Why Do Dogs Water Their Eyes?

If this is your first time adopting a dog, you may have noticed that his eyes appear to be  crying. Some bosses worry about this situation and don’t know what to do about it. Sometimes, pets show absolutely normal manifestations and the worry is more the result of the lack of information than anything else. So here is an article that will explain why dogs tear their eyes.

Dogs have watery eyes: are they crying?

Surely, you have often seen your dog with shining eyes. Due to the presence of cisps and tear residues around the eyes, one might think that these animals spend a lot of time “crying”. So the question is as trivial as it is interesting: can dogs cry like humans?

Well, even though animal lovers claim that dogs, like other species, have feelings, they do n’t really have the ability to show them through crying. Only the human being uses tears to indicate a situation of sadness.

It is true that if we think about what the concept of “crying” means, it is just the simple act of shedding tears. And it is true that dogs cry from their eyes. But their feelings are not related to this attitude. Therefore we will have to say that  dogs tear and “do not” cry.

Reasons why dogs have watery eyes

There are several causes for dogs to exhibit profuse watery eyes. Let’s see together the four main reasons:

Obstructed teardrop

There are many pets that are born with blocked tear ducts , which makes the eyes constantly filled with tears. Since the tear duct cannot expel tears, they accumulate in the eyelids, from which they quickly overflow as this part does not have the ability to contain them.

With a little surgery  this anomaly can be resolved. But many vets do not recommend this, as the tears may become clogged again.

The type of breed

The breed of the dog can affect the level and frequency of canine tearing. In short, there are specimens more or less inclined to this type of physical manifestation. Dogs with large eyes tend to suffer more than dogs with small eyes. Having a larger size, the hydration is developed in a proportionate way, so as to always guarantee an adequate and very abundant level of lubrication.

Conjunctivitis

One of the most common causes of watery eyes in dogs is conjunctivitis, although it is easy to recognize, because the animal will show an unmistakable appearance. When the tearing occurs normally, even if abundantly, you will not notice any change in your four-legged friend. On the contrary, if at the base of the secretion there is a pathology such as conjunctivitis, the eyes will be red, almost closed and the animal’s mood will also be affected, negatively.

Allergies

This is another reason, perhaps the most obvious, that triggers more tearing  in your dog. An allergy to an external agent, to some substance or even to a certain food. It is a simple reaction that the body shows, as a defense mechanism against what it does not tolerate.

As with conjunctivitis, the eyes may appear red and swollen, accompanied by sneezing and other symptoms. The best thing in these cases is to go to the vet so that he can determine the causes of the problem and propose the most appropriate treatment.

What to do if your dog’s eyes are watering?

The first thing you should do is wash the pet’s eyes with fresh, clean water. Once this is done, make sure there is nothing inside the eye. A foreign object could cause excessive tearing. Once you have verified that your eyes are healthy and free, we recommend applying a compress of cold chamomile or physiological saline solution. This infusion will be the ideal complement for a deeper cleansing and to relieve your pet’s discomfort.

Remember to always monitor your dog closely, to catch any changes. Noticing something odd in the eye can help you prevent worse troubles. Taking care of your pet’s eye health is a priority for any caring and responsible owner.