Excessive tearing in our dog's eyes can be a sign of health problems, as well as a temporary condition. It is important to understand the causes and act accordingly to ensure their wellbeing.First, don't panic if you notice tears that have a reddish or brownish tint; these are known as "rust tears" because they contain iron pigments that oxidize when exposed to air..
Possible causes of epiphora
Technically known as epiphora, various pathologies or conditions can cause excessive tearing. It is normal for dogs to produce a thin tear film to lubricate and clean their eyes, just like humans. However, when it becomes excessive, it's time to investigate further. Generally, the cause of epiphora is either excessive tear production or difficulty draining them.
We can generally say that, sometimes due to the particular shape of the muzzle (especially in brachycephalic breeds), the nasolacrimal system does not work properly, causing excessive tear overflow. On the other hand, if the eye produces too many tears, the causes can be numerous and varied:
- Eye trauma
- The eyes exhibit the presence of foreign bodies.
- Conjunctivitis (also caused by otitis)
- Blepharitis
- Allergies
- Keratitis (commonly known as corneal pneumonia)
- Corneal ulcers
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
- Lacrimal sac infection
- Ectopic eyelashes
- Tumors
If the dog's eyes are excessively moist, it could also be caused by other indications of eye disease, such as:
- Frequent blinking
- Involuntary eyelid contractions
- Conjunctival edema
- The eyelids are reddish.
- Ocular itching
- Corneal opacity
- Moist fur around the eyes
- Clumps of fur mixed with dry tears are formed.
Some breeds, in particular, may be more prone to excessive tearing. These include small white-haired dogs like the Maltese, Bichon Frisé, Volpino, or West Highland White Terrier, which have a large amount of fur around their eyes and are therefore more susceptible to frequent episodes of tearing.
What should you do if your pet has watery eyes?
When we notice excessive tearing in our furry friend or other associated symptoms, it is important to immediately contact our veterinarian. The vet will examine the dog and, if necessary, recommend further diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the tearing. The treatment will, of course, depend on the final diagnosis. For instance, if foreign bodies are causing the problem, the vet will remove them and then prescribe appropriate medical therapy to address the issue.
To prevent more serious problems, one thing we can do is keep the area around Fido's eyes clean and use specific products for ocular hygiene. Additionally, it is best to avoid cutting the hair under the eye, as regrowth could further irritate it.
More: Dog Health
