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My dog's eye is tearing with mucus, and eye wash isn't working.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Airedale Terrier | Female | spayed | 10 years and 7 months old | 48 lbs

Hello. My dog eye keeps tearing at time there is mucus. I purchased eye wash have been using it for almost a week and still has the issue.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 8th, 2024

Hi there!

Excessive tearing of the eyes can be due to a number of things, including spring allergies (dust, grasses, pollens), eye irritants, or eye injuries/infections (these usually come with green, yellow, or cloudy discharge, rather than clear mucus).

If you suspect allergies or irritation, you can try an over the counter medication such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to see if it helps reduce symptoms. However, if the eye discharge continues, worsens, becomes bothersome to Bella, or becomes cloudy or discolored, it's best to have your vet take a look in person.

I would also stop the eye washes for a while and just gently clean any debris or mucus away with a warm, clean washcloth to see if that helps reduce irritation and tear production as the washes may just be exacerbating the issue.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 19th, 2020
Yes, it could be allergies but it could also be conjunctivitis. If he seems otherwise OK I suggest you try this product. If after a few days of use he does not seem better then I think a vet exam would be warranted.

https://vetericyn.com/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-ophthalmic-gel/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on May 8th, 2018
Some tearing and white ro grey eye discharge is normal. Dogs with shorter faces and wider eyes have more exposure to the environment and tend to have more discharge. However, blocked tear ducts as well as conjunctivitis and other problems can increase the amount of discharge as well. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian to rule out any problems. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on December 14th, 2016
Poor Jaxton! It's definitely not normal to have to clean mucus out of his eyes so often, so I would say that something is definitely wrong. He may have an eye infection, or a chronic problem such as dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS) that causes his eyes to not produce enough tears. This is a very common cause of a constant "film" and/or thick yellow or green mucus in the eyes. I would recommend having him examined by a vet as soon as you are able to - he/she can do some simple diagnostic tests to help determine the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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