Eye Boogers & Eye Discharge in Dogs
Dog Health Guides · Eye infection · Eye symptoms
Dog Eye Boogers Treatment: Normal Discharge vs Signs of Infection
If you are reading about dog eye boogers treatment, your veterinarian is the best first step. This guide explains what owners commonly see and what to do next. It does not diagnose or prescribe.
Most dogs wake up with a little crust in the corners of their eyes. Small amounts of clear, gray or reddish-brown eye boogers are normal and easy to wipe away. The right dog eye boogers treatment depends on the color, amount and whether the eye looks sore.
Thick yellow-green dog eye discharge, discharge with squinting, or eye discharge in a dog that is not eating can point to infection, dry eye or another problem that needs a vet. This guide explains what is normal, how to clean your dog’s eyes, and when to call.
Important: See a vet the same day for discharge with squinting, a cloudy or red eye, an eye injury, or discharge in a dog that is also lethargic or not eating. Puppies with sticky, swollen eyelids should be seen promptly.
See the bigger picture
This guide is part of our eye infection guide, which covers related causes and when to call the vet.
What Eye Discharge Is
Normal Tear Debris
Tears wash dust and mucus to the inner corner, where they dry into crust overnight. A small amount is normal.
Tear Staining
Reddish-brown staining under the eyes is common in white and flat-faced dogs. It is usually cosmetic, but sudden heavy tearing should be checked.
Abnormal Discharge
Large amounts, thick mucus, yellow or green pus, or discharge from one eye only are signs that something is wrong.
What the Color of Eye Discharge Means
Clear and Watery
Often allergies, irritants, a blocked tear duct, or a foreign body. Watch for squinting.
Gray or Brown Crust
Usually normal morning debris if the eye looks healthy.
Yellow or Green
Suggests infection or dry eye. See dog eye infection.
Thick and Sticky
A thick, stringy discharge with a dull eye is typical of dry eye, which needs vet treatment.
Common Causes of Eye Discharge in Dogs
Allergies
Pollen and dust cause watery, itchy eyes, often with itchy skin. See dog allergies.
Conjunctivitis and Infections
Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis causes red eyes and colored discharge.
Dry Eye
Low tear production leads to thick yellow discharge, especially in breeds such as cocker spaniels, bulldogs, shih tzus and westies.
Eyelid and Lash Problems
Eyelids that roll in or extra lashes rub the eye and cause discharge.
Respiratory Infections
Kennel cough and other infections can cause runny eyes with sneezing. See kennel cough.
What To Do Tonight
Normal crust
A little gray or brown crust in the morning with a bright, open eye: wipe daily, nothing more needed.
See a vet
Yellow-green or thick discharge, squinting, redness, cloudiness, one eye only, or a dog that is not eating.
Related products
Terramycin Ointment - Bird Eye Infection Treatment
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Antibiotic eye ointment (oxytetracycline and polymyxin B). The manufacturer’s label covers dogs, as well as cats, horses, cattle and sheep, for surface eye infections. Use it only after your vet has examined the eye and directs it: scratches, ulcers, dry eye and glaucoma need different care.
View product →Free shipping on orders $75+. Prices and stock update automatically. Products are listed for education; medicines are used only when a veterinarian directs care. This page does not diagnose or prescribe.
Related Dog Health Guides
Back to Dog Health Guides →Eye Boogers & Eye Discharge in Dogs FAQ
Why does my dog have eye boogers every morning?
Tears carry dust and mucus to the eye corners, where they dry overnight. A small amount of gray or brown crust in a healthy-looking eye is normal.
Is there a safe dog eye discharge home remedy?
Gently wiping with warm water or saline is safe. Avoid tea bags, breast milk, vinegar and human drops. Colored discharge or squinting needs a vet.
What does yellow-green dog eye discharge mean?
It usually means infection or dry eye. Your vet can check with simple tests and prescribe the right treatment.
Dog eye discharge and not eating: is that serious?
Yes, it can be. Eye discharge with lethargy or poor appetite can mean a wider infection or illness, so call your vet today.
Is eye discharge normal in an 8 week old puppy?
A little clear discharge can be normal, but sticky, swollen eyelids or yellow discharge in a puppy need a prompt vet visit.
Is this eye boogers & eye discharge in dogs guide a substitute for a vet visit?
No. It is educational only. Your veterinarian should examine your dog and guide any diagnosis and treatment.
Can I work out a medicine dose from this page?
No. Never work out doses from product strengths, other pets’ medicines or internet pages. The right medicine and dose depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, health and other medicines, so they must come from your veterinarian.