What do you about runny eyes on a dog?

Runny eyes, also known as epiphora, is a common issue in dogs and can have various underlying causes. Here are some potential causes of runny eyes in dogs:

Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or certain foods. These allergies can lead to itchy, watery eyes.

Foreign Objects: Sometimes, a foreign object like a dust particle or a small piece of debris can get lodged in your dog's eye, causing irritation and excessive tearing.

Eye Infections: Various types of eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), can cause runny eyes. These infections can be bacterial, viral, or caused by allergies.

Blocked Tear Ducts: Blocked tear ducts prevent proper drainage of tears, leading to overflow and runny eyes.

Nasolacrimal Duct Abnormalities: Some dogs may have congenital abnormalities in their nasolacrimal ducts, which can affect the drainage of tears.

Dry Eye: In some cases, a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, can cause the eyes to appear runny due to insufficient tear production.

Underlying Medical Conditions: In rare cases, excessive tearing could be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as liver disease or certain neurological disorders.

If you notice your dog's eyes are becoming excessively watery or if you observe any additional concerning symptoms, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The vet will examine your dog's eyes, determine the underlying cause, and prescribe appropriate medications or recommend corrective measures as needed. Do not attempt to self-medicate your dog's eyes without consulting a vet, as the cause might be more serious than what you initially thought.