5 important facts for you about watery eyes in dogs

What can I do about my dog's watery eyes? What causes them? Which dog breeds are particularly susceptible? Find out the most important facts about watery eyes in dogs in this blog article. Find out more now.

Content

• Why is my dog's eye watering?
• What do sick dog eyes look like?
• What are common eye diseases in dogs?
• Which dog breeds have watery eyes?
• What can I do if my dog has watery eyes?
• FAQ

Why is my dog's eye watering?

Healthy dogs, just like humans, constantly produce tear fluid. This not only keeps the eyes moist, but also helps to flush out small foreignbodies.

Normally, the tear fluid flows through a small opening on the eyelid, the so-called lacrimal punctum, via the nasolacrimal canal into the front part of the nose. There it evaporates or is licked off with the tongue.

Sometimes, however, it looks as if the dog is crying. Then the tear fluid does not drain via the nasolacrimal duct, but runs over the edge of the eyelid into the fur around the eyes. What you can do about tear stains in dogs.

Reasons for watery eyes in dogs

Watery eyes in dogs are not uncommon . In addition to the overproduction of tear fluid or blockage or obstruction of the lacrimal puncta or nasolacrimal ducts, there are many other reasons:

• Your dog sleeps with his eyes open
• Dry air, e.g. heating air
• Irritation of the eyes, e.g. due to foreign bodies, draughts or dust
• Allergies, e.g. food allergies
• Breed-related changes
• Diseases of the eyes

What do sick dog eyes look like?

Watery eyes in dogs occur for comparatively harmless reasons, but can also be a sign of health problems. If the following symptoms occur, a visit to the vet is essential:

• Long-lasting watering of the eyes
• Individual changes in the appearance of the eyes, e.g. bloodshot or glassy
• Cloudy eyes
• Purulent lacrimal fluid
• Mucous discharge from the eyes
• Pupils of different sizes + narrowed eyelids

Other symptoms are also important indicators of eye disease. These include, for example, constant squinting, red or swollen eyes and the frequent one-sided rubbing of the eyes with the paw or sensitivity to touch. Always compare both eyes, as there is usually only a one-sided change, especially in the case of external influences.

Common diseases of the dog's eye

In principle, diseases of the eyes can

• Hereditary, also hereditary,
• be systemic/internal diseases that (also) manifest themselves in the eyes or
• occur due to external injuries to the eyelids, cornea, etc.

Below we present some of the most common eye diseases that can occur depending on the breed and age of the dog. Early treatment can prevent chronic and therefore often permanent damage to the eye.

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva)

Conjunctivae can become inflamed due to draughts or allergies , among other things. Noxae (= substances with a damaging effect), such as sand and wind, and other foreign bodies can also be causes. As can infections with bacteria, viruses or fungi. In puppies and young dogs , the formation of blisters on the nictitating membrane is a common cause.

How do I recognize conjunctivitis in my dog?

Conjunctivitis is usually recognizable by a clear reddening of the mucous membrane. This means that the inner eyelid surfaces are very red. This is accompanied by increased eye discharge. Other symptoms in dogs include squinting of the eye, sensitivity to light and rubbing the eye with the paw.

Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)

Dry eyes are triggered by reduced tear production. As a result, the cornea and the mucous membrane on top of it are not sufficiently moistened with tear fluid. The eyelids are therefore constantly rubbing over the dry cornea. This is not only unpleasant for the dog, but also damages the cornea of the eye and causes pain.

Short-nosed dogs, e.g. Bulldogs, Maltese, etc., are more prone to dry eyes. However, it can occur in any breed and especially with increasing age. In the case of dry eyes, always check with your vet whether there is a systematic disease.

Circumferential increase at the eyelid margin

Circumferential enlargement of the eyelid margin is a sign of ageing and usually affects the lower eyelid. It is a benign adenoma (=growth of mucous membrane or glandular tissue) of the sebaceous glands.

This lump acts like a foreign body and damages the cornea over time and can lead to a drooping eyelid . drooping eyelid lead to a drooping eyelid. Quick action is required to prevent this from happening. Visit your vet in good time, as it requires a veterinary examination and treatment.

Drooping eyelid (ectropion)

An ectropion is an ectropion, i.e. an outwardly rolled lower eyelid. It is better known colloquially as a drooping eyelid. The eye and conjunctiva are inadequately protected as a result and foreign bodies can enter the eye more easily. 

The risk of chronic conjunctivitis is a given. Drooping eyelids are particularly common in bassets, for example. If you suspect that your dog also suffers from this, consult your vet.

Roll eyelid (entropion)

An entropion is a lower eyelid that is rolled inwards. Colloquially referred to as a rolled eyelid. This is usually a congenital malposition of the eyelids.

A rolled eyelid causes damage to the cornea as the skin and eyelashes rub against it. The eyelids do not close completely. This makes it easier for foreign bodies to enter and the cornea dries out.

Depending on its severity, this can be unpleasant or very painful for the dog. A dry cornea, conjunctivitis and chronic corneal defects are the result. A rolled eyelid must be presented in the practice and measures discussed.

Which dog breeds have watery eyes?

Every dog, regardless of breed and age, can suffer from watery eyes from time to time. There are various reasons. However, there are some breeds of dog that are more likely to have watery eyes.

What can I do if my dog has watery eyes?

If your dog's eyes have been watering for a long time or there is an unusual discharge from the eyes, you should first discuss the cause with your vet. In addition to the right treatment, good eye care is also important.

Regularlyclean the fur around the eyes. This will prevent additional irritation of the skin as well as a strong adhesion of the hair. To do this, wipe carefully from the outer to the inner corner of the eye.

The Canosept eye care pads with aloe vera extract cleanse and care for the area around the eyes quickly and easily. The pads remove dirt, dust, tear stones and other impurities from the eye area, thereby cleaning the outlet of the sebaceous glands.

Use a separate care pad for each eye care padto avoid transferring dirt particles to the other eye.

Blockages in the tear ducts can normally be cleared with a special rinse. The increased watering of the eyes should then be quickly resolved.

For dogs with a hanging eyelid draughts should be avoided. The environment should also be as free of dust as possible.
Carefully trimming the fur around the eyes can also help with watery eyes. This is particularly advisable for heavily coated dogs.

How often should I clean my dog's eyes?

We recommend that you clean your dog's eyes at least twice a week if they have a normal flow of tears. If your dog's eyes are very watery, you can clean them more often. This also applies to dogs that are prone to tear stains tear stains, e.g. Maltese.

Which eye drops for dogs for watery eyes?

We recommend the Canosept eye care. The pH-neutral care formula gently cares for the eyes and removes impurities from the eye area. The hazelnut and cornflower extracts it contains also soothe the dog's eyes.

The eye care can also be used on sensitive and irritated skin. Regular use can prevent additional tear stains and unsightly tear stains.

You can use the Canosept eye care onto a cotton pad or use the ready-to-use care pads. Then dab carefully over the eye area and the area around the eyes, including the corners of the eyes. You can then easily wipe off the softened incrustations.

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