Dog Eye Discharge: When to Worry and What to Do
You notice crusty gunk around your dog’s eye first thing in the morning. Is it normal sleep residue, or a sign something’s wrong? Your dog’s eye discharge offers critical clues about their health—from harmless tear staining to sight-threatening emergencies like glaucoma. The color, consistency, and accompanying symptoms tell you whether you can safely observe at home or need to rush to the emergency vet within hours.
Most dog owners will encounter eye discharge at some point. The challenge is distinguishing between normal tearstain buildup, manageable minor infections, and true emergencies that can cause permanent blindness in 24-48 hours. This guide teaches you to decode what your dog’s eyes are telling you, recognize emergency warning signs, and take appropriate action to protect their vision.