If you are a dog owner, you may have noticed your dog’s eyes with some kind of discharge. Eye discharge is a common problem for dogs. Whereas some types are normal and disappear after some time, others may be associated with potentially serious health problems.
It is important for a dog owner to know what the different types of eye discharge are and what they mean so that you can determine when to get professional help.
Here are some common types of dog eye discharge from PetMD.com:
A Little Goop or Crust
Although dogs do not cry as humans do, they do produce tears. Tears are helpful in maintaining eye health by providing oxygen and nourishment to the cornea and helping remove any dust that might get trapped there.
Sometimes a little bit of goop or crust accumulates at the corner of each eye. This is made out of dried tears, oil, mucus, dead cells, dust, etc. This is easy to remove with a warm damp cloth. This is perfectly normal as long as the eyes are not red and your dog is not showing any signs of eye discomfort.
Clear and Watery
Excessive eye watering is associated with many different conditions which may be benign or serious. This can mean a vast number of things, from allergies to anatomical abnormalities.
If your dog has a relatively mild increase in tearing but his eyes look normal and he is not showing any signs of discomfort, what you should do is monitor the situation. Your dog may have been exposed to a lot of pollen or dust. But if the watering continues and your dog’s eyes turn red and painful, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Yellow or Green Eye Discharge
A yellow or green discharge in the eyes often means eye infection, especially if eye redness and discomfort are also symptoms. Eye infections can develop as a primary problem or as a result of another condition like corneal wounds and dry eyes. Sometimes what looks like an eye infection can actually be a sign of systemic illness. If you see this in your dog, check with your veterinarian immediately.