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Eye discharges in dogs such as “green boogers ” are usually a symptom of a disease, rather than a disease itself. An eye discharge may be clear and runny, mucus, or a yellow-green pus. If your dog has a clear discharge, it could be caused by allergies, or dust particles in the eyes, however a mucus discharge is often a sign of the presence of a foreign body in your dog’s eyes, like an eyelash. A yellow-green pus discharge from your dog’s eyes though would indicate a serious infection that requires veterinary treatment.
Treatment of your dog’s eye discharge depends on the root cause, and should be taken seriously. You should firstly consult your vet so that he can recommend an ideal solution or treatment, because some problems could result in blindness if left untreated.
Table of Content
- What are the possible causes of this discharge?
- What can you do about this discharge? And how can it be treated?
- What dog breeds are more prone to green eye boogers?
- How to apply eye medications?
- How can you prevent this discharge?
What are the Possible causes of this Discharge?
All of these discharges can be signs of conjunctivitis which is an inflammation in the lining of your dog’s eyes. Conjunctivitis could be linked to a wide range of causes which includes; birth defects, bacterial infections, allergies, tear duct problems, dry eye, presence of foreign objects in eyes, or even eye injuries.
Other signs may include; squinting, pawing at eyes, and very red eyes. The treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause, and should be carried out by your vet. Treatment can include;
- Removal of irritants
- Surgery to treat duct problems.
- Use of saline washes and antibiotics to manage infection.
- Use of antihistamines for allergies
Other Possible causes of yellow-green eye boogers in your Dog
Rheum
This is a thin mucus that sweeps from the eyes, nose, and mouth, and collects dust particles. It does not indicate an underlying problem, and will eventually fall off your dog’s eyes.
Scratches and foreign matter
Even a little scratch on the surface of your dog’s eyes may become infected and cause greenish-yellow discharge. Contact with chemicals, or fights with other animals can also cause injuries to your dog’s eyes. Medications will be prescribed by your vet to fight infection, and it depends on the severity of the injury.
Glaucoma
This is due to too much pressure in your dog’s eyes, possibly resulting in vision loss or total blindness. It may occur on its own, or may be as a result of uveitis, eye injuries, or tumors. Symptoms include; green or yellow eye discharge, inability of large pupils to react to light, and a blue tinge to the eyes. Surgery is often recommended for the treatment of glaucoma, as medications are not so effective in treating glaucoma.
Kennel Cough
Dogs with severe cases may also have yellow-green eye discharge, fever, and difficulty in breathing.
Rabbit fever( tularemia)
This is a potentially fatal disease that causes eye and nasal discharge in dogs. It can also cause fever, and lethargy. Rabbit fever is common in wild rabbits, but dogs can contract this disease by ingesting an infected animal, or from the bite of a tick. ,
Rocky mountain spotted fever
Dogs contract this fever from ticks carrying the virus. It causes pus discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, face and joint swelling, neurological problem, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Canine distemper virus
This virus kills up to 80 percent of unvaccinated puppies who contract it. Symptoms include; discharge from eyes and nose, fever, appetite loss, lethargy, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Dry Eyes
When your dog has dry eyes, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), it is unable to produce enough tears which results in excess mucus and inflammation. It is quite painful, and your pet’s eyes may appear inflamed. Your vet may prescribe artificial tears for your dog to give some relief.
Certain dog breeds
Some dog breeds are more prone to dog eye discharge which includes flat-face dogs such as; boxers, pugs, and bulldogs due to the protrusion of their eyes, and shallow eye sockets.
What can you do about Green Eye Boogers and how can it be treated?
First thing you have to do is to determine if it is rheum. If your dog allows, you can wipe off the discharge with a soft moistened cloth, as rheum is not indicative of an underlying problem.
If the discharge from your dog’s eyes is excessive, you will need to visit your vet for examinations and diagnostic tests to be carried out to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will be administered based on the cause.
This greenish discharge is usually caused by infections, thus antibiotics will be prescribed if it is a bacterial problem, while antiviral medications will be prescribed if it is due to a virus. Additionally, surgery may be recommended depending on how far the condition has affected your dog’s eyes.
How to apply Medications to your Dog’s Eyes?
Before applying, clean every discharge around your dog’s eyes with a soft cloth/cotton ball, and water. If you are applying a prescribed ointment please follow these steps:
- Gently pull down your dog’s lower eyelid to apply
- Be careful to avoid hitting your dog’s eyes with the ointment container
For the application of eye drops:
- Tilt your dog’s head back a little and apply
- Close the eyelids for some seconds to enable the eye drop spread evenly
How can you Prevent Green Eye Boogers?
Eye infections could result in major problems with your dog’s vision so it’s best that you watch out to prevent all possible eye problems. Always ensure that you clean your dog’s eye surroundings properly at least once or twice a week. Additionally, ensure that you are using the right material. Use only clean water, or a saline solution, and ensure the gauze you use to wipe is also clean.
Using a dirty cloth can make the situation worse by introducing bacteria to your dog’s eyes. You should also have regular appointments with your vet to check to check on your dog’s vision, and general health. You can notice abnormal eye redness and swelling before they result in more complications.
In conclusion, green eye boogers in your dog’s eyes are indicative of an underlying problem. Therefore, you should immediately seek help from your vet. Additionally, be prepared to act fast if you notice any other signs of eyesight problems to help save your dog’s sight.
Note that this is an informative article, and does not prescribe the use of any medication. CONSULT YOUR VET FOR ALL TREATMENT, AND MEDICATIONS.
