Dog Eye Discharge and Stickiness: Essential Medication

If you notice that your furry friend has an abundance of eye boogers, eyes that are nearly sealed shut due to the gooey discharge, frequent tears streaming down their face, and a reddened conjunctiva, along with constant scratching at their eyes with their paws, take heed. These symptoms are not to be overlooked, as they can be indicative of a range of issues. Left untreated, they may lead to severe eye infections or even vision loss.

Now, let's delve into the reasons behind excessive eye boogers in dogs and how to address this issue effectively, in hopes of bringing relief to your beloved pet as quickly as possible.

1. Dog's Heat (上火)

Just like humans, dogs naturally produce a small amount of eye discharge. Initially, this discharge is usually white or pale yellow and soft. Over time, it can harden and turn brown or black.

When a dog is overheated, their eye boogers tend to increase in quantity and become more粘稠, often taking on a yellow hue. They may also exhibit symptoms like a reddened conjunctiva, excessive tearing, and frequent blinking, along with noticeable tear stains.

Here are some common reasons for a dog's heat:

Longterm consumption of dry kibble with insufficient water intake

Dog food that is greasy, high in salt, or has an excessive protein content

Overindulgence in goat's milk powder

Eating too many treats or leftovers

Dry weather

Here's how to handle the situation:

1. Gently wipe your dog's eyes with a cotton ball soaked in physiological saline, doing this 23 times a day to keep the area clean.

2. Apply a cooling and heatreducing eye drop like Shanjing (Lonicera japonica eye drops), 23 times daily, 12 drops per session.

3. Feed your dog a lowsalt, lowfat diet, keep their meals light, encourage them to drink more water, and include more fruits and vegetables in their diet.

2. Eye Infection in Dogs

Eye inflammation can also cause an increase in eye boogers, typically in the form of yellow or greenish puslike discharge that is thick or thin in consistency.

Common eye inflammations include conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis caused by bacterial, fungal, allergic, or viral infections. These may be accompanied by symptoms like redness, pain, photophobia, and cloudy corneas.

Here's how to manage the situation:

1. Clean the eye discharge with physiological saline to prevent the infection from worsening.

2. Use antibiotic eye drops like Bailangming (neomycin sulfate eye drops) to alleviate the inflammation, applying them 35 times a day.

3. If home treatment is ineffective or your dog shows other symptoms like fever, runny nose, or vomiting, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.

3. Important Precautions

In daily life, keep the following points in mind to maintain your dog's eye health:

Regularly use a petspecific eye cleaning solution to remove dirt around the eyes.

Keep your dog's living environment clean to minimize exposure to irritants and allergens.

Ensure your dog gets regular outdoor exercise to promote both physical and mental wellbeing.

Pay close attention to your dog's behavior and habits. If you notice persistent eye boogers or redness, it's time to consult a veterinarian.

In summary, if you spot an increase in eye boogers on your dog, don't take it lightly. The right approach is to seek professional help immediately and take appropriate care measures. This ensures the health and happiness of your cherished pet.