Dogs may be experts in unconditional love, but they can also be experts at creating some truly questionable messes, including the infamous eye boogers. You know, those crusty little globs that seem to appear like magic at the corners of their eyes. While they may look gross, eye boogers are often harmless. They’re usually just a mix of tears, dust, and natural debris that your pup’s body is clearing out.
But eye boogers can also indicate something more sinister. According to Giulia D'Ignazio, a professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming, “allergies are one of the main causes of eye boogers.”
So, when should you worry? And how do you clean them without turning it into a wrestling match? That’s exactly what this guide will help you figure out!
Types of Dog Eye Boogers and What They Mean
Not all eye boogers are the same. Some are completely normal while underlying problems cause others. Understanding what those crusty little boogers mean can help you determine if it’s just an everyday annoyance or something requiring a vet trip. Let’s break down the most common types of discharge your pup might experience.
Clear Discharge
Clear discharge is usually the result of allergies or irritants like dust, pollen, or smoke. Pups with allergies also tend to be itchy, especially around their face, paws, and abdomen. Usually, eye discharge is a sign of an environmental allergen. Just like we get seasonal allergies, our dogs can too!
If your pup has also recently been in a dusty environment, their eye boogers could just be the collected debris which doesn’t need to cause you much concern.
White or Gray Mucus
Dry eye occurs when your dog’s eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep the surface lubricated. This leads to a thicker, white, or gray mucus buildup. Other symptoms of dry eye include blinking excessively, rubbing their eyes, or keeping their eyes closed.
Dry eye can be managed with the help of your vet.
Yellow or Green Discharge
Yellow or green discharge is a strong indicator of an eye infection, often caused by bacteria. If the discharge has a thick, sticky consistency, it’s likely a sign that your dog’s eyes are fighting off an infection. Pink eye (also called conjunctivitis) is common in dogs. Often, dogs will have red eyes and even some swelling.
Reddish-Brown Stains
Reddish-brown stains are usually the result of excessive tearing, which can be caused by several things, including clogged tear ducts or eye irritation. The staining is typically more noticeable around the inner corners of your dog’s eyes and can sometimes be managed with regular cleaning.
This is extremely common in dogs with large eyes and white fur, like Shih-Tzus. Luckily, staining isn’t harmful in most cases. But if your dog suddenly develops eye stains, it may require a trip to your vet to rule out infections.
Common Causes of Dog Eye Boogers
Your dog’s eye boogers aren’t just random. They have a particular cause. Knowing what’s behind these crusty boogers can help you address the underlying issue. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes of dog eye boogers.
Allergies and Irritants
Just like us, dogs can suffer from allergies. Environmental irritants can make your dog’s eyes water and produce clear discharge. If your pup’s eyes are more runny than usual and they have other signs of allergies, like paw chewing, it could be allergies at play. Take a trip to your vet to determine the allergen so you can better manage these allergies.
Breeds Prone to Tear Staining
Some dog breeds are more prone to tear staining and eye discharge than others. Breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs often have tear ducts that don’t function perfectly, leading to excess tearing. These dogs also have lighter coats, making tear staining more easy to see.
Often, this isn’t harmful. But sudden increases in tear staining can indicate allergies or something else going on.
Infections and Injuries
Eye infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi can lead to more concerning eye boogers. Yellow or green discharge, along with swelling or redness, are classic signs of an infection. Eye injuries can also lead to increased eye boogers and may require treatment to prevent infection.
Underlying Health Issue
Sometimes, eye boogers are the symptom of something more serious, like dry eye, glaucoma, or foreign objects stuck in your dog’s eye.
Dry eye, as mentioned before, can cause thick mucus, while glaucoma might lead to eye congestion or more frequent discharge. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your dog’s eyes or your dog’s behavior (like pawing at their eyes, or seeming uncomfortable), take a trip to the vet for a check-up.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Eyes Safely
Cleaning your dog’s eyes doesn’t have to be a wrestling match. With the right approach and tools, you can keep their eyes clear and comfortable without stress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process as smooth as possible.
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Gather your supplies: You’ll need a soft cloth or cotton ball, saline solution or eye wipes (like Earth Rated eye wipes), and a calm pup.
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Prepare the area: Choose a quiet space without distractions.
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Use a soft cloth or an eye wipe: Gently wipe away the discharge from the corner of your dog’s eye, always wiping from the inner corner (near the nose) to the outer corner (near the ear). Giulia recommends the eye wipes from Earth Rated because, with regular use, they can help reduce the tear staining and make the eye boogers a little softer.
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Repeat as necessary: If there’s a lot of buildup, you may need to gently wipe again.
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Reward your pup: Once you’re done, consider giving your dog a treat or plenty of praise. Positive reinforcement and clicker training can go a long way!
When to See a Veterinarian
Sometimes, eye boogers are just a minor annoyance. But other times, they can be a sign of a bigger issue. Knowing when it’s time to seek vet attention can help you keep your pup’s eyes healthy and prevent any complications.
Here are some signs that it might be time to make an appointment:
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Persistent redness. If your dog’s eyes are consistently red, it could be a sign of irritation, infection, or an underlying health problem.
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Swelling or discomfort. Swelling around the eyes or your dog pawing at their eyes frequently can indicate pain or discomfort that requires attention.
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Thick yellow or green discharge. This type of discharge is often associated with an infection, which requires veterinary treatment. Giulia explains, “Problematic discharge usually has a yellowish tint to it.”
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Changes in behavior or vision. If your dog is more sensitive to light, squints excessively, or is avoiding certain activities that they can usually enjoy, it could indicate that they can no longer see properly.
Preventing Eye Boogers and Maintaining Eye Health
Eye boogers are often a part of dog life. But there are plenty of ways to reduce their occurrence and prevent normal eye boogers from turning into an infection. Here are some steps you can take against those pesky eye boogers.
Follow Regular Cleaning and Grooming Practices
One of the simplest ways to prevent excessive eye discharge is to establish a routine of cleaning and grooming. If your dog is prone to eye boogers, you may want to regularly wipe your dog’s eyes with a gentle cleaning cloth, like Earth Rated'd textured pet eye wipes.
For dog's with extra fluffy or curly coats, consider keeping the fur around their eyes trimmed to prevent irritation from stray hairs, too.
Manage Environmental Allergens
You cannot keep your dog in a bubble. However, you can reduce your dog’s exposure to some irritants. Consider using an air purifier, for instance, and keeping your windows closed during high-pollen seasons. If your dog is particularly sensitive to allergens, it may be worth discussing with your vet to find a more effective allergy relief option.
Follow Dietary Tips to Support Eye Health
Supporting your dog’s eye health starts with what they eat! Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils, can support healthy tear production and reduce inflammation, which can be helpful for dogs with dry eye or sensitivity. Also, keeping your dog well-hydrated ensures that their eyes stay properly lubricated and reduces the risk of excessive tearing or discomfort.
Giulia also explains, “Dietary factors can lead to the changing of protein enzymes of tear ducts to become less intense in staining the dogs.” In other words, sometimes, a shift in diet can help reduce tear staining.
How Earth Rated Can Help
Taking care of your dog’s eyes may just involve a quick wipe now and then, but this quick cleaning is important for preventing discomfort and infections. With the right eye wipes, you can quickly keep your dog’s eyes clean without a fuss.
Earth Rated understands the importance of effective and gentle grooming solutions. That’s why we offer a range of products, including our highly rated eye wipes, which are perfect for keeping your dog’s eyes fresh and clean.
