Dog eyes watering a lot: when to worry
Dele
Eye Care · Watery Eyes
Some tearing is normal for small, curly-coated dogs. Here is how to tell everyday watery eyes from a problem that needs a vet.
By SPLOOT Grooming, Aarhus · 6 min read
Many small dogs have slightly watery eyes every day. A little clear moisture at the inner corner and some staining on a light coat are common, especially in Cavapoos, Poodles, Maltese and Bichons.
But tearing is also one of the first signs of eye pain. Eye problems can get worse quickly, so it pays to know which signs can wait and which can't.
Normal tearing vs a problem
| What you see | Likely meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Clear tears, both eyes, for months or years, dog acts normally | Usually anatomy, hair or narrow ducts | Daily cleaning, keep inner corners trimmed, mention at next vet check |
| Small amount of grey or brown crust in the morning | Normal dried tears and mucus | Wipe gently with a damp pad |
| Watery eyes with sneezing, itchy paws or ears | Possible allergy | Book a vet appointment |
| Thick yellow or green discharge | Possible infection | See a vet within a day or two |
| Sudden tearing in one eye, with squinting or pawing | Possible scratch, ulcer or something in the eye | See a vet the same day |
| Red, cloudy, bulging or very painful eye | Possible ulcer or glaucoma | Emergency vet now |
Clear tears in a happy dog can usually wait for a check-up. A squinting eye can't.
Common causes of watery eyes
1Face shape and tear ducts
Small breeds with shallow sockets or short muzzles often have narrow or kinked tear ducts. Tears overflow instead of draining into the nose. This is lifelong but usually harmless.
2Hair touching the eye
Hair at the inner corner or over the eye irritates the surface and wicks tears onto the face. A careful trim often reduces tearing within weeks.
3Eyelid and eyelash problems
Eyelids that roll inward (entropion), extra lashes along the lid margin (distichiasis) or a lash growing inside the lid rub the eye with every blink. They cause chronic tearing and sometimes ulcers. Surgery or lash removal can fix them.
4Blocked tear ducts
A duct can be narrow from birth, or blocked by inflammation or debris. Your vet can check drainage with a harmless fluorescent dye and, if needed, flush the duct.
5Allergies
Pollen, dust mites and food allergies can all make eyes red and watery. Allergic dogs often also lick their paws or scratch their ears.
6Something in the eye
Grass seeds, sand and dust cause sudden tearing, usually in one eye. Never try to remove something stuck in the eye yourself.
7Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye. Look for redness, swelling and discharge. It has several causes, from allergy to infection, so a vet needs to find out which.
8Corneal ulcer
A scratch or wound on the clear front of the eye. It is painful and causes squinting, tearing and sometimes a cloudy patch. Ulcers can worsen within days and need treatment quickly.
9Glaucoma
Raised pressure inside the eye. Signs include a red, cloudy or enlarged eye and obvious pain. It is an emergency, as it can cause blindness within hours to days.
Go to a vet the same day if your dog
- Squints, keeps the eye closed or paws at it
- Has a red, cloudy, blue-tinged or bulging eye
- Has sudden tearing in one eye only
- Has had a knock to the head or face
- Seems in pain, hides or won't let you touch the face
Safe care at home
For everyday, clear tearing in a dog that otherwise seems well:
-
Wipe once or twice a day with a soft pad and lukewarm water or a gentle dog eye product such as Clean Eye Lotion. Wipe outward, away from the eye, using a fresh pad for each eye.
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Keep the fur dry to prevent yeast and smell.
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Keep hair off the eyes with regular inner-corner trims by a groomer.
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Don't use human eye drops, saline for contact lenses with preservatives, tea bags, or anything containing peroxide or bleach.
If you are unsure whether it's normal, take a clear photo of both eyes in daylight. It helps your vet compare and spot changes over time.
Watery eyes and tear stains
On light-coated dogs, ongoing tearing leaves red-brown stains. They are caused by pigments in the tears called porphyrins. For the full picture of causes, breeds and cleaning, read our guide to what causes tear stains in dogs, and for food and water, diet and tear stains.
What we see in the salon
On the grooming table, we see the eyes up close, often more closely than owners can at home. If an eye looks red, cloudy or sore, we won't trim near it. We'll let you know so you can book a vet check, because scissors and an irritated eye don't mix.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Eye problems can progress quickly. If in doubt, call your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a dog's eyes to water?
A small amount of clear tearing is normal, especially in small breeds. Sudden, one-sided or coloured discharge, or any sign of pain, is not.
Why is only one of my dog's eyes watering?
Tearing in one eye often points to a local problem such as a scratch, a foreign body, a blocked duct or an eyelash rubbing. See a vet, especially if your dog squints.
Can allergies make a dog's eyes water?
Yes. Pollen, dust mites and food allergies can all cause watery, red eyes, often alongside itchy paws or ears.
Can I use human eye drops on my dog?
No, unless your vet tells you to. Many human drops contain ingredients that are unsuitable or harmful for dogs.
Do watery eyes go away on their own?
Tearing from irritation or teething can settle. Tearing from anatomy, narrow ducts or eyelid problems usually continues and needs ongoing care or treatment.
Keep the hair out of their eyes
Add a Facial Trim to your dog's next wash at SPLOOT in Aarhus. We trim around the eyes safely, clean away crust, and tell you honestly if something looks like a vet job.
Book a Facial Trim