Watery eyes in dogs are very common, especially in small breeds like Poodles, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Bulldogs. Many people think this is just a normal problem; however, if it persists, it can cause dark circles around the eyes, a foul odor, and lead to dangerous infections.
Understanding the causes of watery eyes in dogs will help owners provide more effective care and prevention. In this article, let’s explore why dogs frequently have watery eyes and simple home remedies.
What is Watery Eyes in Dogs?
Watery eyes are when a dog’s eyes produce more tears than normal. The tears may be clear or accompanied by yellow or brown discharge.
Some common symptoms:
Wet fur around the eyes
Brown streaks under the eyes
Excessive eye discharge in the morning
The dog often rubs its eyes
Foul odor around the eyes
If this condition persists, the skin around the eyes can easily become irritated and inflamed.
Why Do Dogs Often Have Watery Eyes?
Excessively Long Hair Around the Eyes
This is the most common cause in long-haired dog breeds like Poodles or Shih Tzus. Long hair that touches the eyes causes irritation, leading the eyes to produce more tears as a self-protective mechanism.
If not trimmed regularly, the tearing will continue.
Blocked Tear Ducts
The tear ducts are responsible for draining tears. When the tear ducts are blocked, tears will overflow into the area under the eyes instead of draining naturally.
Short-faced dog breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, or Pekingese are more prone to this condition.
Allergies and Dirt
Smoke, dust, pollen, perfume, chemicals, or an unclean living environment can all irritate a dog’s eyes.
When the eyes are irritated, the body produces more tears to clean away foreign objects.
Inappropriate Diet
Many people feed their dogs food that is too salty, greasy, or human food. This not only affects the digestive system but also makes dogs more prone to tearing and staining around the eyes.
In addition, a lack of vitamins and nutrients also affects the health of a dog’s eyes.
Eye Infection or Bacterial Infection
If your dog has watery eyes with yellow discharge, red eyes, or a strange odor, it is very likely that your dog has an eye infection or bacterial infection.
This condition needs to be treated early to avoid affecting its vision.
Dog Breeds Prone to Excessive Tearfulness
Some dog breeds are more prone to excessive tearing due to their facial structure or coat characteristics:
- Poodle
- Pug
- Bulldog
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Pomeranian
- Pekingese
These breeds require more frequent eye cleaning to limit infection.
Is Excessive Tearfulness in Dogs Dangerous?
Initially, this condition may only affect aesthetics, but if left untreated, it can lead to:
- Peripheral dermatitis
- Unpleasant odor
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
- Visual impairment
Especially if the dog frequently rubs its eyes or has yellowish-green discharge, it needs to be checked early.
How to Prevent Excessive Tearfulness in Dogs
Daily Eye Cleaning
Use a soft cloth or clean cotton swab to gently wipe the area around the eyes daily to remove discharge and dirt.
You can also use a specialized pet eye cleaning solution for more effective cleaning. Trimming the Hair Around the Eyes
For long-haired dog breeds, trimming the hair around the eyes is very important. This helps prevent hair from touching the eyes and causing irritation.
Regular trimming is recommended to keep your dog’s eyes clear.
Maintaining a Clean Living Environment
Limit your dog’s exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, or strong chemicals. Their sleeping area should also be cleaned regularly.
A clean environment will help reduce the risk of eye irritation.
A Balanced Diet
Avoid feeding your dog overly salty food or too much human food. Prioritize pet-specific food and ensure they receive all necessary vitamins.
Additionally, ensure your dog drinks enough water daily to support overall health.
Regular Health Check-ups
If your dog has persistent watery eyes or shows unusual signs such as red, swollen, or yellow discharge, take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Early detection leads to effective treatment and prevents dangerous complications.
Tears in dogs are quite common, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Proper eye care will help prevent infection, keep your dog’s face clean and beautiful, and maintain good health.
By regularly cleaning the eyes, grooming neatly, and maintaining a suitable diet, you can effectively prevent tearing in dogs at home.
If you notice your dog has unusually excessive tearing, a foul odor, or unusual-colored discharge, address it promptly to avoid affecting your pet’s eye health.