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Why are The Dog’s Eyes Tearing Up?
Every dog owner at least once has seen tears falling from one or both eyes of its four-legged friend. It is clear these are not tears caused by an emotional state, for this reason, it is important to look into this a little deeper to understand the real cause of the problem.
Dogs with Teary Eyes: Frequency
In the first place, it is necessary to evaluate the frequency of the tearing. If the dog’s eyes fill up with tears every once in a while, you should not be worried. Perhaps a day before you brought your furry friend in your car and the windows were open. This is a simple “airstrike” that caused a minor inflammation in your dog’s eye.
Dogs with Teary Eyes: Types
It is essential that we observe the type of tearing: it may watery, yellowy, and more dense, dry, or even purulent. In any case, if the problem is frequent or abundant, it is advisable to contact your trusted vet, since it might be related to a local condition, which must be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
But, which are the causes that make dogs tear up?
It could be due to many and various reasons and types. Let’s see the main ones, and begin with the most simple and less serious ones:
- Conjunctivitis: there are several types, but these always involve the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane located between the eyelid and eyeball. The dog’s eye is generally reddened and it tears up. This may affect both eyes, especially if it is prone to allergies. In this case, the dog may also feel itchiness, so it will tend to scratch its snout;
- Infections: These may be of various origins (bacteria, fungi, or parasites) and may affect the eyelids and the glands located inside the eye;
- Small traumas or scratches: it is possible that the dog has hit itself accidentally in the eye, perhaps during a brusque game, or that it might have received a fine scratch, for example by rubbing against the branch of a plant, or if we have taken it for a walk in the woods;
- A defect in its eyelashes: sometimes eyelashes may grow towards the insides of the eyes, and they rub against the eyelid, or they may grow in the inner surface of the eyelid instead of the correct area;
- Presence of a foreign body: when a foreign object infiltrates inside the eye, it must be removed as soon as possible to prevent any ocular infections in our dogs;
- Anomalies in the eyelid form: these occur when the eyelid is inverted (inside out);
- Traumas in the surrounding areas of the eye: snout, nose, or palate concussions.
Other Causes of Dogs Tearing Eyes
There are more complex and more serious reasons why a dog may be tearing up. These must be looked into and dealt with in time and properly, by contacting your vet. A professional will refer your dog to a specialist in canine ophthalmology if it is considered necessary.
- Cherry eye: this occurs when there is a prolapse in the tear gland, as a result of this serious problem, the tear conduct can no longer contain all its secretions coming out of the dog’s eye.
- Glaucoma: it consists of an abnormal increase of the inner eye pressure, caused by an insufficient flow of ocular fluids. The fluids build up and cause an increment in intraocular pressure. Besides, it involves an excessive tear, there is a push from the pupil to the outside and, therefore, the dog cannot close its eyes easily. It is a disease that must be treated as soon as possible since it may lead the dog to be blind.
- Uveitis: it is the inflammation of the uvea, a membrane situated in the frontal part of the eye. Uveitis is not considered a disease, but it is caused by other underlying diseases, from leishmaniasis to other infectious diseases, traumas, wounds, to neoplasias, Therefore, it is really necessary to identify the causing condition as soon as possible in order to treat it.
- Eye neoplasias: usually these are located in the eyelid or behind the eyeball.
Dogs Tearing Up: Natural Remedies, and Treatment
Eye conditions in dogs are generally treated with eye drops prescribed by a vet. In the case of more serious conditions, a surgical procedure may be required.
After the treatment, it is essential to carefully deal with cleaning the dog’s eyes to prevent recurrences and complications: one may use natural remedies like chamomille tea bags or specific products like wet towels.
If you have more doubts, you may consult a professional near your house, who shall provide the best assistance and answer all your questions.
