Watery eyes in dogs

Foreign objects such as grains of sand, grass seeds, small twigs, dust, or other tiny particles can easily get into a dog’s eye especially in active dogs that play or run outdoors. These objects cause irritation by pressing directly against the cornea (the outer layer of the eye) or the inside of the eyelids.

Possible symptoms include:

• Excessive tearing and squinting
• Squinting or keeping the eye closed
• Red and irritated conjunctiva (eye mucosa)
• Rubbing or scratching the eye with the paws
• Possibly cloudy or dirty discharge from the eye

If you suspect your dog has an eye injury, always have it checked by your veterinarian first.

n dogs, various congenital or developed anatomical abnormalities can cause constant irritation of the eye surface, leading to excessive tear production.

Examples of such abnormalities include:

• Entropion: This occurs when the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes and hairs to rub continuously against the cornea. This leads to irritation, pain, and tearing. It is especially common in breeds such as the Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Bulldog, and Labrador.
• Ectropion: The opposite of entropion, where the lower eyelid droops outward, leaving the eye less protected, more prone to irritation, and more susceptible to infection. This condition is more frequent in breeds like the Basset Hound, Saint Bernard, and Great Dane.
• Distichiasis: A condition where extra hairs grow along the eyelid margin and rub against the cornea, causing irritation or damage. It results in discomfort, watery eyes, and sometimes eye infections.
• Ectopic cilia: These are hairs that grow in the wrong place on the eyelid and press directly against the cornea, leading to irritation and increased tear production.
• Abnormalities of the third eyelid: For example, “cherry eye,” where the tear gland of the third eyelid prolapses outward, causing chronic irritation.

Allergies are a common cause of watery eyes (epiphora) in dogs. An allergic reaction occurs when the dog’s immune system overreacts to certain substances, also known as allergens. This can lead to irritation and inflammation of the eyes.

Common allergens:

• Environmental allergens: such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, grass, and flower pollen. Especially during spring and summer, allergic dogs may suffer from red and watery eyes.
• Food allergies: Some dogs are allergic to certain ingredients in their diet, such as chicken, beef, grains, or dairy. This can cause not only digestive issues but also watery eyes.
• Contact allergies: These occur when the eye comes into contact with irritants like shampoo, cleaning products, or fabrics.

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye becomes too high—often due to poor drainage of the eye’s fluid. This causes severe pain, irritation, and excessive tearing. Glaucoma can be recognized by symptoms such as: Red, swollen eyes, Cloudy cornea, Dilated pupil, Visible signs of pain. Glaucoma is a medical emergency because it can quickly lead to permanent blindness. If you suspect your dog has glaucoma, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Tear ducts are small channels that begin at two tiny openings in the inner corner of the eyelid. Their job is to drain excess tears from the eye into the nasal cavity. When these ducts become blocked due to mucus, debris, inflammation, or a congenital abnormality tears can no longer drain properly and may spill over the eyelid. This leads to damp areas and sometimes discoloration of the fur around the eye. Dogs with short noses (such as Pugs or Shih Tzus) are especially prone to abnormalities or blockages of the tear ducts, as their anatomy makes tear drainage more difficult. If the blockage persists, it can even lead to an infection, causing further irritation and discomfort.

For mild issues, you can keep the area around the eyes clean with product like Ophta-Clean. In more severe cases, a veterinarian may need to flush the tear ducts using specialized techniques—and sometimes, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Eye infections are common in dogs and can be a significant cause of watery eyes. They often occur when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the eye and trigger an inflammatory response. Typically, the mucous membrane (conjunctiva) and/or the cornea becomes inflamed.

Common symptoms of eye infections:

• Watery eyes or mucus-like discharge from the eye
• Red, irritated conjunctiva (the white of the eye and inner eyelids)
• Swelling of the eyelids or conjunctiva
• Frequent blinking or squinting (due to pain)
• Rubbing or scratching at the eye
• Light sensitivity (squinting or keeping the eyes closed)

Depending on the cause, veterinarians usually treat eye infections with antibiotics, antiviral medications, or anti-inflammatories in the form of drops or ointment. In severe cases, additional medication may be needed. Timely treatment is essential to prevent further damage to the eye. If you suspect an infection, always consult your veterinarian.

Dry eyes, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occur when the tear glands do not produce enough tear fluid. Although it may sound contradictory, a lack of tears actually leads to irritation and eventually to an increased production of so-called reflex tears. These tears are often watery and do not provide sufficient protection for the eye. Possible causes include autoimmune diseases, side effects of medication, trauma or injury, and genetic predisposition.

Symptoms you may observe when your dog has (excessively) dry eyes:

• Thick, mucus-like discharge around the eyes
• Red, irritated, and painful eyes
• Frequent blinking or squinting
• Dull eyes and long-term corneal damage
• Excessive tearing in response to irritation

Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) can be easily diagnosed by a veterinarian using the Schirmer Tear Test, which measures how many tears the eye produces in one minute. An abnormal result confirms that your dog produces insufficient tears. Based on the outcome, artificial tears may be prescribed.

It’s important to recognize and treat dry eyes early, as prolonged dryness can lead to corneal damage, infections, and even permanent vision loss. If your dog shows symptoms associated with dry eyes, consult your veterinarian for examination and treatment.

Regularly inspect your dog’s eyes for redness, dirt, foreign objects, or mucus discharge so you can detect and address problems early.

Trim the hair around your dog’s eyes regularly to prevent it from irritating the eye surface or trapping dirt. For long-haired dogs, it may actually be better to let the hair grow long enough so that it no longer falls into the eye.

Avoid strong odors, smoke, and dust in the home, as these can irritate the eyes and trigger excessive tearing.

Does your dog frequently suffer from watery eyes? Clean the eyes daily using a soft, damp cloth, an eye cleanser, or special eye wipes designed for dogs. Do this gently and remove any dirt or dried tears.

If your dog has irritated eyes caused by dust, dirt, or dry air you can support the eyes with special eye ointments or drops. An ointment containing vitamin A helps restore the eye surface and protects against further irritation. Drops containing hyaluronic acid also have a soothing and moisturizing effect, helping to promote the healing of irritated eyes.

Important: If the irritation persists, worsens, or if the eyes become clearly infected (recognizable by redness, swelling, mucus-like discharge, or pain), it is always best to have them checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible. This helps prevent serious complications and ensures the right treatment is provided.

This usually happens because tears are not properly drained through the tear ducts and overflow instead. It can be caused by irritation, allergies, or blocked tear ducts.

Not always, but watery eyes can indicate irritation, discomfort, or even pain due to infections, injuries, or anatomical abnormalities. It’s important to identify the cause so the eyes can be treated appropriately.

Visit the vet if your dog’s watery eyes persist, if the eyes become red or swollen, if there is colored or mucus-like discharge, or if your dog seems to be in pain.

Use a clean, soft, damp cloth or special dog eye wipes to gently remove dirt and tear fluid. Always wipe from the outer corner toward the inner corner of the eye. There are several soothing ointments, drops, and cleaning products that are safe to use. However, they do not contain antibiotics, which may be necessary in some cases. With products such as Ophtosan, and  Ophta-Clean, you should usually see improvement within a few days. If not, or if symptoms worsen, always make an appointment with your veterinarian.

This is caused by a substance called porphyrin in the tear fluid, which reacts with air and fur to cause a brown or reddish discoloration.

Only use eye drops or ointments specifically designed for dogs, such as artificial tears with vitamin A or hyaluronic acid. Be sure the product is approved for use in the eyes. Examples include Ophtosan.

Yes, allergies (such as to pollen, food, or dust mites) often lead to eye irritation and increased tear production.

Allergies are a common reason why dogs develop watery eyes. During an allergic reaction, the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen, grasses, dust mites, certain foods (such as beef, chicken, or grains), or contact triggers like cleaning products and shampoos. In addition to watery eyes, you may also notice symptoms such as itching, red and irritated skin, recurring ear infections, sneezing, and swelling of the eyelids or conjunctiva. If you suspect allergies, it’s important to work with your vet to determine the cause. Allergy testing or an elimination diet can help identify the trigger. Treatment may include limiting exposure, adjusting the diet, and using medication or eye drops to relieve symptoms.