Eye boogers in dogs: tricks to care for your pet's eye health

What are eye boogers in dogs?

Eye boogers in dogs are residue that accumulates in the eye area, generated by the natural cleaning process of the eye, along with dust or external particles. Is it something strange? Not at all. In fact, all dogs have them in greater or lesser quantities, but… we need to pay attention!

If you notice that your dog has a lot of eye boogers, or that they are an unusual color, it's best to investigate a bit.

Types of eye boogers in dogs

Dogs, like us, produce eye boogers when sleeping to clean their eyes of foreign bodies. The problem arises when they produce an excessive amount of eye boogers. Now we'll explain the types of eye boogers in dogs that exist and what each one means.

Clear or white

Clear or white eye boogers are usually the most common. They are typically not concerning and are normally due to the natural daily cleaning of the eyes. If you only see a little bit of eye booger in the morning and nothing else, there's probably no problem.

Yellow or green

Yellow or green eye boogers can also be a sign of infection. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of this type of discharge, and if your dog also has watery eyes or seems uncomfortable and scratches a lot, don't take any chances: consult your vet.

Brown or black

Brown or black eye boogers can appear for several reasons, from allergies to problems with the tear duct. Some breeds like Bichons and Poodles tend to have this type of discharge without it being a problem, but if you notice an increase, it could be a sign that something is not right in your dog's environment or health.

How do I know if my dog has too many eye boogers?

It's important to understand what quantity of eye boogers is normal. Observing certain factors will help you determine if something isn't right.

Daily quantity

If you suddenly notice that your dog has a lot of eye boogers accumulated, or that they form multiple times throughout the day, it's a sign you should pay attention to. For proper rest, it's necessary for our pets to sleep on dog beds that offer maximum comfort.

Consistency

Normal eye boogers in dogs are soft and easy to clean. However, if you notice they are thicker or stickier, and they easily get stuck, it could be a sign of an eye condition.

Color

Color is key. As I mentioned before, clear eye boogers are normal, but if they start to look yellow, green, or brown, or become more opaque, it could be a sign of infection or irritation.

Frequency of cleaning

Cleaning eye boogers is something you can do every day, but if you have to do it constantly, it's time to analyze what's causing that continuous production.

Other eye symptoms

Pay attention to other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor in your dog's eyes. All of this can be indicative that something is not right.

Why are my dog's eyes watery and producing eye boogers?

The causes can vary, and it's important to identify the source of the problem to find the correct solution.

Allergies

Just as allergies affect us, dogs can suffer from them too. Dust, pollen, or certain cleaning products can irritate your dog's eyes, causing them to have more eye boogers than usual.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis in dogs is quite common and causes redness, itching, and, yes, those yellow or green eye boogers that don't easily disappear.

Blocked tear duct 

Some dogs have problems with their tear duct, which causes more secretions to accumulate. You might suspect this if your dog has continuous tearing in one or both eyes.

How to clean eye boogers from a dog

Cleaning is key to preventing infections and keeping their eyes comfortable. Here's how to do it correctly.

Wash your hands

Before handling your dog's eyes, make sure your hands are thoroughly clean to avoid transmitting bacteria.

Use a clean gauze or cloth

It's preferable to use a sterile gauze or a soft, clean cloth. This helps prevent any dirt or irritating particles from remaining in your dog's eyes.

Clean gently

Gently wipe the gauze over the eye boogers, without rubbing too hard. Eyes are sensitive, and we want to avoid any potential irritation.

Apply eye drops if necessary

In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend eye drops to keep the eyes hydrated or to combat a mild infection.

How to treat eye boogers in dogs

If eye boogers become a recurring problem, it's best to seek a more specific solution.

Visit the veterinarian

Nothing replaces a consultation with a professional. If you notice symptoms like redness, thick discharge, or a bad odor, the veterinarian is the one who can guide you.

Treatment with antibiotic eye drops

Some infections require specific antibiotic eye drops that only the veterinarian can prescribe. Avoid self-medicating your dog, as you could worsen the situation.

Change in diet or environment

If the problem persists and the veterinarian recommends it, it may be necessary to review the dog's diet or environment. Sometimes, a change of food or the use of hypoallergenic products helps reduce the production of eye boogers.

How to prevent eye boogers in dogs?

Prevention is always the best strategy. Keep the eye area clean and check their eyes every day for any changes.

How do I know if my dog has an eye infection?

It's normal for dogs to have eye boogers, but when they change in quantity, color, or consistency, they can be a sign of something more serious, like an eye infection. Here are the most common signs that will help you detect a possible infection.

Changes in the color and consistency of eye boogers

The color and texture of eye boogers in dogs can tell us a lot about their eye health. Normal eye boogers are usually clear and soft in consistency. However, when there's an infection, the color tends to turn yellow, green, or even brown, and the consistency changes, becoming thicker or stickier.

This is because the eye is trying to get rid of bacteria or external agents, and it produces a greater amount of discharge to protect itself. If you notice these changes, don't ignore them; they are a first warning sign.

Redness and inflammation in the eyes

When a dog has an eye infection, the eye not only produces more eye boogers but can also become red and swollen. This redness is a result of irritation and inflammation of the blood vessels in the area. If the eye appears larger or more swollen than usual, it's likely there's a problem.

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes, and it often comes with red and painful eyes. In these cases, cleaning the eye boogers is not enough; it's important to go to the veterinarian.

Behaviors that indicate discomfort or pain

If you notice your dog constantly scratching its eyes with its paws, rubbing its face against the floor or furniture, or even becoming more irritable, it may be trying to alleviate discomfort or eye pain. These behaviors are not only annoying for the dog, but they can also worsen the situation, as scratching could introduce more bacteria into the eye or even injure itself.

Eye discomfort is a symptom that should not be overlooked, as it is a sign that something is not right.

Unpleasant odor around the eyes

When an eye infection is present, it's common for the eye area to emit an unpleasant odor, which should not be there under normal conditions. This odor can be an indicator of a bacterial infection, and it is usually accompanied by thick eye boogers and a strong color, in addition to other symptoms such as swelling or irritation.

If you notice a strange odor in your dog's eye area, along with any of the other symptoms mentioned, it's time to consult with the veterinarian.

These final points will help you identify possible infections and decide when it's necessary to take your dog for a check-up. Early consultation can prevent complications and ensure that their eyes are healthy and well-cared for. From our Tqel dog brand, we recommend regular check-ups so that your dog can have the best possible health.