Why is my dog’s eye discharge suddenly worse? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s eye discharge has suddenly got worse, it usually means something has changed. Common reasons include irritation, a minor foreign body, allergies, or a mild infection, but eye problems can also become more serious quite quickly, so it’s worth checking the eye closely.
Things To Check
1. See whether one eye is affected or both, as that can give a useful clue about whether the cause is local irritation or something more general.
2. Look at the colour and texture of the discharge, noting whether it is clear, watery, thick, yellow, green, brown, or sticky.
3. Check for redness, squinting, blinking more than usual, pawing at the face, or keeping the eye partly closed.
4. Look for swelling around the eye, a cloudy-looking eye surface, or any visible scratch, speck, grass seed, or debris.
5. Think about recent triggers such as wind, dust, grooming, swimming, playing in long grass, or getting something in the eye.
6. Notice whether the discharge seems worse after sleep, exercise, or time outdoors, as that can help you track a pattern.
7. Check whether your dog seems otherwise well, or whether they are also dull, uncomfortable, or less interested in food or play.
Common Causes
The most common reasons are simple irritation from dust, pollen, wind, or a small bit of debris. A blocked tear duct, mild conjunctivitis, or a flare-up of an allergy can also cause more discharge than usual.
Sometimes the eye is reacting to a scratch on the surface of the eye, an ingrown eyelash, or something trapped under the eyelid. Less commonly, discharge can be linked to a more significant eye infection or another eye condition that needs veterinary treatment.
What To Do
Start by gently cleaning away any discharge with clean cotton wool or gauze dampened with cooled boiled water or sterile saline, using a fresh piece for each wipe. Avoid rubbing the eye itself.
Keep your dog away from dusty fields, long grass and obvious irritants for now, and try to stop them rubbing the eye with their paw. It can help to observe whether the discharge is getting better, staying the same, or worsening over the next few hours.
If the eye looks uncomfortable, the discharge is thick or coloured, or the problem is not settling, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice rather than waiting it out.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if your dog is squinting, seems painful, has a cloudy eye, obvious swelling, a visible injury, or discharge that is thick, yellow or green. An eye problem can worsen quickly, so it’s best to have it checked sooner if you’re unsure.
You should also contact your vet if the discharge keeps getting worse, only affects one eye, or hasn’t improved after gentle cleaning and rest.
Products That May Help
If your dog has eye discharge as part of general grooming or cleaning-up after walks, a pet care collection can be useful for keeping their coat, face and surrounding areas clean and comfortable between checks.
Related Questions
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Is yellow eye discharge in dogs serious?
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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.