Why Do Dogs Get Eye Boogers & Tear Stains? 6 Vet-Verified Causes & Tips

If you have had a dog for a while, you probably noticed that they sometimes get eye boogers and tear stains, and it’s common to worry that it might be a sign of poor health. Fortunately, eye boogers and tear strains are natural occurrences for most dogs, but keep reading while we list the reasons that they can have these issues and provide tips and tricks to minimize them.

Why Do Dogs' Eyes Tear Up?

Your dog’s eyes are not that different from ours, and they tear up for the same reason: to clean and lubricate the eyes. Usually, the discharge is clear or slightly gray and won’t irritate the eyes or the area around them. If you notice reddish brown staining around the eyes, it’s from porphyrins, naturally occurring iron-containing molecules in the tears and saliva.

Why Can There Be Tear Staining Around a Dog’s Eyes?

The porphyrins in a dog’s tears contain iron molecules, which produce a rust color. The natural shape of canine eyelids enables some of the tears to drip onto the fur around the eyes, which leads to staining. Since porphyrins are also in saliva, there is a good chance that you will notice staining around the mouth too. It’s easier to see on light-colored dogs, but the staining can occur in any breed.

Why Are There Boogers in a Dog’s Eyes?

Boogers in your dog’s eyes are quite natural, and like humans, they develop as the tears collect dust and other pollutants from the air. They then dry as your dog sleeps, forming the boogers. Playing outside on windy days can additionally cause the eyes to dry out, causing the formation of more eye boogers than usual. However, it can also be a sign of a health issue.

1. Allergies

One of the most common reasons dogs can develop eye boogers is that they have an allergy to something in the environment. Like humans, canines can be allergic to pollen from trees, grass, and flowers, which can cause the eyes to develop boogers. Allergies may also cause skin irritation in dogs. Contact your vet if you think that your pet might be suffering from allergies to help get them treatment.

2. Eye Irritant

If your dog gets soil, sand, or another pollutant in their eye, there is a good chance that your dog’s immune system will kick in, which will cause boogers to form. In most cases, tearing will help remove the irritant, but you may need to contact the vet if it continues for more than a short time.

3. Dry Eyes

If your dog isn’t producing enough tears, they may have thick discharge from the eyes. If you think that this is the situation for your pet, contact your vet. In many cases, medication or false tears can help.

4. Conjunctivitis

Another condition that dogs can get just like humans is conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which causes the mucous membranes around the eye to become irritated and produce a discharge, which can result in a high volume of eye boogers.

5. Breed-Specific Issues

Some dogs are naturally more prone to eye issues due to the shape of their heads. Breeds with prominent eyes, e.g., Pugs, are prone to eye issues because their eyelids cannot completely close with each blink.

6. Other Health Issues

Certain health issues like glaucoma, eyelid growths, and eye ulcers can lead to increased tearing and the production of eye boogers.

When Should I Contact a Veterinarian?

If you feel that your dog’s tears or boogers are not normal, it’s a good idea to contact the vet to have your pet looked over. You should also contact them if you notice any redness, swelling, or pain or if the amount of discharge has suddenly increased. Take your dog to the vet immediately if they start to aggressively paw at their face.

Tips to Reduce Tear Staining

• Gently wipe the area around your dog’s eyes and mouth with a warm, damp cloth daily.
• Commercial wipes for your pet’s eyes can be expensive but quite effective at reducing the amount of staining that occurs.
• Allow your dog to drink filtered water instead of tap water, as the minerals can sometimes increase the amount of staining.
• Regular grooming and trimming the hair around the eyes can help reduce the amount of visible staining.
• Keep the area around the eyes as dry as possible.
• Contact the vet if you think that the tearing is excessive or if it is accompanied by other signs, such as redness, to rule out underlying health problems.

Conclusion

If your dog has tear stains around their eyes, there is no cause for alarm, as it is usually the result of tiny iron-containing molecules that occur naturally in tears getting onto the fur. Boogers are generally the result of dried tears that contain dust and other pollutants and are natural occurrences in dogs like they are in humans. However, certain health issues can result in excessive tearing or the production of boogers, including allergies and doggie pink eye, so contact the vet if you think that there are underlying health problems, especially if you notice other signs, like redness or swelling.

Featured Image Credit: oasisamuel, Shutterstock