There are various reasons your dog could have a runny eye, and knowing what they are could often make the difference between a minor issue and a major one. You should not panic when you notice a rheumy nature to your dog’s eye, the best advice is to take your dog to a vet. However, in the event the vet is not close by, this post tells you some of the possible reasons why he could have that runny eye, from some of the best people in the business, which should set you at ease.
The first thing you need to know about runny eyes your dog is having is that you are not alone in this. It is common for pet owners to freak out seriously when they discover any malaise with their pets, however, runny eyes are a quite common phenomenon especially among dogs and cats also. So if you happen to have discovered a rheumy development to your pet’s eye, it is not a disaster, it is a perfectly normal situation that can be handled easily.
Causes of runny eyes in Dogs
Bushy eyelids
Some dog breeds exhibit a lot of hair especially on their faces, and while this can look really cute and endearing, the long hair can be the source of irritation to the dog. The hair could overgrow in odd angles that carry it into the eye, which is quite irritating or it could trap dust particles which could also result in some sort of irritation when it comes in contact with the eyes of the dog. A routine pet grooming practice is highly recommended to remove dead and dry skin. Use a professional pet grooming brush with an ergonomically designed to be comfortable in hand.
Do you smoke?
Cigarette smoke, aerosols, dust, and smog are sources of irritations to dogs. Some dogs are so sensitive that they could easily react to common allergy stimulators. As mentioned above, this is especially common in hairy dogs. The hair traps these substances, which could also be pollen, fungal spores, etc.
Did he just have a bath?
Pet owners often forget that detergents and soap have similar effects on all creatures whether human or canine and having soap in your eyes would irritate you too. One of the common reasons for runny eyes which you see a lot of pet owners run into the vet about turns out to just be the effect of soap in the eye of the dog. If you have just finished bathing your dog and you notice the eyes tearing or having a rheumy nature to them, chances are it was the soap. There are hundreds of pet shampoo products claiming Hypoallergenic, Tearless, Anti Itch, or Vet Formula. Always look for a pH-balanced formula that cleanses, conditions, and moisturizes your pet’s skin and coat.
Is it a Brachycephalic breed?
Brachycephalic dogs are those like terriers, pugs, Pekingese, bulldogs, etc which have pushed in faces. These dogs often have prominent eyeballs, which makes it really difficult for the eyelids to close them. thus the eyes suffer from excessive dryness which leads to irritations. If you have a brachycephalic breed, then it should come as no surprise to you when the eyes are runny. This is a common occurrence however and is easily corrected surgically or your vet may prescribe medication to help stimulate tear production, reduce surface inflammation, and help maintain eye lubrication. You should visit your vet in this instance for assistance.
There are many more reasons why your dog may be exhibiting runny eyes, most of them medical in nature, but these are the most common.