Why is my dog Watery Eye

Introduction

Dogs are our beloved companions, and as such, their health and well-being are of utmost importance to us. One common canine symptom that can sometimes be confusing for pet owners is watery eyes in dogs. Also known as epiphora or tear dripping, watery eye is a condition where excess tears flow from the eyes of your furry friend, causing you to think that something may be seriously wrong.

In this article, we'll delve deeper into the world of watery eyes in dogs. We will discuss what causes this symptom, its common causes, when to seek veterinary care for it, and what can be done to prevent or manage it.

Understanding Watery Eye

Understanding the symptoms of watery eye in dogs is crucial so that you recognize the signs when they appear. The condition manifest itself in various ways:

• Excess tears flowing from one or both eyes.
• Whitish discharge present along with excessive tear flow.
• Redness and swelling around the eyes (less common).
• Yellow or green eye crustiness.

Watery eyes can be a sign of a minor issue, but it could also indicate an underlying condition that may require immediate attention. Therefore, identifying and seeking veterinary advice is essential to help determine the severity of the condition.

Common Causes of Watery Eye

A number of conditions can cause watery eyes in dogs based on their breeds. Some of these causes are:

• Allergies (environment or food): When a dog suffers from an allergy, they may develop itchy and irritated eyes that produce excessive tear flow.
• Dust and particles: Dogs can breathe dust and small particulates into the eye cavity, causing irritation and producing excess tears.
• Tear duct issues: If the tear ducts are blocked for any reason, it can lead to watery eyes in dogs. Sometimes tears may be draining behind the eye instead of coming out through the tear ducts (this is called nasolacrimal sac or conjunctiva). .*

When to See a Vet About Watery Eye

You don't necessarily need to see a vet about watery eyes if they occur as an occasional incident. However, persistent tears may require your veterinary attention. Go ahead and see your veterinarian, especially when coupled with other symptoms like:

Your dog is excessively scratching or holding the eye. There's redness in the white area of the eye. The discharge appears darker or bloody.

Preventive Measures for Watery Eye in Dogs

Several steps can help you prevent watery eyes from occurring repeatedly, including:

• Keeping your home clean and removing allergens: Cleaning up hair (and dog dander), using HEPA air purifiers or vacuuming thoroughly helps keep the allergic levels of dust at a low level within reach.
• Regular bathing: Regular use bath with shampoo may improve skin and hair health in breeds like labradors. It also improves eye health indirectly.

If you take care to remove your dog from allergenic places, minimize their contact with dogs that are frequently shedding skin or other hair (dogs), you can avoid the condition developing for much of your pet's life.