What are watery eyes in dogs?
Watery eyes in dogs (epiphora) occur when tears are produced in excess or do not drain properly, leading to visible moisture around the eyes.
This moisture can lead to a reddish-brown coloring of the coat, especially in dogs with lighter coats. The coloring is caused by a pigment in tears called porphyrin.
Normal tear production is essential to keeping the eyes lubricated and healthy. Tears are continually produced and released through the tear ducts located in the inner corners of the eyes, near the nose.
When eyes are irritated by dust, hair, pollen, or other environmental triggers, tear production increases to help remove debris.
Watery eyes are very common in dogs and can be caused by irritation, abnormal tear drainage, or normal breed characteristics.
However, consult a veterinarian if the discharge turns yellow or green, or if your dog squints, as this may indicate an infection or injury.
Key takeaways
- Watery eyes in dogs (epiphora) are usually caused by eye irritation, tear drainage problems, or breed-related traits and may be normal in some dogs.
- Symptoms may include excessive tearing, tear staining, eye rubbing, and discharge, and may signal mild irritation or more serious eye conditions.
- Diagnosis requires a veterinary examination and may include tests to assess tear production, eye pressure and corneal health.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication, surgery, or routine cleaning to manage tear buildup and prevent infection.
Symptoms of Watery Eyes in Dogs
A common symptom of watery eyes in dogs is excessive tear production which causes visible moisture around the eyes.
Additional signs may include:
- Reddish-brown discoloration of the fur under the eyes
- Moisture or clamminess around the eye area
- Glassy or too bright eyes
- Rubbing or scratching your eyes
These symptoms may be mild or more noticeable depending on the underlying cause.
Why does my dog only have one watery eye?
Watery eyes in dogs can affect one or both eyes, but involvement in just one eye often indicates a localized problem.
Common causes include:
- Localized irritationlike an ingrown hair or an eyelash rubbing against the eye
- Obstruction of the nasolacrimal ductwhere the tear drainage system is blocked on one side
In some cases, more serious conditions may be involved. For example, green or yellow discharge associated with strabismus may indicate a corneal ulcer, which is a painful eye injury.
If your dog has discharge from just one eye that is unclear or watery, or if it is accompanied by pain, squinting, or redness, seek veterinary care immediately.
Causes of Watery Eyes in Dogs
Watery eyes in dogs (epiphora) are usually caused by eye irritation, abnormal tear drainage, or breed-related factors.
Causes of eye irritation
Many conditions can cause acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) irritation, leading to increased tear production:
- Allergies: environmental irritants such as pollen or dust
- Eyelash abnormalities:
- Ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis)
- Extra eyelashes from abnormal locations (distichiasis)
- Eyelashes growing inside the eyelid (ectopic eyelashes)
- Eyelid abnormalities:
- Eyelids rolling inward (entropion)
- Eyelids rolling outward (ectropion)
- Prolapsed third eyelid (“cherry eye”)
- Small lumps on the eyelids that rub against the eye
- Viral infections
- Glaucoma, which increases pressure in the eye
Causes of Abnormal Tear Drainage
Watery eyes can also occur when tears cannot drain properly through the normal tear duct system.
Common causes include:
- Shallow eye sockets: seen in breeds with prominent eyes, causing tears to overflow
- Blocked nasolacrimal duct: due to debris, inflammation or infection
- Imperforated perforation: a congenital condition in which the opening of the tear duct does not form properly (more common in Cocker Spaniels)
When drainage is impaired, tears accumulate and overflow from the eyes.
Breed-Related Causes
In some dogs, watery eyes are normal due to genetics, even without disease.
The most commonly affected breeds include:
How Vets Diagnose Watery Eyes in Dogs
Veterinarians diagnose watery eyes in dogs through a physical eye exam and targeted diagnostic tests.
During the exam, your veterinarian will evaluate the eye and surrounding structures to look for irritation, infection, or structural abnormalities.
Common diagnostic tests include:
- Schirmer tear test: Measures tear production by placing a small absorbent strip on the inside of the lower eyelid for approximately one minute.
- Fluorescein staining test: A special dye is applied to the eye to detect scratches or ulcers on the cornea.
- Tonometry: A painless test that uses a hand-held probe to measure pressure inside the eye and check for conditions such as glaucoma.
Treating Watery Eyes in Dogs
Treatment for watery eyes in dogs depends on the underlying cause.
If the tearing is due to irritation, such as a pollen allergy or environmental factors, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Over-the-counter antihistamines
- Prescription medications like Apoquel® or Cytopoint®
- Artificial tears to help remove irritants from the eyes
When structural abnormalities are present, treatment may involve surgery. Common conditions that may require correction include:
- Ingrown eyelashes
- Eyelid abnormalities (such as entropion or ectropion)
- Eyelid masses
In some cases, no treatment is necessary. Dogs with naturally prominent eyes or breed-related watery eyes may simply produce more tears without an underlying disease.
For these dogs, routine care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Gently cleansing the eye area with products such as Optixcare® Eye Cleansing Wipes, Angels' Eyes® Anti-Smudge Wipes or Douxo® Anti-Fungal Antiseptic Wipes can help remove debris and reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections.
Recovery and Management of Watery Eyes in Dogs
Recovery and long-term management of watery eyes in dogs depends on the underlying cause.
Some conditions, such as eyelid or eyelash abnormalities, can be corrected with surgery, often resulting in a good prognosis and resolution of symptoms.
Other causes, such as allergies, cannot be cured but can be managed long term.
For dogs with breed-related tearing and no abnormalities in tear drainage, treatment focuses on management rather than cure. These dogs will continue to produce excessive tears, so the goal is to prevent skin irritations and secondary infections.
Always avoid putting cleaning products directly in your dog's eyes. Clean only the skin under the eyes, where tears accumulate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watery Eyes in Dogs
Should I be concerned if my dog's eyes are watering?
Watery eyes in dogs are often not serious, but they should be monitored closely.
If your dog is comfortable and not cross-eyed, you can mention this during your next wellness visit. However, consult a veterinarian immediately if the watery eyes are accompanied by squinting, redness, discharge, lethargy, or decreased appetite.
Are watery eyes painful for dogs?
Watery eyes are usually not painful in themselves.
However, if an underlying condition such as an infection, ulcer or glaucoma is present, your dog may experience discomfort, itching or pain. Signs such as squinting or rubbing your eyes may indicate a more serious problem.
Will allergies cause watery eyes in dogs?
Yes, allergies are a common cause of watery eyes in dogs.
Environmental irritants like pollen, dust, or mold can trigger increased tear production as the eyes try to eliminate the irritants.
Can watery eyes in dogs go away on their own?
Sometimes slight tearing can go away on its own if it is caused by temporary irritation.
However, persistent or worsening symptoms usually indicate an underlying problem that requires veterinary evaluation and treatment.
