🐶💧 Runny Eyes (Epiphora) in Dogs: 2025 Vet Guide to Causes, Treatment & Tear Staining 🐾👁️

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺🐾

Have you noticed your dog constantly tearing up, or dark reddish-brown stains forming under their eyes? You're not alone—this condition, known as epiphora, is a common concern among pet parents. In this comprehensive 2025 vet guide, I’ll walk you through the causes, symptoms, treatments, and solutions for managing watery eyes and unsightly tear stains in dogs. Let’s dry those tears! 🧼🐕

🔍 What Is Epiphora in Dogs?

Epiphora refers to excessive tear production or poor tear drainage, leading to constant wetness under the eyes. Over time, this moisture can cause:

• 🟥 Reddish-brown fur staining (from pigments called porphyrins)
• 😷 Skin irritation, bacterial infections, and foul odors
• 🚫 Chronic discomfort or visual disruption if left untreated

While tear production is a natural and essential function, epiphora results when there’s too much of it or it’s not draining correctly. Addressing the cause is key. 🧪👁️

🧠 Two Main Causes of Runny Eyes

1. 🧼 Eye Irritation

One of the eye’s protective responses to irritation is to produce more tears. When this happens:

• 👀 Dogs may squint, paw at their face, or rub their eyes on furniture
• 💧 Excessive tearing is sudden and persistent
• ⚠️ Vision loss or pain may signal a medical emergency

Common causes of irritation include:

• 👁️ Corneal ulcers
• 🦠 Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis
• 🌫️ Allergens, dust, or environmental irritants
• 💊 Reactions to medications
• 🌬️ Trauma or foreign objects in the eye

2. 🚫 Abnormal Tear Drainage

Sometimes the eye is not irritated, but the tears simply don’t drain as they should. Normal tear drainage occurs via the nasolacrimal system—tiny canals that lead tears from the eye into the nasal passages. Blockage, malformation, or facial structure issues can disrupt this flow. 🧬🧪

🔬 Tear Duct Anatomy Explained

The tear drainage pathway involves:

1. 🕳️ Punctae – small openings at the eyelid corners
2. 🌀 Canaliculi – small channels that drain into the...
3. 🛁 Lacrimal sac, which connects to the...
4. 🌊 Nasolacrimal duct – draining tears into the nose and throat

This is why humans often have runny noses when we cry—it’s the same tear route! Dogs have a similar system, but in many breeds, it’s prone to problems. 🧬🐩

🐶 Breeds Prone to Epiphora

Certain dogs are more likely to suffer from tear staining and drainage issues due to their facial structure or genetic traits. These include:

• 🐩 Poodles
• 🐶 Bichon Frises
• 🐶 Cocker Spaniels
• 🐽 Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs)
• 🐾 Maltese

Flat-faced breeds often have shallow eye sockets and tight eyelid anatomy that causes overflow. Additionally, hair around the eyes may wick tears onto the skin. ✂️👁️

🔎 Diagnosing the Cause

Your vet may conduct several simple and advanced diagnostics to determine whether irritation or drainage is the culprit. These may include:

• 🧪 Fluorescein stain – dye reveals eye surface damage or drainage flow (Jones test)
• 💧 Schirmer Tear Test – measures tear production
• 🧬 Tear Break-Up Time – evaluates tear film quality
• 📈 Tonometry – checks for elevated eye pressure (glaucoma)

Some issues, like tiny misplaced eyelashes or blocked punctae, require magnification to identify. Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be advised. 👨‍⚕️🔍

💊 Treatment Options

1. 🧼 Medical Management

If the cause is infection, inflammation, or allergy, treatment may include:

• 💧 Prescription eye drops (antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or antihistamine)
• 🧴 Artificial tear lubricants to reduce dryness or irritation
• ⚕️ Topical ointments for corneal ulcers

2. 💉 Flushing Tear Ducts

Under general anesthesia, your vet may flush saline through the nasolacrimal ducts to check for clogs and potentially re-open scarred pathways. This is both diagnostic and therapeutic. 🛁💧

3. 🛠️ Surgery

Surgery may be recommended if:

• 🔒 The punctae are congenitally closed
• 🔁 The eyelids are rolled inward (entropion)
• ✂️ Skin folds or hair need surgical removal

This is delicate work often referred to a specialist. 🏥🐾

4. 🟥 Tear Stain Management

The staining seen under the eyes is caused by porphyrins, natural pigments in tears. While harmless, it can be unsightly. Here’s how to manage it:

• 🧼 Clean the area daily with warm water or pet-safe wipes
• ✂️ Trim fur near the eyes carefully to prevent wicking
• 🚿 Maintain hygiene around tear tracks to avoid yeast infections

Note: Low-dose antibiotics like tylosin are sometimes suggested for stain reduction, but this is strongly discouraged due to antibiotic resistance concerns. ❌💊

🧠 Home Tips for Managing Epiphora

Keep your pup comfortable and reduce staining risk with these daily care tips:

• 🧽 Gently clean eyes with damp cloths daily
• ✂️ Keep facial fur trimmed and dry
• 🍽️ Avoid plastic bowls which may harbor bacteria—use stainless steel or ceramic
• 🧼 Use enzymatic tear stain removers (vet-recommended only)

If symptoms persist despite home care, professional evaluation is the next step. 🐕❤️

📅 When to See a Vet

Consult your vet immediately if your dog shows:

• 😣 Squinting, pawing at the eye, or blinking excessively
• 🟥 Sudden increase in tearing or staining
• 🚨 Swelling, cloudiness, or vision changes

Early intervention helps prevent complications and long-term irritation. 🏥👁️

📲 Need Support? Ask A Vet Anytime!

Confused about your dog’s watery eyes? 🐶 Whether it’s tearing, staining, or signs of discomfort, Ask A Vet can help you navigate your next steps with confidence:

• 💬 Chat with licensed veterinarians 24/7
• 📸 Share photos of your pet’s eyes for quick reviews
• 📲 Personalized recommendations for treatment & care

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app now. Let’s keep those puppy eyes healthy and happy in 2025 and beyond! 🐾👁️💙