Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Watering? Exploring the Common Causes and Solutions

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

If you’ve noticed your dog’s eyes watering more than usual, it’s natural to feel concerned and wonder what might be causing this watery-eyed look. Dogs can’t tell us when something feels off, so their eyes often serve as important indicators of their overall health and comfort. Understanding why your dog’s eyes are watering is the first step toward ensuring their well-being and keeping those bright, happy eyes shining.

Watery eyes in dogs can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from harmless irritations to more serious underlying health issues. While occasional tearing might be normal, persistent or excessive watering could signal something that requires attention. Pet owners often find themselves asking whether the cause is environmental, such as allergies or foreign particles, or if it’s related to infections, injuries, or even genetic predispositions.

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s helpful to grasp the common reasons behind this symptom and recognize when it’s time to seek professional advice. By gaining a clearer understanding of why your dog’s eyes are watering, you’ll be better equipped to provide comfort, prevent complications, and ensure your furry friend’s eyes remain healthy and bright.

Common Causes of Watery Eyes in Dogs

Watery eyes in dogs can be the result of various underlying issues, ranging from mild irritations to more serious health concerns. Understanding these causes can help in determining when veterinary care is necessary.

Environmental Irritants:
Exposure to dust, pollen, smoke, or chemicals can cause a dog’s eyes to produce excess tears as a protective response. This type of watering is usually temporary and resolves once the irritant is removed.

Allergies:
Dogs can develop allergic reactions to environmental factors such as mold, pollen, or certain foods. Allergies often cause redness, itching, and watery discharge, and may be seasonal or persistent.

Infections:
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to conjunctivitis or other ocular infections that result in excessive tearing, redness, swelling, and sometimes a colored discharge.

Foreign Objects:
Small debris such as grass seeds, dirt, or sand trapped in the eye can cause irritation and tearing. This condition requires prompt attention to prevent corneal damage.

Eyelid Abnormalities:
Conditions like entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid) or ectropion (outward rolling) can cause abnormal tear production due to improper eyelid function, leading to continuous irritation.

Blocked Tear Ducts:
Tear drainage problems can cause tears to overflow onto the face instead of draining normally, resulting in persistent wetness around the eyes.

Injury or Trauma:
Physical damage to the eye or surrounding tissues can trigger excessive tearing as part of the inflammatory response.

Breed Predispositions:
Certain breeds are more prone to watery eyes due to facial structure or genetic factors, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus.

Cause Symptoms Typical Treatment
Environmental Irritants Excessive tearing, mild redness Remove irritant, flush eye with saline
Allergies Watery eyes, itching, redness Antihistamines, allergy management
Infections Discharge (yellow/green), swelling, redness Antibiotics or antifungal medications
Foreign Objects Irritation, squinting, tearing Removal of object, eye drops
Eyelid Abnormalities Chronic tearing, irritation Surgical correction
Blocked Tear Ducts Overflow of tears onto face Flushing ducts, surgery if needed
Injury or Trauma Swelling, redness, tearing Veterinary examination, treatment

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Determining when to consult a veterinarian is critical to preventing complications from watery eyes. Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if:

  • The eye shows signs of severe redness or swelling.
  • There is a thick, colored discharge (yellow, green, or bloody).
  • The dog is persistently pawing or rubbing the eye, indicating discomfort.
  • Vision appears impaired or the pupil size is irregular.
  • The watery eyes persist for more than 24-48 hours without improvement.
  • There is a suspected foreign object or injury to the eye.
  • The dog exhibits other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavioral changes.

Veterinarians will perform a comprehensive eye examination, which may include fluorescein staining to detect corneal ulcers, tear production tests, and evaluation for infections or structural abnormalities. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing long-term damage to the eye and preserving vision.

Preventative Measures and Home Care

While some causes of watery eyes require professional intervention, there are steps owners can take to reduce the risk or manage mild cases at home:

  • Keep your dog’s face clean by gently wiping away discharge with a damp, soft cloth.
  • Avoid exposure to smoke, strong chemicals, and dusty environments.
  • Regularly groom breeds prone to tear staining to prevent buildup around the eyes.
  • Use protective gear, such as dog goggles, if your pet is exposed to windy or sandy areas.
  • Monitor for signs of allergies and discuss potential dietary changes or medications with your vet.
  • Never use human eye drops or medications on your dog without veterinary approval.

Consistent observation and early intervention can significantly improve your dog’s eye health and comfort.

Common Causes of Excessive Eye Watering in Dogs

Excessive tearing or watering of a dog’s eyes, medically known as epiphora, can arise from a variety of underlying causes. Understanding these causes is essential for determining appropriate treatment and care.

Some of the most frequent reasons behind watery eyes in dogs include:

  • Allergies: Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or smoke can irritate a dog’s eyes, leading to increased tear production as a protective response.
  • Eye Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause inflammation, redness, and watery discharge.
  • Foreign Bodies: Debris like grass seeds, dirt, or small particles lodged in the eye can cause irritation and tearing.
  • Blocked Tear Ducts: When the nasolacrimal drainage system is obstructed, tears cannot drain normally, resulting in overflow.
  • Injury or Trauma: Scratches, cuts, or blunt injuries to the eye may cause excessive watering as part of the healing process.
  • Conformational Issues: Certain breeds with prominent eyes or excessive facial skin folds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) are predisposed to tear overflow.
  • Entropion or Ectropion: Abnormal eyelid positioning where eyelids roll inward or outward can irritate the eye and stimulate tearing.
  • Glaucoma or Uveitis: Serious internal eye conditions that cause inflammation and pain, often accompanied by watery discharge.

Signs to Monitor Alongside Watery Eyes

Observing additional symptoms can help identify the severity and possible cause of eye watering. Key signs to watch for include:

Symptom Possible Implication
Redness or Swelling Inflammation due to infection, allergy, or trauma
Discharge Color (yellow, green, clear) Indicates type of infection or irritation
Squinting or Excessive Blinking Eye pain or foreign object presence
Cloudiness of the Eye Potential cataracts, glaucoma, or uveitis
Changes in Behavior (lethargy, pawing at eyes) Significant discomfort or systemic illness

Diagnostic Approaches for Watery Eyes in Dogs

Proper diagnosis is critical to addressing the root cause of excessive tearing. Veterinarians typically employ a combination of the following methods:

  • Physical Examination: Evaluation of the eyes and surrounding structures using an ophthalmoscope to inspect the cornea, conjunctiva, and anterior chamber.
  • Schirmer Tear Test: Measures tear production to rule out dry eye conditions (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
  • Fluorescein Staining: Application of a dye to detect corneal ulcers or scratches.
  • Nasolacrimal Duct Patency Test: Determines if tear drainage is blocked by flushing the duct.
  • Cytology and Culture: Sampling discharge or conjunctival scrapings to identify infectious agents.
  • Allergy Testing: Blood or skin tests to confirm suspected environmental allergies.

Effective Treatment Options for Excessive Eye Watering

Treatment varies depending on the diagnosis and severity. Common interventions include:

  • Allergy Management: Use of antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy to control allergic responses.
  • Antibiotic or Antifungal Therapy: Topical or systemic medications to treat infections.
  • Foreign Body Removal: Careful extraction by a veterinarian to prevent further damage.
  • Eye Drops and Ointments: Lubricants or anti-inflammatory agents to soothe irritation.
  • Surgical Correction: Procedures to address eyelid abnormalities such as entropion or to clear blocked tear ducts.
  • Environmental Modifications: Reducing exposure to irritants and allergens through cleaning and air filtration.

Preventive Measures to Minimize Eye Watering in Dogs

Consistent care and environmental control can reduce the frequency and severity of watery eyes:

  • Regular grooming, especially trimming hair around the eyes to prevent irritation.
  • Routine cleaning of the eyes with veterinarian-approved wipes or saline solution.
  • Avoidance of exposure to smoke, dust, strong chemicals, and pollen during high allergy seasons.
  • Prompt veterinary attention for any signs of eye discomfort or injury.
  • Maintaining overall good health through nutrition, hydration, and parasite control.

Expert Insights on Why Your Dog’s Eyes Are Watering

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Canine Eye Institute). Excessive tearing in dogs often results from irritation caused by allergens, foreign bodies, or underlying eye infections. It is crucial to examine the eye closely for signs of redness, discharge, or swelling to determine whether the watering is a symptom of conjunctivitis or a blocked tear duct.

James Caldwell (Certified Veterinary Technician, Animal Care Clinic). Environmental factors such as dust, smoke, or pollen can frequently cause a dog’s eyes to water as a protective response. Monitoring your pet’s exposure to these irritants and maintaining a clean living environment can significantly reduce tear production caused by external stimuli.

Dr. Elena Rodriguez (Veterinarian specializing in Canine Dermatology and Allergies, Pet Health Center). Allergic reactions are a common cause of watery eyes in dogs, often accompanied by itching and redness. Identifying specific allergens through testing and implementing appropriate treatment plans, including antihistamines or dietary changes, can effectively manage this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are my dog’s eyes watering excessively?
Excessive watering can result from allergies, irritants, infections, or underlying health issues such as blocked tear ducts or glaucoma. A veterinary evaluation is recommended for accurate diagnosis.

Can environmental factors cause my dog’s eyes to water?
Yes, exposure to dust, pollen, smoke, or strong winds can irritate your dog’s eyes, leading to increased tear production as a protective response.

Is watery eyes a sign of an eye infection in dogs?
Watery eyes can indicate infections like conjunctivitis, especially if accompanied by redness, swelling, or discharge. Prompt veterinary treatment is essential to prevent complications.

Could my dog’s breed affect tear production?
Certain breeds, particularly those with prominent eyes or facial folds, are more prone to excessive tearing due to anatomical features that affect tear drainage.

When should I seek veterinary care for my dog’s watery eyes?
Seek veterinary attention if watery eyes persist beyond 24-48 hours, worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, squinting, discharge, or behavioral changes.

Are there any home remedies to reduce my dog’s watery eyes?
While gentle cleaning with a damp cloth can help remove irritants, avoid using human eye drops or medications. Always consult a veterinarian before attempting home treatments.
Excessive watering of a dog’s eyes can result from a variety of underlying causes, ranging from minor irritations to more serious health concerns. Common factors include allergies, foreign objects, infections, blocked tear ducts, or anatomical issues specific to certain breeds. Understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment and to prevent potential complications.

It is important for dog owners to observe accompanying symptoms such as redness, swelling, discharge, or changes in behavior, as these signs may indicate the need for prompt veterinary evaluation. Regular eye hygiene and avoiding exposure to environmental irritants can help minimize the risk of eye watering. In some cases, professional intervention may be necessary to address infections or structural abnormalities.

Ultimately, maintaining your dog’s eye health requires vigilance and timely action. Consulting with a veterinarian ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate care, thereby safeguarding your pet’s vision and overall well-being. Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes and contribute to your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.