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Dog Eye Discharge

Dog eye discharge is a rather common symptom associated with eye problems. The discharge can be clear and watery, or it can be yellowish-green mucous, or it can be bloody.

Dog Eye Discharge

It is not unusual for dogs to have a bit of material collect in the corner of the eye. It is just a normal response of the eye to get rid of the day-to-day foreign matter that a dog is exposed to. Tearing is a bodily function to flush and clear away the accumulated foreign matter.

However, further attention and possibly treatment are needed if your dog shows any of the following symptoms:
  • There is excessive and recurring tearing
  • The eye discharge is yellowish or green
  • The eye discharge is mucoid-like
  • The eye discharge is bloody
  • The tissues surrounding the eye are red and irritated
Abnormal dog eye discharge may develop suddenly or gradually. The amount of discharge present will be able to determine the severity of the disease. Generally speaking, the more eye discharge a dog has, the more serious is the disease.

Dog Eye Discharge - Possible Causes

There are numerous possible causes of dog eye discharge. Some of the more common ones include:
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Dry eyes
  • Glaucoma
  • Cherry eye
  • Infection of different parts of the eye (e.g. the eye surface, the cornea, the eyelids, the iris)
  • Obstruction of tear drainage ducts
  • Excessive tear production
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Entropion (Inversion of the eyelids)
  • Lens luxation (displacement)
  • Trauma and injury to the eye

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Dog Eye Discharge - What to Do?

If you notice any abnormal eye discharge in your dog, put on a pair of clean rubber gloves and examine your dog's eyes and take note of the color of the discharge and check for any injury or mass near the eyes.

If your dog is otherwise healthy, showing no other symptoms, and behaving normally in spite of the discharge, try to clean the eye and flush it with a sterile saline solution. Closely observe your dog and the eye condition in a day or two to see if there is any improvement. If not, visit the vet.

If, on the other hand, your dog is bothered by the discharge (e.g. he is rubbing and scratching his eye repeatedly), or if you can see injury in or near the eye, get your dog to the vet immediately.

Never use human over-the-counter eye drops to treat your dog.

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Herbs for Dog Eye Discharge

Herbal eyewashes can be used to clean and protect your dog's precious eyes. Herbs that are good for eyes include:
  • Chamomile: This gentle herb is versatile and has various functions, one of which is anti-inflammatory. An infusion of this herb, carefully strained through a paper coffee filter, can be added to a sterile saline solution and used as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial eyewash.
  • Goldenseal: Goldenseal has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is effective for irritations and infections of the eyes.
  • Echinacea: Taken internally, echinacea boosts the immune system. Used topically, it has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective for infections.
  • Gotu Kola: Used topically, this herb also has anti-inflammatory properties and it promotes healing of blood vessels, connective tissue and skin.

Great Herbal Products for Dog Eye Discharge

Ark Naturals Eyes So Bright for Dogs and Cats

This is a soothing, all-natural eye wash that contains such herbs as goldenseal, echinacea, gotu kola that can protect and strengthen your dog's eyes. It is great for removing foreign debris and encrustation that builds up in the mucous membranes of the dog's eyes.

Nature's Herbs for Pets Clear Vision for Dogs

This is a great Chinese herbal remedy for dogs with eye conditions such as eye infections/inflammation, double/blurred vision, dry eyes, conjunctivitis, failing eyesight, dilatation of pupils, cloudy eyes, etc. It contains Chinese herbs (such as chrysanthemum, rehmannia, cassia seed) that have traditionally been used to treat eye problems. Very effective!

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Preventing Dog Eye Discharge and Eye Injuries

Abnormal dog eye discharge can be prevented by taking preventative measures to protect the overall eye health in your dog. For example:
  • Check your dog's eyes regularly.
  • Trim the hair around the eye area to avoid eye irritation.
  • As much as possible, keep your dog away from allergens and irritants such as pollen, plant seeds, toxins, chemicals, dust and air pollution.
  • While traveling in a car, keep your dog's head inside the vehicle to avoid foreign objects getting inside in the eye.
In addition, your dog's diet is important in maintaining eye health. Feed your dog an all natural diet. To strengthen and protect the eyes, be sure to include supplements of antioxidants in the form of vitamins E and C, and beta carotene.



References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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