Healthy dogs produce very little eye discharge. An abnormal increase in eye discharge, accompanied by red and swollen eyes, is mostly caused by ocular inflammation that stimulates excess secretion.
Cause Investigation
- Unilateral excessive discharge: May result from eye rubbing, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, or trichiasis.Bilateral excessive discharge: Often caused by inflammation.
- Hard or dry discharge (excluding dried residue at the corner of the eye): May indicate ocular inflammation or internal heat.Soft discharge: May be a sign of asthenic heat.
- Respiratory issues such as colds, tracheitis, or bronchitis can also cause excessive eye discharge.
- Infectious diseases: Canine distemper, toxoplasmosis, etc.
Solutions
- For dogs with only excessive tears or eye discharge and no other symptoms (mostly local eye problems): Apply eye drops 3–4 times a day. Seek veterinary care if there is no obvious improvement after 1–2 days of treatment.
- For discharge caused by internal heat: Improve the condition by switching dog food and increasing water intake.
- If excessive discharge is accompanied by respiratory symptoms or other systemic signs: Do not attempt home treatment; take the dog to the vet promptly.
Prevention Measures
- Pay attention to diet: Prioritize commercial pet food. If feeding homemade meals, keep them light and low-irritation.
- Keep eye drops and ointment at home for emergencies. Administer eye medication promptly if your dog’s eyes appear red.
Important Reminder
When treating your dog’s eye condition, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the dog from scratching its irritated eyes.