Why do my dog's eyes water? - briefly
Dogs' eyes may water due to allergies, irritants, or blockages in their tear ducts. If excessive tearing persists, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why do my dog's eyes water? - in detail
Your dog's eyes might be watering due to several reasons, ranging from minor irritations to more serious health issues. It is essential to understand these causes to ensure your pet's well-being and address any potential problems promptly.
One common cause of excessive tearing in dogs is a blocked or narrowed tear duct. Tear ducts are small openings at the inner corner of each eye that drain tears into the nasal cavity. If these ducts become obstructed, tears can't flow properly and accumulate, leading to watery eyes. This condition is often congenital but can also result from infections or trauma.
Another frequent reason for your dog's eyes watering is conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, viral or bacterial infections, or exposure to irritants like smoke, dust, or chemicals. Symptoms usually include redness, swelling, discharge, and excessive tearing.
Eye injuries, such as scratches on the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), can also cause your dog's eyes to water. These injuries are often painful and may lead to increased tear production as a protective response. Foreign objects, like grass seeds or small debris, can also lodge in the eye, causing irritation and tearing.
In some cases, watery eyes in dogs might indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as glaucoma or dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Glaucoma is characterized by increased pressure within the eyeball, which can lead to excessive tearing, dilated pupils, and a cloudy appearance of the eye. Dry eye, on the other hand, occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears, resulting in chronic irritation and watering.
If your dog's eyes are consistently watering or if you notice any additional symptoms like redness, discharge, squinting, or changes in eye color, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly. A thorough examination will help determine the cause of the tearing and allow for appropriate treatment, which may include medications, tear duct flushing, or surgery in severe cases.
Regularly monitoring your dog's eyes and addressing any changes promptly can significantly improve their eye health and overall well-being.