Canine Discharge from Eyes: Understanding the Cause
In the world of canine care, understanding and addressing excessive dog eye boogers is crucial. This common issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including eye infections, allergies, irritants, eye injuries, eyelid abnormalities, and congenital defects that disrupt normal tear drainage or lubrication.
To combat this issue, Dr. Zay Satchu, a renowned veterinarian, advises maintaining good eye hygiene. Regularly cleaning your dog’s face and eyes with a clean, damp cloth can help remove debris and discharge. It's also essential to wash your hands before touching a pet's eyes.
Preventing excessive eye boogers involves minimising exposure to environmental irritants and allergens such as pollen, dust, smoke, and strong fragrances. Avoiding situations that can introduce foreign objects or bacteria to the eyes, like letting dogs hang their heads out car windows, is also recommended. Keeping your dog’s hair trimmed around the eyes can reduce irritation from hair poking into the eyes.
For dogs with allergies, reducing exposure to known allergens and possibly using vet-recommended treatments can help control eye discharge. If your dog shows signs of eye abnormalities or persistent discharge, prompt veterinary evaluation is necessary to address underlying issues such as tear duct problems, infections, or eyelid defects.
Treatments for eye irritation and discharge include saline drops, artificial tears, cold compresses, and in infections, antibiotics or other medications prescribed by a veterinarian. For hardened discharge, Satchu recommends using sterile saline or eye wash with a clean cotton ball or tissue. For small volumes of wet or dry discharge, a clean tissue, cotton ball, or freshly-washed hands can be used.
In cases where the discharge has hardened, wipes formulated for use on dogs can help clean the discharge. Cleaning the eyelids with a wet washcloth or cotton balls on a daily basis can prevent the formation of crusts and further irritation of the skin.
Regular veterinary appointments are vital in identifying issues before they become serious and potentially untreatable. If you find the need to clean your dog's eyes more than once or twice daily, an exam is warranted.
Lastly, over-the-counter artificial tears (formulated for pets) can be used liberally to help clear out any debris and thin out mucoid discharge. If you feel that anything is wrong with your dog's eyes, it is best to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Maintaining good health and wellness for dogs also extends to eye health, as medical-conditions affecting the eyes can cause excessive eye boogers. To prevent this, practicing science-based strategies like minimizing exposure to irritants and allergens, keeping the dog's hair trimmed around the eyes, and using vet-recommended treatments for allergies can be beneficial.
