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What causes crusty eyes in an older dog and how can I treat it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | 17 years and 9 months old

Our 11 year old pit bull as creast around both eyes what do

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 15th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine the eyes to check for any trauma and to see if she has adequate tear production. Dry eye can cause crusting and discomfort and could lead to serious corneal damage if not addressed early on. If there is an eye infection, the veterinarian can prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help treat this as well. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Juliana, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 10th, 2017
Discharge that leads to thick crusting in the corners of the eyes can be caused by several things. Having him evaluated by a veterinarian is definitely recommended. They may evaluate several things including making sure there is nothing in the eye irritating it (such as an eyelash rubbing the eye), checking tear production , and looking for signs of allergic irritation or corneal injury/ulceration. In the meantime you can use a warm cloth to clean the crust.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on November 15th, 2017
I would place a warm wet cloth or gauze on it to help soften it then gently try to remove it. If you are unable to get it, ask your vet if they can trim it or shave the matts off. If the matts have been there for awhile, the skin may be irritated or infected underneath. If the skin looks red or irritated and it isn’t improving, you will want your vet to take a look to ensure he doesn’t need any eye ointment for that area. Once you get it clean, I recommend to clean the “eye boogers” once a day to prevent build up. If the discharge is every green or yellow, this could indicate an eye infection or eye problem that also needs to be addressed. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 21st, 2019
I am sorry to hear about Teddy. Crusty eyes can be a sign of an eye infection, called conjunctivitis, or of a dry eye condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca. I would recommend bringing Teddy into his vet for an examination of his eyes to determine what is causing the crusting and get the appropriate treatment, which will vary depending on the underlying cause.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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I recommend cleaning this daily with a hot warm cloth to remove the discharge. Then when you have the area clean apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on the area below the eyes. That will help heal the skin and stop the discharge from sticking to the skin and fur. I would have Babygurl's eyes checked by your veterinarian. This looks like she has dry eyes, which is a decrease in normal tear production. With this condition the eye discharge is thick and sticky like this. There is medication for dry eyes which will increase the tear production. Dry eyes can be painful and she may irritate the corneas causing reduced vision without treatment, so please have her checked soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Babygurl.

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