Watery eyes

What are the symptoms of watery eyes in dogs?

Watery eyes in dogs can manifest themselves through various signs. These include

• Red, swollen or sticky eyelids
• Discharge from the eyes, which can be clear, yellowish or greenish
• Itching or pain in the eyes
• Frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light or increased closing of the eyes
• Changes in the shape, color or size of the pupils

What are the causes of watery eyes in dogs?

Watery eyes in dogs can have various causes. The most common are

• Allergies: If your dog is allergic to certain substances in the environment or food, this can lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis), resulting in watery eyes. Typical allergens are pollen, dust, mold, perfume or flea saliva.
• Infections: Bacteria, viruses or fungi can infect your dog's eyes and lead to purulent conjunctivitis. Common pathogens are staphylococci, streptococci, herpes viruses or chlamydia.
• Injuries: Foreign bodies such as awns, sand or splinters can injure your dog's cornea and lead to corneal inflammation (keratitis). Scratches or bites from other animals can also damage the eyes.
• Hereditary diseases: Some dog breeds have a genetic predisposition to certain eye diseases that can lead to watery eyes. These include, for example, cataracts, glaucoma or cherry eye.
• Anatomical peculiarities: Some dogs have a particular eyelid shape that can lead to problems. For example, the eyelids can be rolled inwards (entropion) or outwards (ectropion), which leads to irritation of the cornea. If the tear opening is too narrow (dacryostenosis), the tear fluid cannot drain properly and builds up.

How are watery eyes treated in dogs?

The treatment of watery eyes in dogs depends on the cause. In any case, you should take your dog to the vet if you notice any of the above symptoms. The vet will carry out a thorough examination of the eyes and may order further tests to make a diagnosis.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include the following:

• Medication: The vet may prescribe your dog eye drops or ointments that are anti-inflammatory, antibiotic or antiviral. In the case of allergies, he may also administer antihistamines or cortisone.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the cause of the watery eyes. For example, the vet can stitch up a corneal injury, remove a foreign body or reattach a nictitating gland.
• Care: You can also help your dog at home by regularly cleaning his eyes with a soft cloth and lukewarm water. Avoid any pressure on the eyes and use a new cloth for each eye to prevent the transfer of germs. Also keep the hair around the eyes short to avoid irritation.

How can you prevent watery eyes in dogs?

Watery eyes in dogs cannot always be prevented, but there are some measures that can reduce the risk. These include:

• Regular check-ups at the vet: Have your dog's eyes checked by the vet at least once a year to detect and treat any possible diseases at an early stage.
• Vaccinations: Make sure your dog receives all recommended vaccinations to protect him from infections.
• Parasite control: Treat your dog regularly for fleas, ticks and worms to prevent allergies and infections.
• Healthy diet: Feed your dog a high-quality diet that contains all the nutrients he needs for a healthy immune system and good eye health.
• Stress reduction: Avoid situations that can stress or frighten your dog, as this can weaken their defenses and increase their susceptibility to illness.