Why do dogs have watery eyes: causes and treatment
If a dog has red eyes and they are tearing profusely, it is important to pay attention to the pet's health. Often, the cause of the discharge is conjunctivitis.
Reasons Why a Dog's Eyes Tear Up
If a dog's eyes are tearing up and appear red, it is important to pay attention to the pet's health. Often, the cause of the discharge is conjunctivitis - a fairly common infection. However, eye problems can indicate other diseases.
The most harmless reason is the presence of a foreign body. The pet can deal with it on its own if it is not deeply embedded. Small particles or eyelashes may come out with tears. If the foreign body is deeply embedded in the cornea, vision starts to deteriorate or there is bleeding - it is necessary to consult a veterinarian. If the pet rides in a car, the eyelid may get inflamed. This condition will resolve on its own within a few days.
When a dog's eyes tear up and it squints in the light, blepharospasm is diagnosed. This is not a separate disease, but a symptom. It can occur due to:
- infection;
- inflammation of the trigeminal nerve;
- eyelid developmental pathologies.
Sometimes pets experience eyelid entropion. Various breeds are prone to this condition. The eyelashes grow inwards, causing inflammation of the cornea. Before visiting the vet, you can give the pet a pain reliever.
If a dog's eyes are tearing up significantly with pus, conjunctivitis is possible. The nature of the disease can be fungal, bacterial, or traumatic. It can usually be successfully treated at home and arises due to lowered immunity or external factors.
Main symptoms include:
- purulent discharge;
- redness;
- corneal cloudiness;
- tearing;
- eyelid swelling.
Also, causes of tearing eyes can be allergies and dermatitis. In this case, symptoms may include rash, swelling, nasal discharge, and sneezing. For an individual reaction, isolate the pet from the allergen and provide antihistamines. Dermatitis can be caused by fungi or bacteria. Signs include scabs, discharges with an unpleasant odor, moist areas, and eyelash loss.
A rare cause of excessive tearing is a blockage in tear drainage. Because the fluid is not draining properly and instead leaking out, the owner may perceive the discharge as excessive. This condition requires investigations, and the safest option is the Schirmer test. It is not available in every clinic, but it provides an accurate result.
A Dog's Eyes Are Tearing Up: How to Treat at Home
It is advisable to show the pet to a veterinarian because tearing eyes can be a symptom of not only harmless diseases. For example, treating conjunctivitis will not help with dermatitis, allergies, and will not eliminate an eye tumor.
Treatment for tearing eyes due to allergies in dogs involves taking antihistamines:
- Suprastin;
- Diazolin;
- Dimedrol;
- Tavegil.
If dermatitis is present, it is necessary to determine the cause of the disease and apply only the medications prescribed by the veterinarian. If the pet is injuring the eyelid, a special collar should be worn.
What to Do When One of the Dog's Eyes Tears Up Due to Conjunctivitis
Veterinarians recommend treating the eye with antiseptics several times a day. Then apply tetracycline ointment. It is essential to treat both eyes, even if only one is affected. This prevents the infection from spreading to the healthy eye. The duration of therapy is until the symptoms disappear.
Treatment for Eyelid Entropion
Critical pathology is corrected through surgery. It is recommended for adult dogs (that have stopped growing). Young individuals are prescribed:
- antibacterial ointments;
- moistening of the mucous membrane;
- antiseptic treatment against infections.
If the eye enlarges, protrudes from the orbit, the pet feels unwell, additional investigations are necessary. These signs may indicate a tumor. Timely treatment will not only save the pet's life but also its vision.
