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Why is my senior dog's eye discharging, scabbing, and itching?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 11 years and 2 months old

My dog is 11 years old, Jack Russell Terrier . Within the last year she started having mucus draining out of her eye which irritated her and made her start scratching at it, now she has a scab that comes off alot which is red,bloody, moist,and very painful. I have pictures of the infected eye which is in both eyes but its worse in one eye.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Davis

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on October 20th, 2017

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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