Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Watering? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

AvatarByRobert Kemmer Dog Health & Wellness

If you’ve noticed your dog’s eyes watering more than usual, you’re not alone—many pet owners find themselves concerned when their furry friend’s eyes seem constantly teary. While occasional eye moisture can be normal, persistent watering might signal an underlying issue that deserves attention. Understanding why your dog’s eyes are watering is the first step toward ensuring their comfort and health.

Dogs can experience watery eyes for a variety of reasons, ranging from harmless irritations to more serious medical conditions. Environmental factors, allergies, or even minor injuries may cause increased tear production. However, excessive watering can also indicate infections, blocked tear ducts, or other eye-related problems that require veterinary care.

Recognizing the signs and knowing when to seek help can make a significant difference in your dog’s well-being. In the following sections, we will explore common causes, symptoms to watch for, and practical steps you can take to address your dog’s watery eyes effectively.

Common Causes of Watery Eyes in Dogs

Watery eyes in dogs can arise from a variety of underlying causes, ranging from minor irritations to more serious health conditions. Understanding these causes can help pet owners recognize when veterinary attention is necessary.

Environmental factors such as dust, pollen, smoke, or strong winds often cause temporary eye watering. These irritants stimulate tear production as a protective response to flush out foreign particles. Dogs with long hair or breeds with prominent eyes may be more prone to this type of irritation.

Allergies are another frequent cause. Dogs can develop allergic reactions to substances like mold, grass, or certain chemicals in cleaning products. Allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by redness and itching alongside tearing, is common in these cases.

Infections—either bacterial, viral, or fungal—can lead to excessive tear production. Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) typically causes redness, swelling, and discharge. Eye infections often require prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.

Structural abnormalities and breed predispositions also contribute. For example, breeds with shallow eye sockets or prominent eyes (e.g., Pugs, Shih Tzus) are more susceptible to eye irritation and excessive tearing. Eyelid problems such as entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid) or ectropion (outward rolling) can cause abnormal tear drainage or irritation.

Foreign bodies lodged in the eye, such as grass seeds or debris, often cause persistent watering and discomfort. Immediate examination and removal by a veterinarian are important to avoid corneal damage.

Other medical conditions affecting tear production or drainage include:

  • Blocked or infected tear ducts (nasolacrimal duct obstruction)
  • Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), where tear production is insufficient but compensatory watering may occur
  • Glaucoma and uveitis, which can cause secondary tearing due to eye pain and inflammation

Diagnosing the Cause of Watery Eyes

A thorough diagnostic approach is necessary to determine the specific cause of a dog’s watery eyes. Veterinarians use a combination of physical examination and specialized tests to pinpoint the issue.

Key steps in the diagnostic process include:

  • History Taking: Gathering information on onset, duration, and any associated symptoms such as redness, squinting, or discharge.
  • Physical Examination: Inspection of the eyes and eyelids for swelling, redness, discharge, foreign bodies, or anatomical abnormalities.
  • Ophthalmic Tests: These may include:
  • Fluorescein Staining: To detect corneal ulcers or scratches.
  • Schirmer Tear Test: Measures tear production to assess for dry eye.
  • Intraocular Pressure Measurement: Screens for glaucoma.
  • Cytology and Culture: Sampling any discharge for infection analysis.
  • Imaging: In some cases, advanced imaging such as ultrasound or CT scans may be indicated to evaluate deeper ocular structures or nasal passages.
Diagnostic Test Purpose What It Detects
Fluorescein Stain Detect corneal damage Ulcers, scratches, foreign bodies
Schirmer Tear Test Measure tear production Dry eye syndrome
Intraocular Pressure Assess eye pressure Glaucoma
Cytology & Culture Identify pathogens Bacterial, viral, fungal infections

Proper diagnosis ensures targeted treatment and reduces the risk of complications such as chronic irritation or vision loss.

Treatment Options for Watery Eyes in Dogs

Treatment depends on the underlying cause identified during diagnosis. Managing watery eyes effectively often involves a combination of supportive care and specific medical interventions.

For minor irritations caused by environmental factors, simple measures include:

  • Gently wiping the eyes with a clean, damp cloth to remove debris
  • Keeping the dog’s living area free of dust and smoke
  • Trimming facial hair around the eyes to reduce irritation

When allergies are implicated, treatment may involve:

  • Antihistamines or corticosteroid eye drops prescribed by a veterinarian
  • Avoidance of known allergens whenever possible
  • Use of air purifiers to reduce airborne irritants

Infectious causes require targeted antimicrobial therapy based on culture results. This may include:

  • Topical antibiotic or antifungal eye drops/ointments
  • Oral medications in severe cases

Structural abnormalities or eyelid disorders might necessitate surgical correction to restore proper eye function and prevent ongoing irritation.

Blocked tear ducts can sometimes be flushed or treated with medication to reduce inflammation and restore drainage.

Common Causes of Excessive Tearing in Dogs

Excessive tearing, or epiphora, in dogs can arise from a variety of underlying issues. Understanding these causes is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Environmental Irritants

Exposure to dust, pollen, smoke, or strong odors can irritate the dog’s eyes, leading to increased tear production as a protective mechanism.

Allergies

Dogs can develop allergies to food, environmental factors, or chemicals such as shampoos and cleaning agents. Allergic reactions often manifest as red, itchy, and watery eyes.

Infections

Both bacterial and viral infections can cause conjunctivitis, resulting in watery eyes, redness, and discharge.

Foreign Bodies

Objects like grass seeds, dust particles, or hair trapped in the eye can cause irritation and excessive tearing.

Conformational Issues

Certain breeds with shallow eye sockets or prominent eyes (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) are more prone to tear overflow due to poor eyelid conformation or tear drainage problems.

Blocked Tear Ducts

The nasolacrimal duct can become blocked or narrowed, preventing normal tear drainage and leading to tear overflow.

Eye Injuries and Ulcers

Scratches, corneal ulcers, or other trauma can cause inflammation and increased tear production.

Glaucoma and Other Eye Diseases

Increased intraocular pressure or chronic eye conditions can also contribute to watery eyes.

Symptoms That Indicate a Need for Veterinary Attention

While occasional tearing may not be cause for concern, persistent or severe symptoms warrant professional evaluation. Owners should observe the following signs:

  • Continuous or worsening eye discharge, particularly if yellow, green, or thick
  • Redness or swelling of the eyelids or conjunctiva
  • Excessive blinking, squinting, or pawing at the eyes
  • Cloudiness or visible changes in the eye surface
  • Behavioral changes such as lethargy or loss of appetite linked to eye discomfort
  • Unequal pupil sizes or vision impairment
  • Signs of pain, including whining or flinching when the eye is touched

Diagnostic Approach to Watery Eyes in Dogs

Veterinarians use a systematic approach to identify the cause of watery eyes:

Cause Treatment Approach Additional Notes
Environmental Irritants Eye cleaning, environmental control Typically resolves quickly
Allergies Antihistamines, corticosteroids, allergen avoidance May require long-term management
Infections Topical/oral antimicrobials Requires veterinary diagnosis
Structural Issues Surgical correction Prevents chronic eye damage
Diagnostic Method Description Purpose
Physical Examination Visual inspection of the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding tissues Detect visible abnormalities, swelling, or foreign bodies
Fluorescein Staining Application of a special dye to the eye surface Identify corneal ulcers or scratches
Schirmer Tear Test Measurement of tear production using absorbent strips Evaluate for dry eye conditions or excessive tearing
Nasolacrimal Duct Flush Flushing of tear ducts with sterile fluid Check for duct obstruction or blockage
Cytology and Culture Microscopic examination and microbial culture of eye discharge Identify bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
Imaging (X-rays or Ultrasound) Advanced imaging of the eye and surrounding structures Detect structural abnormalities or tumors

Treatment Options Based on Underlying Causes

Treatment is tailored to the identified cause and may include one or more of the following approaches:

  • Environmental Management: Reducing exposure to irritants by cleaning living areas and avoiding smoke or dust.
  • Allergy Control: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or hypoallergenic diets prescribed by the veterinarian.
  • Medication for Infections: Topical or systemic antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals depending on the pathogen.
  • Foreign Body Removal: Careful extraction of objects from the eye under veterinary supervision.
  • Surgical Correction: Procedures to correct eyelid deformities or unblock tear ducts.
  • Eye Drops and Ointments: Lubricating or medicated eye drops to soothe irritation and promote healing.
  • Pain Management: Analgesics to alleviate discomfort associated with eye injuries or diseases.

Preventive Measures to Minimize Eye Watering in Dogs

Preventing excessive tearing involves maintaining good eye health and minimizing risk factors:

  • Regular grooming to keep hair away from the eyes, especially in long-haired breeds
  • Routine eye cleaning with veterinarian-approved wipes or saline solution
  • Avoiding exposure to known

    Expert Insights on Why Your Dog’s Eyes Are Watering

    Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian, Canine Ophthalmology Specialist). “Excessive tearing in dogs often indicates irritation caused by allergens, foreign bodies, or infections. It is essential to assess whether the watering is accompanied by redness, discharge, or behavioral changes to determine if immediate veterinary intervention is necessary.”

    Dr. Marcus Lee (Veterinary Dermatologist, Animal Health Institute). “Watery eyes in dogs can frequently be linked to underlying skin allergies or environmental factors such as pollen and dust. Addressing the root cause through allergy testing and environmental management is critical to reducing ocular symptoms.”

    Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Pet Eye Care Clinic). “Chronic eye watering may signal blocked tear ducts or anatomical abnormalities in certain breeds. Early diagnosis and treatment, including flushing tear ducts or surgical correction, can prevent further complications and preserve eye health.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Why are my dog’s eyes watering excessively?
    Excessive tearing in dogs can result from allergies, eye infections, irritants such as dust or smoke, blocked tear ducts, or underlying health issues like conjunctivitis.

    Can environmental factors cause my dog’s eyes to water?
    Yes, exposure to wind, pollen, smoke, or chemicals can irritate your dog’s eyes, leading to increased tear production as a protective response.

    When should I be concerned about my dog’s watery eyes?
    Seek veterinary attention if the watering is persistent, accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge, squinting, or behavioral changes indicating discomfort.

    How can I prevent my dog’s eyes from watering?
    Regular grooming around the eyes, avoiding exposure to known irritants, and promptly addressing allergies or infections can help reduce excessive tearing.

    Are certain dog breeds more prone to watery eyes?
    Yes, breeds with prominent eyes or facial folds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, are more susceptible to tear overflow and related eye issues.

    Is watery eye a sign of a serious eye condition in dogs?
    While watery eyes often indicate minor irritation, they can also signal serious conditions like glaucoma or corneal ulcers, which require prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
    Excessive watering of a dog’s eyes can result from a variety of underlying causes, ranging from minor irritations to more serious health conditions. Common factors include allergies, foreign objects, infections, blocked tear ducts, or anatomical issues specific to certain breeds. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment and to prevent potential complications.

    Regular observation of your dog’s eye health, including noting any changes in discharge color, frequency, or accompanying symptoms such as redness or swelling, is crucial. Prompt veterinary consultation is recommended if the watering persists, worsens, or is accompanied by signs of discomfort or vision impairment. Early intervention can help address infections, alleviate pain, and preserve ocular health.

    Maintaining good hygiene around your dog’s eyes, avoiding exposure to known allergens, and providing routine eye care can significantly reduce the incidence of excessive tearing. Understanding the various reasons behind watery eyes empowers pet owners to take appropriate action and ensure their dog’s comfort and well-being.

    Author Profile

    Avatar
    Robert Kemmer
    Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.

    He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.

    His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.