What it is
Tears are more than water: they carry oils and mucus that spread over the eye with every blink, keep its surface smooth and wash away dust and germs. When the tear glands make too few tears, the eye tries to protect itself with thick mucus instead, and the cornea, the clear window at the front, becomes dry, rough and inflamed.
Dry eye can develop when the immune system damages the tear glands, and it can also follow an injury or infection, nerve damage or a hormonal disorder. Prominent, bulging eyes have more surface to keep moist.
Day to day, gentle hygiene matters: wipe away discharge with a clean, damp cloth, and keep your dog out of wind and dust when the eyes look sore. Dry eye needs long-term care from a vet, and regular check-ups help catch changes on the cornea early.
Signs you may notice
- Thick, sticky eye discharge
- Red, sore-looking eye
- Squinting or extra blinking
- Dull eye surface
- Rubbing the eye with a paw
- Cloudy or darkened patch on the eye
You may notice thick, sticky yellowish or greenish discharge in the corners of the eye, a red eye, squinting and blinking. The surface of the eye may look dull rather than glossy, and the dog may rub the eye with a paw.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if sticky discharge keeps coming back, an eye turns red or loses its shine, or your dog squints. A suddenly very painful eye, or one your dog keeps shut, should be seen by a vet the same day.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.