Dog Eye Boogers, Goop and Gunk: [6 Reasons and 5 Remedies]

Have you ever looked into your dog’s eyes and seen a soft, sticky substance there? It’s not uncommon, but it may cause some concern. This substance is known as canine conjunctivitis or “dog eye boogers”, and it can affect any dog of any age or breed. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why your pup might have eye boogers, how to treat them, and how to prevent them in the future. Whether you’re looking for answers about your own pup or just curious about all things canine, keep reading to learn more about this mysterious goop and gunk!

5 Common Types of Eye Discharge in Dogs

Eye discharge in dogs can be any number of things, but there are 5 common types that are seen most often. These include:

1. Allergic Conjunctivitis: This is when the dog’s eyes become irritated and watery due to allergies. It is the most common type of eye discharge in dogs and is usually caused by pollen, dust, or other environmental allergens. Treatment involves using anti-inflammatory medication (either topical or oral) to relieve the symptoms.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: This is an infection of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye. It is usually caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus or streptococcus and can be treated with antibiotics.

3. Dry Eye: Also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, this is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears. This can be caused by a variety of things, including certain medications, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Treatment involves using artificial tears to lubricate the eyes and help prevent further damage to the cornea.

4. Epiphora: This is when tears overflow from the eye due to blockage of the tear ducts or excess tear production. It can be treated with surgery to correct the blockage or with medication to help reduce tear production.

5. Uveitis: This is inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. It can be caused by a wide variety of things, including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and environmental factors. Treatment typically involves using antibiotics or other medications to relieve the symptoms.

1) Goop, Gunk or Crust

When it comes to dog eye boogers, there are three main types: goop, gunk and crust. Each type is caused by different things and requires different treatment.

Goop is the most common type of dog eye booger. It’s usually caused by allergies or environmental irritants, and can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines or artificial tears.

Gunk is a more serious type of dog eye booger that’s usually caused by an infection. If your dog has gunk in his eyes, he’ll likely need antibiotics from your vet.

Crust is the least common type of dog eye booger, but it can be the most dangerous. Crustyeye boogers are often caused by a bacterial infection or a foreign object in the eye. If you see crust in your dog’s eyes, take him to the vet immediately.

2) Excessive Watering Eyes (Epiphora)

If your dog’s eyes water excessively and the tears run down their face, this is called epiphora. Epiphora is usually caused by an obstruction in the tear ducts, which prevents tears from draining properly. It can also be caused by allergies, eye irritants, or infections.

If you suspect that your dog has epiphora, it is important to take them to the vet for an examination. The vet will be able to determine the underlying cause and recommend the best course of treatment. Treatment options may include flushing the tear ducts, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Preventing epiphora is often a matter of avoiding eye irritants and keeping your dog’s face clean. If your dog’s eyes tend to water when they are outside, try to keep them indoors as much as possible. If you know that your dog is allergic to something, avoid letting them come into contact with it. Regularly cleaning your dog’s face with a damp cloth can also help to prevent epiphora by removing any potential irritants from their fur.

3) Abnormal Color of Tear Stains

Tear stains on your dog can be unsightly and may be a sign of an underlying health condition. If you notice that your dog’s tear stains are an abnormal color, such as red or brown, it is important to have them checked out by a veterinarian. Abnormal colored tear stains can be caused by a number of different things, including:

– Allergies: If your dog is allergic to something in their environment, such as pollen or dust, it can cause their tears to stain their fur.

– Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections of the eye can also cause abnormal staining.

– Eye problems: Some eye conditions, such as glaucoma or dry eye, can also lead to abnormal tear staining.

If you notice that your dog’s tear stains are an abnormal color, it is important to have them checked out by a veterinarian so that the underlying cause can be diagnosed and treated.

4) White or Gray Mucus: Dry Eye (KCS)

If your dog’s eye boogers are white or gray in color, it’s likely due to dry eye. Also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dry eye is a condition that occurs when the tear ducts don’t produce enough tears. This can be caused by autoimmune disease, certain medications, or simply old age.

Dry eye can be painful for your dog and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications like corneal ulcers. Treatment for dry eye usually involves artificial tears and/or ointments to help lubricate the eyes. In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend surgery to improve tear production.

5) Abnormal Color Eye Discharge

If your dog’s eye discharge is any color other than clear like greenish or yellowish, it could be a sign of an infection or another underlying health condition. If you notice abnormal eye discharge, take your dog to the vet for an examination as soon as possible. The vet will be able to determine the cause of the discharge and recommend the best course of treatment.

5 Easy Ways To Soften Dog Eye Boogers

Eye boogers in dogs are a common occurrence. Though they may be unsightly, they are usually harmless and do not require treatment. However, if your dog’s eye boogers are causing discomfort or irritation, there are some simple ways to soften and remove them.

Here are 5 easy ways to soften dog eye boogers:

1. Apply a warm compress. This will help to loosen the eye boogers and make them easier to remove.

2. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away the eye boogers. Be careful not to rub or irritate the eyes.

3. Give your dog a bath. The water will help to loosen the eye boogers and wash them away.

4. Try an over-the-counter eye cleanser specifically for dogs. These can be found at most pet stores and can help to loosen and remove eye boogers safely and effectively.

5. If all else fails, contact your veterinarian for assistance. They may recommend a safe and effective tear stain remover that can help to remove stubborn eye boogers quickly and easily

How To Prevent Dog Eye Boogers

The first step in preventing dog eye boogers is to keep your dog’s face clean. Regularly wipe away any discharge with a clean, damp cloth. You can also use a cotton ball dipped in sterile saline solution or warm water.

If your dog has long hair, be sure to trim the hair around his eyes so that it doesn’t get matted with discharge. You may also want to consider having your dog wear a “cone of shame” or other type of headgear to prevent him from rubbing his eyes and further irritating them.

Some dogs are prone to developing allergies that can cause excessive tearing and eye discharge. If you think your dog may have allergies, talk to your veterinarian about possible treatment options.

Last but not least, make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs by feeding him a healthy diet and providing him with plenty of fresh water to drink.

Dog Eye Discharge Home Remedies

When it comes to dog eye discharge, there are a few things you can do at home to help keep your pup’s peepers healthy and clean. Here are a few simple home remedies for dog eye discharge:

1. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe away any gunk or debris from your dog’s eyes. Doing this regularly will help keep the area clean and free of irritants.

2. If your dog’s eyes are red and inflamed, you can try using a soothing, anti-inflammatory eye drop like chamomile or calendula. Just be sure to follow the package directions carefully.

3. If your dog’s eye discharge is particularly thick or crusty, you can try gently cleansing the area with a mild baby shampoo solution. Again, be sure to follow the package directions carefully.

4. If your dog’s eyes seem irritated or uncomfortable, you can try applying a cool compress to the area for a bit of relief. Simply soak a clean washcloth in cool water and apply it to your dog’s eyes for a few minutes at a time.

5. Lastly, if your dog is dealing with chronic or recurrent eye discharge, it’s important to have him examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health conditions that may be causing the problem.

Conclusion

Eye boogers, goop and gunk are unfortunately a common occurrence in the lives of dog owners. It can be unpleasant to deal with, but it is important to take notice of what your pup’s eye discharge may be telling you. In most cases, eye build up is caused by an irritant which can be easily treated or even prevented from happening again with proper care and attention. If you believe that your pup’s eyes need medical attention for persistent eye discharge then contact your vet as soon as possible.