Dog Eye Discharge & Tearing
Watery eyes, crusty discharge, or colored goop — common in flat-faced and toy breeds. Usually mild but sometimes signals infection.
Causes
7
Red flags
5
Prone breeds
8
Related
0
Depends on severity
Clear watery discharge = usually normal or mild allergies. Green/yellow discharge, squinting, or cloudy eye = infection or injury needing vet.
When to call the vet now
Any of these signs means telehealth isn't enough — get in-person vet care today.
- ×green or yellow discharge (infection)
- ×squinting or holding eye shut
- ×cloudiness or visible change in eye color
- ×eye bulging or swelling
- ×pawing at eye with obvious distress
Common causes
- —normal tearing (especially brachycephalic breeds)
- —allergies
- —conjunctivitis (bacterial or viral)
- —corneal ulcer or scratch
- —dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
- —entropion (eyelid rolling inward)
- —blocked tear duct
Breeds most prone to eye discharge & tearing
Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.
French Bulldog
small · Top 10 AKC breed
Pug
small · Popular AKC breed
Bulldog (English)
medium · Top 10 AKC breed
Shih Tzu
toy · Popular AKC breed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
toy · Popular AKC breed
Boston Terrier
small · Popular AKC breed
Cocker Spaniel
small · Popular AKC breed
Italian Greyhound
toy · Popular AKC breed
What can help
Products and services matched to this symptom.
Dutch
24/7 vet care and prescriptions delivered
- —Unlimited vet chats
- —Rx delivered to door
- —$11/month
- —Covers anxiety, allergies, derm
Vetster
Book online vet appointments with licensed professionals
- —Licensed vets online
- —24/7 appointment access
- —Video, chat, and voice
- —Prescription support where permitted
Searchbreed is not a veterinary service and does not diagnose or prescribe. This is educational content to help you understand your dog's symptoms. For diagnosis and treatment, talk to a licensed vet.