Dog with Eye Discharge: Medication & What to Do If No E

When pet owners notice eye boogers in their puppies' eyes, it's natural to feel a bit concerned. They might worry if the puppy has an eye infection or another health issue. It's important to clarify that, just like humans, puppies produce some eye discharge that serves to protect and lubricate the cornea. Initially, this discharge is often white or translucent, but as it mixes with dust and oxidizes, it can turn brown or black.

However, if a puppy's eye boogers suddenly increase in quantity or change color (such as red, yellow, or green), it could indeed indicate a health concern.

Common Causes of Excessive Eye Discharge in Puppies

• Eye Infection: Bacterial or viral infections can lead to inflammation and the production of large amounts of yellow, yellowgreen, or white puslike discharge.

• Foreign Body Irritation: Dust, sand, and other foreign particles can enter the eyes, causing irritation and an increase in secretions.

• Tear Duct Blockage: A blocked nasolacrimal duct can prevent tears from draining properly, leading to the accumulation of tears in the corners of the eyes, forming tear stains and eye boogers.

• Poor Diet: Highfat, highsalt foods, insufficient water intake, and a lack of vitamins can lead to internal heat and inflammation in dogs, resulting in increased eye boogers and tears.

• Trauma and Infection: Puppies might sustain injuries while playing outside, which can cause damage to the eyelids or conjunctiva, leading to yellowish, bloodstreaked eye boogers.

• Genetic Factors: Some dog breeds are more prone to eye problems, such as Bulldogs and Pekingese.

What Medication Should a Puppy Take for Eye Discharge?

For simple eye infections, medication is generally not necessary. The focus should be on proper cleaning and applying medication. Here's how to handle the situation correctly:

1. Clean the Eyes: Begin by using a sterile saline solution to moisten a clean cotton ball and gently wipe around the puppy's eyes to remove excess eye boogers. If there's a lot of discharge, you can also gently drop a small amount of saline solution into the eye to help clear out internal secretions and debris.

2. Monitor Symptoms: If the eye boogers are mild and the puppy shows no other signs of discomfort (like redness, excessive tearing, or frequent blinking), special treatment may not be needed. Regularly cleaning the eye boogers and maintaining a clean environment can help prevent further irritation.

3. Adjust Diet: Feed your puppy a diet of bland, easily digestible foods, avoiding highfat, highsalt dog food, treats, and table scraps. Include foods like cabbage, cucumbers, pears, duck meat, and apples, which can help cool down internal heat and reduce eye boogers and tears. Ensure your puppy drinks plenty of water.

4. Use Antibiotic Eye Drops: If your puppy shows symptoms like red conjunctiva, excessive tearing, frequent blinking, or asymmetry, you can use Beranming (Neomycin sulfate eye drops) for 5 to 7 days. If the symptoms do not improve, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly.

In summary, when your puppy has eye boogers, remain calm and take proper care to clean and monitor the symptoms. Seek professional veterinary help when necessary.