Gunk or discharge in the corners of a dog’s eyes is a common issue and can happen for a variety of reasons. While it may look unpleasant, it’s usually not a cause for major concern. Here’s a breakdown of why your dog might develop eye gunk:
1. Normal Tear Production
Dogs, like humans, produce tears to keep their eyes lubricated and healthy. Sometimes, excess tears can accumulate in the corners of their eyes, particularly in breeds with facial folds or large, bulging eyes. The discharge is typically composed of tears mixed with mucus, oils, and debris, forming what we refer to as “eye gunk” or “eye boogers.”
2. Breed-Specific Factors
Certain breeds are more prone to eye discharge due to their physical characteristics. For example:
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Brachycephalic breeds (such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus) have shorter, flatter faces, which can lead to the eyelids not closing properly. This causes more tear buildup and discharge.
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Dogs with long hair or lashes (like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles) may have hair that irritates their eyes, leading to watery eyes and gunk accumulation.
3. Allergies
Dogs can suffer from seasonal or environmental allergies, just like humans. Pollen, dust mites, mold, and certain chemicals can cause irritation in your dog’s eyes, leading to watery eyes and gunk in the corners. Dogs may also show other signs of allergies, such as sneezing, itching, or licking their paws.
4. Infections
Bacterial or viral infections can cause eye discharge in dogs. Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) is one of the most common eye infections that results in gunk, and it can make your dog’s eyes appear red and swollen. Infections may lead to more severe symptoms, including squinting, excessive tearing, or a cloudy appearance in the eye.
5. Blocked Tear Ducts
A blocked tear duct can prevent tears from draining properly, causing them to accumulate and form gunk in the corner of the eye. This is more common in dogs with narrow or abnormal tear ducts. Blockages can sometimes require medical intervention to resolve.
6. Eye Injury or Irritation
Any injury to your dog’s eye—whether from a foreign object like dirt or dust, a scratch, or simply rubbing their eyes—can cause irritation. This irritation may lead to excessive tearing and the formation of discharge in the corners of their eyes.
7. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition where a dog’s tear glands don’t produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated. This can cause irritation, inflammation, and the buildup of mucus or gunk in the corners of the eyes. Dry eye is more common in certain breeds, such as the Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier.
8. Entropion
Entropion is a condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. This can irritate the eye, leading to increased tear production and discharge. It is a genetic condition common in certain breeds, like Bulldogs, Shar Peis, and Chow Chows.
9. Environmental Factors
Exposure to irritants like smoke, wind, chemicals, or even certain cleaning products can irritate your dog’s eyes and cause them to produce excess tears. Similarly, dry or dusty environments may also contribute to the accumulation of gunk.
10. Age-Related Changes
As dogs age, their eyes can become less efficient at producing tears, and they may be more prone to developing dry eye or other age-related eye conditions that result in discharge.
How to Manage Eye Gunk in Dogs
While eye gunk is often harmless, you should monitor it closely. Here’s how you can manage or prevent it:
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Regular Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth or specialized eye wipes to gently remove the gunk from your dog’s eyes. Be sure to wipe away from the eye to avoid further irritation.
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Eye Drops: If the discharge is due to dryness or irritation, a veterinarian may recommend eye drops or ointments to help.
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Visit the Vet: If the gunk is accompanied by other symptoms like redness, squinting, swelling, or an unusual odor, it’s a good idea to visit the vet. They can check for infections, allergies, or other underlying conditions.
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Proper Grooming: For dogs with long hair, trimming around the eyes can help reduce the chances of hair irritating their eyes and contributing to the formation of gunk.
While eye discharge is generally not a serious issue, it’s essential to keep an eye on the situation. If the gunk persists or worsens, or if your dog shows signs of discomfort, seeking veterinary advice is always the best course of action.