There is no denying the fact our furry friends can get a bit gross sometimes. If your dog has been running around in dust-filled environments, that can contribute to the eye discharge though it could be a sign of something else. After all, some dog breeds are more prone to having eye issues as compared to others. Boogers may be natural, but excessive eye discharge could signify the animal is suffering from a medical condition.
You can check with the veterinarian if you are concerned the issue is more than dust and gross looking build up. Dog eyes are much like human ones as they need to be effectively cleaned to work. If you leave the dog eye discharge to sit, infections and sores may develop.
Regular eye care should be part of your furry best friend’s DIY dog grooming at home. Dog eye boogers can be cleaned through washcloths, or dog eye combs depending on the consistency.
What are Boogers?
The scientific term for dog’s eye boogers, excess discharge, illustrates they are just tars that have pooled and hardened in the corner of your dog’s eyes. In the same way as humans, they have varying viscosity. Eye boogers can be hard and crusty or soft and gooey.
Occasionally, it is fine, and there is nothing to worry about, but if the condition persists, the most likely culprits are foreign objects or allergic reactions. It is when the dog’s eye is prone to excess tearing.
Their eyes are wet a lot of the time, which makes them more prone to the formation of eye boogers. It is especially the case for flat faced dog breeds like Boston terriers and bulldogs.
How Do You Bet Rid of Your Dog’s Eye Boogers?
Both soft and hard boogers have different cleaning approaches. If it is the former, moisten a washcloth or a cotton ball with room temperature water and gently wipe the area around the eye.
That is to loosen the gunk that has collected. Make sure to repeat the process until the eye and surrounding skin is clean. It is essential to use a clean cloth each time to prevent infusing infection-causing substances.
When using the most washcloth, it should not be drenched, though, as that could lead to discomfort for the dog. Alternatively, you could use already moistened dog-friendly wipes because the ingredients must be safe. This similar to the process on how to wash a dog’s face.
There is also no risk of oversoaking the material. If the booger does not smear off, it could be of the hard variety, requiring a different cleaning method. For the harder varieties, you may get lucky, especially if they have formed into the shape of a ball and hand on the periphery of the eye.
These can be easily dispatched courtesy of a dog eye comb. These tools are efficient and easy to use for boogers that cling to the fur around the eyes. Though, if they seem glued to the dog, wiping may not solve the problem. Instead, try using a warm flannel or a soft washcloth.
Combine this with prescribed eye drops that can soften dog eye boogers so they can be washed away. You can revert to the dog tear stain remover for the crusty boogers upon softening.
It may be tempting but do not use force to soften dog eye boogers as it needs to be a comfortable process. They will likely let you do it for them the next time; if they feel secure, you will not hurt them.
When You Need to Worry About Dog Eye Boogers
Sometimes, the dog’s eye discharge may not resemble the ones you clean off your pets at other times. If the boogers have pus-like consistency or look like pus that has dried, it could mean your dog has conjunctivitis [1]. In these cases, immediate treatment would be recommended as it is easily transmittable to your other pets.
There is cause for concern as well if the dog’s eyes are red and swollen as the discharge amount increases. The answer may be simple, especially if you can notice any foreign objects in the eyes, but you would need to get them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Do not attempt to dislodge foreign objects from your dog’s eyes by yourself. Seek medical attention if you think they are developing epiphora or excessive tear production.
How to Prevent Dog Eye Problems
Prevention is the key when it comes to most health issues. Some issues cannot be avoided then, like genetically transmitted diseases. However, there are prevention measures you can take to assist your dog in the long run. The first is trimming the hair that forms around the eye region.
Hair around the eyes may increase the chances of developing an infection. Secondly, you need to protect their eyes if bathing them with medicated shampoo or parasite-killing products. Apply an ophthalmic gel to the eyes before the activity, which will prevent cases of chemicals irritating the eye.
FAQs
How do you get rid of dog eye boogers?
You can clean your dog’s eye boogers with a clean and moist washcloth. Instead of water, you may use over-the-counter eye drops as the cleaning solution to soften crusty eye boogers.
Should you remove dog eye boogers?
Yes, it is important to regularly remove the boogers in your dog’s eyes because they build up over time and cause sores to form underneath.
Why does my dog keep getting dog eye boogers?
Your dog may have epiphora, excess tear production that hardens into boogers. Some dogs are more prone to tear production than others. Alternatively, it could be conjunctivitis, where a pus or mucus lines the dog’s eye.
