Why Does My Dog Have Watery Eyes?

Common Causes of Watery Eyes in Dogs

Watery eyes, or epiphora, occur when tears overflow the eye and run down the face. This can be a cosmetic issue or a sign of underlying pain or irritation. Common causes include allergies, foreign objects like grass seeds or dirt, and blocked tear ducts. Dogs who run through tall weeds or ride with their heads out windows are especially at risk for debris entering the eyes.

Other triggers include facial hairs or extra eyelashes that rub against the eye surface, causing irritation. In some breeds like Cocker Spaniels, a congenital blockage called imperforate inferior punctum can prevent proper tear drainage from birth.

Allergies and Irritation Leading to Watery Eyes

Allergic reactions can cause watery eyes, itching, and face rubbing. The reaction may also include hives—patches of raised, erect hair. These symptoms are usually short-lived and improve once the allergen is removed. Simple cases can be treated with corticosteroid eye drops or ointments prescribed by a vet, or oral antihistamines to reduce the allergic response.

Environmental irritants like dust, pollen, and smoke can also trigger excessive tearing. If your dog has been in dusty or sandy areas, flushing the eyes with sterile saline or artificial tears can help remove irritants and relieve discomfort.

Foreign Bodies and Eye Injuries

Grass seeds, dirt, thorns, and splinters can get trapped in the eye or behind the eyelids. Signs include constant tearing, squinting, blinking, pawing at the eye, and protrusion of the third eyelid. If a foreign body is visible on the surface, it may be gently removed with a wet cotton swab after flushing the eye with saline.

If the object is behind the third eyelid or has penetrated the cornea, it must be removed by a veterinarian. Attempting to remove deeply embedded objects can cause serious injury. Always restrain your dog to prevent further damage.

Blocked Tear Ducts and Epiphora

Nasolacrimal occlusion—blockage of the tear drainage system—can cause chronic watery eyes. The tear ducts carry fluid from the eye to the nose. Blockages may result from birth defects, scarring from infection, or entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid). In severe cases, surgical treatment may be considered, such as rerouting the salivary gland to replace tears, though this can lead to excess moisture and mineral buildup.

Persistent wetness around the eyes can lead to skin inflammation and infection. If your dog has constant tearing, especially with redness or crusting, consult your vet to rule out structural or medical causes.

When to See a Veterinarian

Contact your vet if your dog shows signs of eye pain—squinting, cloudiness, visible third eyelid, or excessive discharge. Also seek help if tearstains are persistent, especially on white dogs, as they may indicate allergies, tear duct issues, or infections.

Avoid using powders or products with antibiotics near the eyes without vet approval. Use only vet-recommended eye wipes or solutions. Regularly clean the eye area with lint-free cotton and flush with saline if exposed to dust or sand.