Dog Eye Boogers: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Vet

Did you ever see crusty bits in the corners of your dog? They are also known as dog eye boogers, and they are not that rare. The majority of dogs acquire them just as human beings do, by waking up with some eye gunk.

Eye boogers normally occur when the tears are combined with dust and dry around the eye. It is a natural eye-cleaning process for your dog.

Want to know what really causes these eye boogers and how to keep your dog’s eyes healthy? Let’s dig in.

What Are Dog Eye Boogers and Are They Normal?

Dog eye boogers are a mix of tears, mucus, and tiny bits of dirt or dust. Your dog’s eyes make tears to keep the eyes clean and moist. As these tears dry up, they form a little crust or goo we refer to as eye boogers. This is normal and happens to almost all dogs.

In the majority of cases, a little bit of eye discharge is not something to be concerned about. It usually appears when your dog is asleep, just like people get sleep in their eyes. You can just wipe it carefully, and your dog is okay.

However, when the boogers appear differently, such as green, yellow, thick, or even when they reappear all day, then it might signal that something is wrong. It could be allergies, dog dry eye, or even an infection requiring the attention of a vet.

Common Causes of Dog Eye Boogers

There are a few reasons why dogs get eye boogers. Some are normal, and some mean your dog needs help. Here are the most common causes:

1. Normal Tear Drainage

Dogs make tears all the time. These are tears that keep the eyes healthy. When tears dry, they can form a small crust on the eye. It is natural and can be cleaned at home.

2. Allergies and Dust

Dogs, too, can be allergic just like humans. Their eyes can get watery due to things such as pollen, smoke, and dust. This may lead to more eye boogers. When your dog is scratching and sneezing frequently, this may be due to allergies.

3. Eye Infections

If you see green or yellow discharge, it could be an infection. Eye infections need quick treatment. Do not wait too long because it can hurt your dog’s eyesight. This is when dog eye boogers treatment becomes very important.

4. Dry Eye in Dogs

Some dogs have dry eye, also called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. This means their eyes do not make enough tears. Dry dog eyes can lead to sticky, thick boogers. Your vet can give medicine to help.

Eye boogers can also sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition, like a corneal ulcer or blockage of the tear duct. You should go to the vet as soon as you see swelling, redness, or pain.

How to Treat Dog Eye Boogers at Home

You can safely treat most dog boogers in the eye at home with simple cleaning and care. Here's how:

Safe Cleaning Methods

Clean the eyes of your dog using a soft and damp cloth or pet wipes. Wipe it off, but do not rub it too hard. Never apply harsh chemicals or baby wipes, as this will irritate the eyes of your dog.

How to Soften Dog Eye Boogers Before Cleaning

If the discharge is dry and stuck, don’t pull it off. Instead, make it soft first. It can be achieved by putting a warm and damp cloth on top of the eye for a few seconds. This softens the boogers and makes it easy and painless to clean.

You can also use safe eye wipes made for pets. Stay away from human products; they are not safe for dogs. This is the best method if you’re wondering how to soften dog eye boogers.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

In case your dog is irritated mildly, then you can use a pet-safe saline solution to wash the eyes. These are gentle and help keep the eyes clean. Never use human eye drops because they can harm your dog’s vision.

Have you dealt with dog eye boogers before? We’d love to hear from you. Share your story with our pet community and help other dog parents, too.

Dog Eye Boogers Treatment for Different Causes

The best dog eye boogers treatment depends on the reason behind them. Here are some common causes and how they are treated:

Allergies: If allergies are making your dog’s eyes watery and crusty, the vet may suggest antihistamines. Do not administer human medicine at home since it may be dangerous. Always take precautions prescribed by your vet concerning allergy care.

Infections: Green or yellow discharge is a common sign of an eye infection. Your vet will give antibiotic drops or ointment to clear the bacteria. In some cases, oral medication is needed if the infection is severe.

Dry Eye: Dogs' dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) requires artificial tears or special medicines in order to make more tears. This can become more serious without treatment, so do not delay visiting the vet.

Want to learn more about eye problems in dogs? Read this guide from the American Kennel Club on Eye Discharge.

When Should You See a Vet for Dog Eye Boogers?

Most eye boogers are harmless, but some need quick vet care. Call your vet if you notice:

● Persistent green or yellow discharge: This often means infection.

● Swelling, redness, or pain: If your dog continues to paw at the eyes or the eyes appear sore.

● Behavior changes: If your dog stops eating, becomes weak, and continues to rub its eyes, it is a red flag.

How to Prevent Dog Eye Boogers

Keeping your dog’s eyes healthy is easier than you think. Here’s what you can do:

● Regular cleaning and grooming: Clean the eyes of your dog with a towel. Cut hair around the eyes to avoid it poking them or irritating them.

● Balanced diet for eye health: A Healthy diet keeps eyes healthy. Ensure that your dog consumes a diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins.

● Keeping your dog well-hydrated also supports healthy eyes. A dog water fountain encourages your pup to drink more and stay refreshed all day.

● Regular playtime also reduces stress, which can sometimes worsen eye issues. Explore fun and safe toys for dogs to keep your furry friend active and healthy.

Healthy eating is a big part of eye care. WOPET Smart Feeders make it easy to give your dog the right meals every time.

FAQs

Are dog eye boogers normal?

Yes, small dog eye boogers are normal. They are caused when tears combine with dust and dry around the eyes. When the boogers are clear and they come out after sleep, then that is okay. But if the boogers are a bit yellowish or greenish, it might be a sign of a health issue.

How do I clean my dog’s eye boogers safely?

Gently remove dog eye boogers using a soft and dry cloth or pet wipes. Do not pull dry Dog Eye Boogers: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Vetcrusts; soften them with a warm cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or baby wipes because they can damage the eyes of your dog.

Can allergies cause eye boogers in dogs?

Yes, dog eye boogers are usually caused by allergies. Your dog can have their eyes irritated by dust, pollen, and smoke, which causes the dog to have watery eyes or boogers. In case your dog sneezes or scratches its eyes as well, it could be due to allergies.

Can I use human eye drops on my dog?

No, never put human eye drops on a dog's eye boogers. They will damage the eyes of your dog and complicate the situation. Use only pet-safe products or consult your vet to get the appropriate medicine. The eyes of your dog are sensitive and require proper care.

When should I take my dog to the vet for eye boogers?

If your dog’s eye boogers are green, yellow, thick, or constant, it may mean infection or another health issue. Swelling, redness, or pain also requires immediate vet attention.

Final Say!

A tiny piece of dog eye boogers is not unusual, particularly after sleep. However, when the boogers appear differently, such as green, yellow, thick, or even when they reappear all day, then it might sign of an infection or allergies that should be attended to by a vet. A fast response will eliminate potential severe complications and help your dog feel comfortable.

Cleaning and regular checkups are very important in keeping clear and healthy eyes. This can become easy and tension-free with smart care tools. Simplify feeding and health routines by improving your dog's daily care with wopeT smart solutions.

Explore smart pet care options at WOPET and make caring for your furry friend effortless.

Want to get more information regarding your four-legged friend? The best part is that you can create comfort and routine for your pet with WOPET’s pet care products. Contact WOpet today and ask your queries in detail.