Dog Eye Discharge: What's Normal, What's Not, and When to Worry

Some dogs wake up with a small amount of crust in the corner of their eyes — just like humans. That is normal. But the colour, consistency, amount, and accompanying symptoms tell you whether it is routine or something that needs attention.

Usually indicates mild irritation — dust, wind, or a minor allergen. Common after walks in dusty areas or during high-pollen seasons. - What to do: Gently wipe with a clean, damp cloth. If it persists for more than 2-3 days, or if the eye looks red, see a vet.

Can indicate dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) — a condition where the eye does not produce enough tears. Common in breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs. - What to do: This needs a vet diagnosis. Dry eye is treatable but requires ongoing medication (usually cyclosporine eye drops).

This almost always means bacterial infection — conjunctivitis or a secondary infection from an injury or foreign body. - What to do: Do not delay. See a vet within 24 hours. Bacterial eye infections can worsen rapidly and can damage the cornea.

Common in light-coloured breeds — Maltese, Poodles, Shih Tzus. Caused by porphyrins in tears oxidising on fur. Usually cosmetic, not medical. - What to do: Keep the area clean and dry. Wipe daily. If accompanied by other discharge or squinting, get it checked.

- Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus): Shallow eye sockets mean more exposure, more irritation, more discharge - Golden Retrievers: Prone to allergic conjunctivitis - Persian cats: Flat faces cause chronic tear overflow

1. Wash your hands before touching your dog's eyes 2. Use a clean, soft, damp cloth or cotton ball 3. Wipe from the inner corner outward 4. Use a fresh cloth for each eye to avoid cross-contamination 5. Never use human eye drops unless your vet specifically says to 6. Keep hair trimmed around the eyes for breeds with long facial hair

- The eye is swollen shut or bulging - The dog is pawing at the eye constantly - Visible injury or scratch on the eye surface - Green or yellow discharge with fever - Sudden cloudiness or blue-white haze over the eye - Discharge from only one eye with squinting (could be a foreign object or ulcer) - The dog is bumping into things or seems disoriented

"My Golden Retriever has smelly eye discharge" — Smell usually indicates bacterial infection. A vet visit is needed. "My cat's eyes are always watery" — In Persians and flat-faced cats, this is often chronic. Keep clean and monitor for colour changes. "Can I use boric acid for my dog's eyes?" — Not recommended without vet guidance. Use plain saline if you need to rinse.

Eye problems can escalate fast. A simple conjunctivitis treated with a 7-day course of eye drops costs very little. A corneal ulcer from an untreated infection can require surgery. The difference is catching it early. Log eye symptoms in Omelo — discharge colour, frequency, which eye, whether the dog is squinting — so you have a clear picture for your vet.