What should I do if my dog’s eye discharge is making the fur matted? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s eye discharge is matting the fur, the best first step is to gently clean it away and check whether the eye itself looks sore, red or swollen. A small amount of discharge can happen for a few reasons, from dust or mild irritation to blocked tear drainage or an eye infection, so it’s worth keeping an eye on it rather than just letting it build up.
In many cases, simple cleaning and watching for changes is enough at first. If the discharge is thick, coloured, smelly, one-sided, or your dog seems uncomfortable, veterinary advice is a sensible next step.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the discharge is clear and watery, or thick, yellow, green, or sticky.
2. Look for redness, squinting, blinking more than usual, pawing at the eye, or keeping the eye closed.
3. Notice if it’s affecting one eye or both eyes, as that can help narrow down what’s going on.
4. Check the fur for crusting, matting, skin irritation, or any signs the area is being rubbed.
5. See whether there’s dust, wind exposure, pollen, shampoo, or grooming products that may have irritated the eye.
6. Look for any change in the eye itself, such as cloudiness, swelling, or a different pupil shape.
7. Check whether your dog has had recent changes in their routine, including walks in long grass, grooming, or time in dry or windy conditions.
Common Causes
The most common reasons are mild irritation from dust, pollen, grooming products, or a bit of debris in the eye. These often cause watery discharge that dries on the fur and mats it up.
Some dogs naturally tear more than others, especially if their face shape makes it harder for tears to drain normally. In those cases, the discharge may be ongoing rather than sudden.
Blocked tear ducts, a minor scratch on the eye, or an eye infection can also lead to discharge. These are more likely if the eye looks sore, sticky, or increasingly red.
Less commonly, a foreign body, eyelash irritation, or another eye problem may be contributing. If the eye looks uncomfortable or the discharge keeps returning, it’s worth having it checked.
What To Do
Gently soften and wipe away the discharge with clean, lukewarm water or a vet-approved eye wipe, using a fresh bit of cotton wool or pad for each wipe. Don’t pull at matted fur, as that can irritate the skin around the eye.
Keep the area dry and tidy, and trim the fur carefully only if you’re confident doing so without getting near the eye. If your dog tolerates it, regular gentle cleaning can help stop the discharge building up again.
Try to note whether the discharge changes in colour, amount, or smell over a day or two. That information can be useful if you do need to speak to a vet.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the eye is red, painful, swollen, cloudy, or your dog is squinting, pawing at it, or keeping it closed. You should also get advice if the discharge is thick, yellow or green, only affects one eye, keeps coming back, or the matting is getting worse despite gentle cleaning.
If your dog seems unwell, or the eye problem has come on suddenly after a scratch, grooming accident, or walk outdoors, it’s best to have it checked sooner rather than later.
Products That May Help
If your dog often gets discharge around the eyes, gentle grooming and regular cleaning can help with routine hygiene and make it easier to keep the fur clear and comfortable.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.