What to do if your dog has eye discharge

If your dog has eye discharge, it can be concerning, but the right course of action will depend on the type, severity, and duration of the discharge. Here’s a guide on what to do if your dog experiences eye discharge:

1. Examine the Discharge

First, assess the type of discharge. There are a few different types to look out for:

• Clear or watery discharge: Often indicates allergies or a mild irritation.

• Yellow or green discharge: This could be a sign of an infection or conjunctivitis.

• Thick, mucoid discharge: This may indicate a more serious issue, such as a blocked tear duct, eye injury, or infection.

• Blood or bloody discharge: This requires immediate veterinary attention, as it could signal trauma or more serious health concerns.

2. Determine if There Are Any Other Symptoms

• Redness or swelling: This could indicate an infection, injury, or inflammation.

• Squinting or pawing at the eye: This may suggest discomfort or pain.

• Excessive tearing or squinting: These could point to a blockage or other underlying condition.

3. Clean the Eye Area

If the discharge is mild, you can gently clean your dog’s eye area with a soft, damp cloth or a saline solution. Be very gentle to avoid causing any irritation or discomfort. Avoid using anything harsh, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as it can further irritate the eye.

4. Monitor for Additional Symptoms

Keep an eye on your dog’s overall behavior. If they seem lethargic, refuse to eat, or show other signs of illness (like fever or coughing), it could indicate that the issue is part of a larger systemic problem.

5. Keep Your Dog from Scratching or Rubbing the Eye

Dogs often scratch or rub their eyes when they feel irritation, which can worsen the problem and introduce bacteria. If necessary, use an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent your dog from making the issue worse.

6. Consider Possible Causes

• Allergies: Dogs, like humans, can suffer from allergies, which might cause watery discharge. Consider any new allergens in your dog’s environment, such as pollen, dust, or new cleaning products.

• Foreign objects: Check if there’s something in your dog’s eye that might be causing irritation, such as dirt, debris, or a small particle.

• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can lead to eye discharge. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is one common cause of eye discharge in dogs.

• Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca): If your dog’s tear production is insufficient, their eyes may become dry and irritated, leading to discharge.

• Injuries: Any trauma to the eye, such as scratches or abrasions, can lead to eye discharge.

• Tear duct problems: Blocked tear ducts or excess tears can result in discharge.

7. Consult Your Veterinarian

If the discharge persists for more than a day, becomes more severe, or is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. A professional will be able to determine if the problem is related to an eye infection, injury, allergies, or another medical condition.

Your vet might:

• Perform an eye exam.

• Take a sample of the discharge for testing (if an infection is suspected).

• Prescribe medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Recommend a tear test to check for dry eye or tear duct blockage.

8. Follow Up Care

If your vet prescribes medication or eye drops, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and complete the entire course of treatment, even if your dog’s eye seems to improve. This helps prevent the condition from returning or worsening.

If your dog’s eye discharge continues despite treatment, or if there are signs of further complications (such as vision loss or changes in eye appearance), further diagnostic tests may be needed.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

• The discharge is accompanied by blood.

• The dog is squinting or showing pain in the eye.

• The dog’s eye appears swollen, red, or inflamed.

• The dog is excessively pawing at the eye.

• There’s a sudden loss of vision or the eye looks cloudy.

By carefully observing your dog’s symptoms and taking timely action, you can help ensure their eye health is maintained and address any potential issues early on.