It is the responsibility of the owners to guarantee their pet an optimal quality of life and we know that this is not possible if we do not cover all the needs (physical, mental and social) that our dog presents, but neither it is possible if we do not spend time with him and are not able to clearly observe how his body can manifest various disorders and conditions.
Changes in our dog's behavior, as well as obvious physical signs, can warn us that something is not working properly and therefore requires attention and treatment as soon as possible.
Many owners are alarmed by the dog's excessive tearing, and in this AnimalWised article we address this issue to clear up all your doubts.
Tearing in dogs is physiological and normal
The dog's eyeball has two important glands called the orbital and nictitating glands, the function of which is to secrete tears, a transparent liquid formed mainly by water but that also contains approximately 70 substances that are used for the oxygenation, lubrication and nutrition of the cornea, the transparent and external layer of the eye.
For example, in the face of climatic variations, excess wind or introduction of dust into the eyeball of our pet, it is normal for us to observe in our dog a greater eye tearing, but far from being the manifestation of a pathology, it is a manifestation of he alth that indicates that the protective tools of the eyeball are in perfect condition and are functional.
Excessive tearing, a symptom that requires treatment
The punctual tearing and before a defined condition is completely normal and he althy as we pointed out previously, however, if this condition is repeated and occurs continuously,is requiredImmediate veterinary medical attention , since excessive tearing can be due to serious causes, among which we can highlight the following:
- Insertion of a foreign body causing an injury to the cornea
- Wounds on the edge of the eyelids
- Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct
- Cornea ulcers that cause great pain
- Allergy
- Conjunctivitis
- Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
- Ocular tumors
Due to the seriousness of excessive tearing in dogs, your veterinarian should first determine the underlying cause and prescribe appropriate treatment, which will generally be done through eye drops and ophthalmic ointments.
The veterinarian will also take into account whether the tears are transparent or if on the contrary it is a brown-colored secretion, which which would indicate the obstruction of the ducts that allow tear drainage.
My dog tears a lot from one eye
In exploring the he alth of any living organism symmetry is an aspect of great importance and generally finding symmetry in anatomical structures It is synonymous with the fact that the risk that the body may be suffering from an imbalance is lower.
However, with tearing in dogs something different happens, the fact that it tears excessively from only one eye is a good sign, as it indicates that the other eye retains its functions optimally and is not affected.
In the case of a viral or bacterial infection, the veterinarian may recommend administering the topical treatment also in the he althy eye, in order to prevent the the infection spreads until it affects both eyeballs.
The causes of excessive tearing in a single eye are the same as when tearing affects both eyes.
Tips to prevent abnormalities in your dog's tear secretion
By following these tips you can reduce the risk of your dog having eye conditions related to excessive tear secretion:
- Use hygiene products dermatologically tested and suitable for dogs
- Avoid contact of any antiparasitic with your pet's eyeball
- If you cut his hair yourself, protect his eyes, a hair stuck in the eyelid could cause a wound
- Protect your dog from potential physical threats that could cause eye trauma
- Under no circumstances apply ophthalmic medications that have not been prescribed by the veterinarian
