Dog Eye Discharge Explained: Causes, Home Care

Noticing gunk, goop, or sticky mess around your dog's eye? You’re not alone. Many UK dog owners see eye discharge and wonder if it’s normal or a sign of something serious. Sometimes it’s just mild watery eye discharge, like tear stains. Other times, thick, yellow or green discharge could mean an eye infection or another issue.

In this guide, we’ll explain the types of dog eye discharge, what causes them, when to worry, and how to care for your dog’s eyes at home—safely and easily.

Common Types of Eye Discharge in Dogs

Dog eye discharge comes in many forms. Each type may point to a different underlying cause, from allergies to infections to blocked tear ducts.

Common types of dog eye discharge:

• Watery eye discharge: Often linked to wind, dust, or allergies. You might notice more in spring or summer when airborne allergies like pollen are common.

• Yellow discharge or green discharge: May be a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis or another eye infection. Thick, sticky discharge like this should not be ignored.

• Reddish brown discoloration or tear staining: A cosmetic concern, often seen in light-colored dogs. This is caused by a pigment called porphyrin, which builds up when tears dry on the fur.

• Bloody discharge: A rare but serious symptom that could mean a corneal wound or severe damage to the eye's surface.

If you're not sure which type your dog has, take a clear photo and ask your vet. Some types of discharge might clear up quickly; others need medical treatment.

Some dog breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are more likely to get eye discharge due to anatomical abnormalities like prominent eyes or abnormal eyelashes.

Normal vs. Not-So-Normal Discharge

Most dogs will have about the same amount of clear eye gunk each day. But changes in color, thickness, or amount can signal a problem.

What’s Normal:

• A bit of dry crust in the inner corner of the eye, especially in the morning

• Clear, watery tears after a windy walk or dust exposure

What’s Not Normal:

• Yellow or green discharge that’s thick or sticky

• Squinting or blinking more than usual

• Swelling, redness, or the third eyelid showing

• A strong smell from the eye area

• Your dog pawing at the eye or rubbing it against things

If left untreated, abnormal discharge can lead to corneal ulcers, dry eye, or even vision loss. Dogs can also develop immune system problems that cause the body to attack its own tear glands—a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye).

Common Causes of Dog Eye Discharge

Many things can cause eye discharge in dogs. Some are mild and can be managed at home. Others need quick vet care. Here are the most common causes, especially for UK pets.

1. Airborne Allergies

Pollen from grass and trees, dust mites, and even prolonged exposure to wind or smoke can irritate your dog’s eyes. This often leads to excessive tearing or watery discharge.

2. Eye Infections

Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (also called pink eye) causes sticky discharge, often yellow or green. Infections are common if your dog’s immune system is low or if they have a foreign body in the eye.

3. Blocked Tear Ducts

Tears usually drain through tear ducts. If blocked, tears overflow, causing watery eyes and tear staining—especially in long hair or short-nosed breeds.

4. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

This means your dog isn’t making enough tears. You might notice thick discharge, eye redness, or discomfort. A Schirmer tear test at the vet can confirm this.

5. Injury or Foreign Material

Corneal wounds from dust, sand, or rough play can cause bloody discharge or swelling. If your dog squints or blinks rapidly, it could be due to pain or an object stuck in the eye’s surface.

Easy Home Care Tips for Mild Discharge

If your dog has mild eye discharge, there are gentle ways to care for it at home. These tips can soothe irritation and prevent more serious problems—especially if the issue is from airborne allergies, wind, or a bit of dust.

Try these simple steps:

• Wipe the eyes gently using a damp cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water. Always wipe from the inner corner outwards.

• Avoid touching the eye itself. Clean away any dried-up sticky discharge or crust.

• Trim long hair around your dog’s eyes. This helps reduce excessive tearing and prevents foreign material like pollen or dust from sticking to the fur.

• Keep your home clean and free of dust mites. Regular hoovering and pet-safe air purifiers can reduce irritation.

For dogs prone to dry eye or tear staining, you may ask your vet if artificial tears or lubricating eye drops are safe to use. Never use human products unless approved.

Example: Light-colored dogs like Bichon Frises or Cocker Spaniels often get reddish brown discoloration under the eyes from tear staining. Regular gentle cleaning helps this cosmetic concern.

When to See a Vet

Many mild cases of dog eye discharge can be handled at home. But there are clear signs that mean your dog needs a vet.

Call your vet if:

• There’s yellow discharge or green discharge

• One eye is suddenly worse than the other

• Your dog keeps rubbing the eye

• There’s swelling or you see the third eyelid

• Eye infections come back again and again

Can Dog Eye Discharge Be Prevented?

While you can’t stop all eye discharge in dogs, you can lower the risk with good care. Many causes of discharge—like blocked tear ducts, bacterial infection, and even bacterial conjunctivitis—can be reduced with prevention.

Here’s what you can do:

• Daily eye checks: Look for changes in your dog's eye, especially colour, swelling, or discharge type.

• Clean the eyes weekly using warm water or vet-recommended wipes, especially after long walks.

• Feed a balanced diet: Healthy tear glands need omega-3 and other nutrients to produce enough tears.

• Avoid smoky, dusty places, especially in cities or during windy weather.

• Use goggles for dogs during activities like biking or windy beach walks to avoid prolonged exposure to irritants.

FunnyFuzzy's Goggles For Dog

Dogs with anatomical abnormalities, like prominent eyes, abnormal eyelashes, or cherry eye, need extra care. If your vet finds birth defects or abnormal corneal pigmentation, they may suggest surgery or long-term treatment.

FAQs

When should I be concerned about my dog's eye discharge?

If your dog has yellow discharge, green discharge, swelling, or is blinking more than usual, it’s time to visit the vet. Sudden or painful symptoms should never be ignored.

What can I do for my dog's gunky eyes?

Clean gently with a damp cloth or cotton ball and warm water. If the discharge keeps coming back or changes colour, ask your vet about topical medication or further testing like a Schirmer tear test.

Should I take my dog to the vet for eye discharge?

Yes, especially if there’s bloody discharge, watery eyes that don’t clear up, or signs of pain. Viral conjunctivitis, dry eye, and corneal ulcers can worsen if left untreated.

How do you treat yellow discharge from a dog's eye?

Yellow eye discharge often means bacterial conjunctivitis or another eye infection. Vets usually prescribe topical antibiotics, special eye drops, or oral meds, depending on the underlying cause.

Conclusion

Your dog’s eyes are a window to their health. A little discharge may be normal, but green or yellow discharge, swelling, or squinting can mean something more serious.

Keeping your dog’s eyes clean and healthy means a more comfortable, happy life for them—and peace of mind for you.