Is it serious if a dog has a lot of eye booger?

A dog with a lot of eye discharge may not indicate any problem, being a normal, everyday occurrence. However, when it appears excessively, it’s a sign that something may be wrong with your pet. Check out some of the possible causes of the problem and what to do in this situation.

The eye gunk

The secretion that accumulates in our eyes while we sleep is popularly called eye grime. Everyone has woken up in the morning and, when they looked in the mirror, noticed the grime there. It’s completely normal.

It’s like the tiny tears we produce while we sleep, which accumulate until they form a crust in the morning. This also happens to pets. However, a dog’s eye discharge is a little thicker and has a more yellowish hue than that of a human.

When should I be concerned about excessive eye discharge?

To determine whether a dog’s excessive eye discharge is normal or not, you should observe how often you need to clean it. Later, we’ll discuss how to do this carefully.

If you need to remove dirt from your pet’s eyes more than once a day, it means your dog has a lot of eye discharge. Also, pay attention to the color of the discharge, which should always be yellowish.

So, be careful: if you notice a lot of discharge in your dog’s eyes , which requires cleaning several times a day, it’s a warning sign. It could be, for example, that he has a bacterial infection in the area. Here are some possible causes of excessive discharge in dogs.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, a disease that affects both humans and animals, is an irritation of the conjunctiva, leaving dogs with a lot of mucus, mostly greenish, which forms scabs when dry.

In general, conjunctivitis in dogs is secondary to some condition, such as a lack of tears (commonly called dry eye). In addition to this symptom, the dog’s eyes may be red, irritated, and swollen.

Any changes caused by conjunctivitis will be easy to spot, as it leaves your dog with a lot of discharge from their eyes . It can be viral, bacterial, or caused by irritants.

Allergy

Your pet can suffer from allergies. One of the most common manifestations is in the eyes, irritating the area and causing a lot of eye discharge. It’s important to identify the cause of the allergy to prevent future attacks.

The main allergens in this case are dust, cigarette or incense smoke, perfumes, and cleaning products. Watch for red eyes or sneezing when your dog comes into contact with any of these substances.

Dry eye syndrome

Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye syndrome causes excessive eye discharge and makes your pet blink more frequently. It’s as if your dog doesn’t produce enough tears to keep their eyes moist.

So, they look for ways to hydrate their eyes, such as blinking more often, which produces excess eye discharge. Another symptom is that your pet can’t open their eyes, either because they’re so irritated or because of the excess eye discharge, which sticks together and prevents their eyelids from moving.

As mentioned, dry eye syndrome makes your pet more susceptible to conjunctivitis in the long term. Therefore, it’s always important to seek veterinary evaluation if you notice your dog with a lot of eye discharge.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an acute disease. Your dog may have red eyes, increased discharge (sputum), pain, and even vision loss .

If, in addition to having excessive eye discharge, your dog’s eyes appear whitish, seek immediate help. This prevents the disease from progressing.

All of the conditions mentioned can be treated. Early treatment, in addition to prevention, is always the best option.

Avoiding excess eye discharge

To prevent excessive runny eyes , avoid exposing your dog to strong winds directly in the eyes. Avoid using a hair dryer or leaving your pet with their head outside the car. It’s also important to trim the fur around their eyes regularly. For this, enlist the help of professionals at Petz Bath & Grooming.

How to clean eye boogers

Now that you understand why your dog has a lot of eye discharge and when it’s time to seek help, you should also know the correct way to clean it. Remember, these tips only apply when the discharge is normal in quantity and color.

The best way to clean your pet’s eyes is to use a cotton ball soaked in clean water or saline solution. Always use gentle movements from the inside out. Avoid contact with the inner eye area.

Remember to never medicate your pet without professional guidance. By following your veterinarian’s instructions, your pet will maintain good eye health.

A dog with excessive eye discharge can be a warning sign. Now you know what to do: if you notice this symptom in your home, it’s time to see a veterinarian. Schedule an appointment at one of Seres ‘ clinics now and get the help you need.