Symptom guide
Dog Eye Discharge & Tearing
Watery eyes, crusty discharge, or colored goop — common in flat-faced and toy breeds. Usually mild but sometimes signals infection.
Triage
Depends on severity
Clear watery discharge = usually normal or mild allergies. Green/yellow discharge, squinting, or cloudy eye = infection or injury needing vet.
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
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
Breeds most prone to eye discharge & tearing
Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.
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
Barkly 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.