1300 489 873
Ocular Discharge in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know.
If you’ve noticed your dog’s eyes watering, crusting, or producing mucus, it can be worrying — but not all eye discharge is serious. This guide explains the most common causes, when it’s normal, and when it’s time to see your vet. Learn how to spot early signs of eye issues and keep your dog’s vision healthy and how it can tie into insurance coverage like Dog Insurance.
What Is Ocular Discharge?
Ocular discharge (aka eye discharge) refers to fluid, mucus, pus or other secretions coming from the eyes. In small amounts, it’s often normal (crusty “sleep” in the corners), but when it changes in colour, consistency or amount, it may signal a problem.
Veterinary ophthalmology experts note that discharge is rarely from a primary bacterial infection — it’s usually a symptom pointing to another eye issue.
Types & What They Suggest
Understanding the kind of discharge helps diagnose the cause:
| Type / Colour | What It Often Suggests |
| Clear / watery | Irritation, allergies, foreign body, overflow (epiphora) |
| Reddish-brown / tear stains | Porphyrin staining from tears in light fur; often cosmetic unless worsening |
| White / gray mucus | Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) or chronic irritation |
| Yellow / green | Suggests infection or pus — needs prompt vet attention |
| Bloody / red | Trauma, ulcer, serious injury, require urgent assessment |
Common Causes of Eye Discharge
Here are frequent culprits behind ocular discharge:
- Epiphora (tear overflow) — too many tears or poor drainage (blocked ducts)
- Allergies / environmental irritants — dust, pollen, wind exposure
- Conjunctivitis / inflammation — viral, bacterial or immune-mediated
- Dry eye (KCS) — tear gland dysfunction leads to mucus compensatory discharge
- Corneal ulcers or injury / foreign body — scratch or debris in eye causes local discharge
- Eyelid abnormalities (entropion, ectropion, distichiasis) — lashes or lids rub the cornea
- Breed anatomy & facial structure — especially in flat-faced (brachycephalic) or long-haired breeds, tear drainage and hair irritation are common issues
- Tumours or internal eye disease — less common but serious in chronic or unilateral cases
Veterinary ophthalmologists stress a methodical history and ocular exam to differentiate causes.
When to Visit the Vet — Red Flags
You should take your dog to a vet if you see:
- Yellow, green or thick discharge
- Sudden onset or worsening of symptoms
- One eye is affected while the other seems normal
- Redness, swelling or obvious discomfort
- Cloudiness, vision change or pupil size difference
- Rubbing, squinting or sensitivity to light
These may signal infection, ulcers or more serious eye disease.
What the Vet Will Do
To narrow down the cause, a vet may perform:
- Physical ocular exam, slit lamp or magnification
- Fluorescein staining to detect corneal ulcers
- Schirmer Tear Test to assess tear production (for KCS)
- Eye pressure checks (tonometry) for glaucoma
- Lid and eyelash inspection for structural issues
- Duct flushing / nasolacrimal testing for tear drainage problems
- Cytology or culture / sensitivity in some cases, particularly purulent discharge
Treatment is determined by the root cause — not the symptom.
Treatment & Home Care
Depending on what’s causing the discharge:
- Lubricant / artificial tears (especially for dry eye)
- Antibiotic / anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments for infection or inflammation
- Surgery for eyelid abnormalities or blocked ducts
- Removing foreign bodies / trauma repair
- Routine cleaning, trimming facial hair, protecting the eyes from irritants
At home, use warm saline or vet-approved eye wipes, and gently clean around the eye from inner to outer corner with a clean pad per eye.
Prevention & Long-Term Management
- Keep facial hair trimmed to prevent irritation
- Monitor for allergies and reduce exposure
- Regular checkups, especially if breed is predisposed
- Moisturising drops in dry or windy environments
- Prompt care at first sign (so discharge doesn’t worsen to infection)
How Pet Insurance Helps
Eye issues range from minor irritations to expensive surgeries and specialist care. A good policy can help offset:
- Diagnostic tests (tear tests, staining, tonometry)
- Prescription eye medications
- Surgical correction (eyelid surgery, duct flushing)
- Management of chronic conditions (e.g., KCS)
Use the Compare Cover tool to check which plans cover eye / ophthalmic conditions, and see full scope with Dog Insurance.
