this stage can include excessive tearing, redness, inflammation, and eye discharge.

Sub-acute stage:

The sub-acute stage of runny eyes occurs after the initial symptoms have subsided but before full recovery. During this stage, the symptoms should be less severe but still present.

Chronic stage:

The chronic stage of runny eyes is when the condition has persisted for a long period of time and can cause long-term damage to their eye. Symptoms at this stage can sometimes include scarring or permanent vision loss.

Treating Canine Runny Eyes

Treating runny eyes will depend on the underlying cause. In cases of allergies, your vet could prescribe antihistamines or other allergy medications. For eye infections, antibiotics or other medications should be prescribed to clear up their infection. Eye irritations can often be treated at home with over-the-counter eye drops or ointments that can provide irritation relief. If your dog’s runny eyes are persistent or if you think that they have an underlying condition, it’s important to visit your vet for further evaluation and treatment.

Preventing Canine Runny Eyes

Preventing runny eyes can be difficult, because the underlying cause will determine the best course of action. In cases of allergies, it’s important to identify and avoid any potential allergens that could be causing your dog’s reaction. For eye infections, it’s important to keep your dog’s eyes clean and free of debris, as well as to avoid introducing any foreign objects into the eye. 

It’s important to practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of infection.