Before The Vet Bill: 6 Dog Eye Discharge Home Remedies Every Pet Owner Needs

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You wake up, look at your pup, and, uh oh. There’s gunk. Goo. Maybe a full-blown slime trail sliding down their cheek like they just watched a sad rom-com.

Is it allergies? An infection? Something worse? Or is it just one of those gross-yet-normal things dogs do?

Working at a health food store catering to canines, I’ve had many pet parents come in looking for natural solutions and home remedies for their pets’ ailments, including a home remedy for dog eye discharge.

While I always recommend seeking medical guidance for serious health problems, many conditions can be safely and effectively treated at home.

Before you panic-Google “weird dog eye goo,” this guide breaks down exactly what’s normal, what’s not, and which home remedies actually help. (Plus, one surprisingly simple solution that costs less than a cup of coffee.)

I share my top six home remedies, including advice for blocked tear ducts and eye infections.

The Crusty Wake-Up Call

The sunlight filters through the curtains. Birds are chirping. You roll over with a stretch, and… bam. There it is. Your dog’s face, inches from yours. One eye is half-glued shut with a crust, the other leaking what looks like the tears of a haunted pirate ghost.

You lock eyes. He exhales. His breath smells like something that crawled out of a sardine can and gave up on life.

You try to look away, but it’s too late. The goop has made contact. It’s on the pillow. It’s on you.

This is not how you imagined dog ownership. And yet… here you are, whispering sweet reassurances while dabbing crust from his eye like he’s a Victorian child recovering from consumption.

Is Dog Eye Discharge Normal?

In a word? Sometimes.

A little crust in the morning? It’s totally normal; just like humans, dogs get a bit of eye gunk after a good snooze. Clear, watery tears after a windy walk or a roll in the grass? Also fine.

But if your dog’s eyes are oozing yellow or green goo, stuck shut, or making them paw at their face like they just watched a soap opera, something more serious could be going on.

Because while eye boogers are gross, they’re also your pup’s way of telling you something might be up.

We Asked a Vet: When Should You Worry About Eye Gunk?

I spoke with Dr Joanna Woodnut, MRCVS, to better understand what normal vs. harmful dog eye discharge is. Here’s what she shared:

“When your dog’s eyes are healthy, they should have a tear film that keeps them moist and protects them from dust and debris. However, discharge or wetness at the inner corner of your dog’s eyes could indicate a problem. Discharge can range from clear, watery tear overflow to thicker, yellow-green mucus or pus,” Dr. Joanna Woodnut, MRCVS.

She continues, “If your dog’s eye is painful, you might notice them closing it more than usual or squinting slightly. You might also see them blinking or winking a lot. If your dog is pawing at their face or rubbing their eye against the furniture, it could mean that their eye is itchy or sore.”

What Causes Eye Discharge in Dogs? 9 Common Triggers

Eye gunk isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s your dog’s signaling that something’s up, whether it’s seasonal allergies or a more serious eye condition. Below are the most common reasons your pup’s eyes might leak, crust, or ooze with mystery slime.

1. Allergies

Just like us, dogs can have allergies to pollen, dust, grass, or even the air freshener you thought smelled like a spa. If your dog’s eyes water more in spring or after a romp through the yard, allergies are a likely culprit. You might also see sneezing, itchy skin, or red eyes tagging along.

2. Blocked Tear Ducts

Tears are supposed to drain neatly into the corners of the eyes. When they don’t, things get messy. Blocked ducts can cause constant wetness under the eyes, which leads to staining, irritation, and that telltale crusty buildup. This is especially common in flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Shih Tzus.

3. Breed-Related Issues

Some breeds come with extra baggage around the eyes. Dogs with long hair, short snouts, or big round eyes often deal with more discharge than others. Think of it as the price of beauty. Keeping fur trimmed around the eyes and cleaning gently can help.

4. Corneal Ulcers

These are open sores on the surface of the eye, often caused by trauma, dry eye, or infection. If your dog’s discharge is cloudy or yellow and they’re squinting or pawing at their face, this could be the cause. Corneal ulcers are painful and require fast vet treatment.

5. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

Some dogs don’t make enough tears, which leads to dry, inflamed eyes. It sounds backward, but dry eye often causes thick, sticky discharge as the eye tries to compensate. Left untreated, this can damage the cornea. Your vet may recommend eye drops or supplements.

6. Eyelash or Eyelid Issues

Ingrown eyelashes, eyelid tumors, or poorly aligned lids can all irritate the eye. The body responds by producing excess tears to protect itself, which turns into the familiar goop. This might be the reason you notice squinting or redness along with the discharge.

7. Infections

Eye infections are a common cause of thick yellow or green discharge. These can stem from bacteria, viruses, or even a scratch gone wrong. Dogs may rub their face on the carpet, paw at their eyes, or seem extra sensitive to light. These cases usually need medication.

8. Foreign Objects

Dust, dirt, stray hair, or even a rogue eyelash can irritate your dog’s eye. If the discharge appeared suddenly after a walk or roll in the grass, this could be the issue. You might also see blinking, redness, or your dog pawing at one eye more than the other.

9. Wind Exposure

Some dogs get watery eyes after sticking their head out of the car window like it’s their full-time job. While it looks joyful, wind can dry out or irritate their eyes, causing temporary discharge. If this happens often, consider eye protection or limiting wind exposure.

What Other Symptoms Accompany Runny Eyes?

If your pup has runny eyes after being outside but the issue clears up quickly, debris or a sharp wind is likely to blame; however, if the watery eyes last longer or you notice any of the symptoms below, reach out to your veterinarian. The accompanying symptoms may be signs of a more serious eye condition.

• Bumping into objects or loss of vision
• Cloudy eyes
• Eye puffiness, swelling
• Pawing at the face
• Red eyes
• Squinting

What Eye Discharge Color Says About Your Dog’s Health

Just like humans, a dog’s eye discharge will look different based on the condition at play. The color of the discharge can give clues about the possible cause. Keep in mind that these are just helpful guidelines. For a proper diagnosis, it’s best to contact your vet.

• Clear discharge: If your dog’s runny eyes are clear, it’s most likely due to allergies or environmental factors, such as wind or dust. Other potential causes include blocked tear ducts, corneal wounds, and even glaucoma.
• Crusty discharge: You’ll often notice “eye gunk” or crusty eyes in the morning. This discharge is a mix of tears, oils, and skin cells shed during sleep. It’s completely normal and a part of routine eye function. Too much of the crusty discharge could be a sign of dry eye.
• Red tear stains: While red tear stains may look alarming, they shouldn’t cause too much concern. Clear tears turn red/brown when exposed to air—a process called oxidation. Tear staining is common with flat-faced breeds, like Pugs and French Bulldogs. To reduce tear stains, wipe the area regularly with a damp cloth or use a tear stain remover. Red tear stains may also indicate other treatable eye conditions, like inadequate drainage.
• Yellow or green discharge: Yellow or green discharge is generally a sign of an eye infection. You may notice signs of conjunctivitis, including eye redness and inflammation. We share all you need to know about conjunctivitis in dogs.

Our Personal Experience With Dog Eye Discharge

Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog is prone to eye boogers. We wipe them out of his eyes multiple times a day, and it’s usually the worst right when waking up. Sometimes in the spring when there is a lot of pollen in the air, the color gets a bit more green and thick. We often use eye wipes or just a warm paper towel to clean the eyes.

– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Mom & Marketing for Canine Journal

When to See the Vet

Eye discharge is common, but some signs mean it’s time to stop using home remedies and call your vet.

Call Your Vet if Your Dog has:

• Thick yellow, green, or smelly discharge
• Eyes that are red, swollen, or painful
• Squinting, blinking more than usual, or pawing at the eyes
• A cloudy film over one or both eyes
• Discharge that doesn’t improve in 48 hours

Trust your gut. If your dog seems uncomfortable or “off,” a quick checkup can prevent serious issues—and ease your mind.

Learn all the signs of severe eye conditions in dogs via our dog eye problems article. We break down the difference between severe eye conditions—like cataracts and glaucoma—with more insight from veterinarian Dr. Joanna Woodnut.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Eye Conditions?

Yes, most pet insurance plans cover eye conditions, as long as the symptoms didn’t appear before you enrolled or during the waiting period.

How To Clean Dog Eye Discharge (The Right Way)

To clean discharge from the eyes and eyelids, treat the area with a simple saline solution. You can make a cleansing salt solution at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt with a cup of warm distilled or filtered water. Carefully wipe the area with gauze or a cotton ball using this solution. Be very gentle; sometimes patience is needed to soften and remove crusted discharge. You can also try using dog eye wipes specially made for pups.

Rinse the eye area several times daily or as needed. Once the area is clear, use one of the following dog-runny eye home remedies.

6 Home Remedies For Dog Eye Discharge

Your dog may have runny eyes for many reasons, including allergies, blocked tear ducts, infection, foreign objects, and glaucoma. While not all of these conditions can be treated at home, many can. Once you have cleaned your dog’s eyes, try one of the following canine eye discharge home remedies.

Always consult your veterinarian before applying anything near your dog’s eyes, especially if symptoms persist or worsen

1. Soothing Oils

For irritated or dry eyes, apply a small amount of coconut or castor oil to a clean cotton ball and wipe your dog’s eyelids with it. Both oils have anti-inflammatory properties and can alleviate dry eyes and prevent the formation of eye crust.

You can also give your pup fish oil internally to moisturize their eyes from the inside out. Our article on fish oil for dogs shares more benefits and our favorites.

2. Eyebright

Eyebright is an anticatarrhal herb, meaning that it helps remove excess mucus. As excessive moisture around the eyes can increase the likelihood of infection, this herb is useful in its ability to dry up mucus and restrict fluid secretion to prevent infections. Eyebright is also helpful for allergies and eye irritation.

To make an herbal infusion, boil 1 cup of water and pour it over 1 teaspoon of dried eyebright. Cover and let it steep for 15 minutes. Then, strain the liquid, leaving the solid pieces behind. Add 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to the infusion, stir, and let cool.

Once the solution has cooled, gently treat your dog’s eyes. You can apply the solution three times a day or as needed.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is another herb famously known for its calming effect on the nerves for relief from anxiety and insomnia. However, this herb has many other health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Using a tea bag, prepare a cup of chamomile tea. Let the liquid steep until cooled. Then, remove the tea bag and hold it over your pooch’s eyes, allowing some of the liquid to seep into their eyes.

Save the rest of the tea and apple the solution with a cotton ball several times daily to clean the eyes and counteract infection.

4. Goldenseal

If your pet’s eyes are infected or discharging thick, yellow mucus, try making a goldenseal infusion. Goldenseal root is an antimicrobial herb that clears mucus on contact. It can also help prevent blocked tear ducts by removing the bacteria causing tear stains.

To make a treatment, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1/4 teaspoon of goldenseal powder. Let steep for 15 minutes, and then filter the liquid. Add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to the solution, stir, and let cool. Use the goldenseal to treat the eyes three times daily or as needed.

5. Witch Hazel

Another astringent herb, witch hazel, helps restrict mucus secretion and soothes itchy, irritated skin. Most commercially available witch hazel products are made with alcohol, which is toxic to dogs when ingested. Instead, look for an alcohol-free witch hazel.

Apply witch hazel generously to the eye area with gauze or a cotton pad as needed.

6. Colloidal Silver

If you’re a fan of natural remedies, you likely already have colloidal silver in your medicine cabinet. This antimicrobial liquid may fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi and may be used to treat wounds and infections.

Colloidal silver is available in various forms (e.g., liquids and gels). Follow the directions on the label. You should apply liquids and gels around the eye using a cotton pad. It’s so important to buy your colloidal silver from a reputable company. I always recommend Sovereign Silver because it has an extremely small particle size.

Keep It Clean: Grooming Tips for Clearer Eyes

Although it is not exactly a dog eye discharge home remedy, regular grooming can make a big difference in preventing eye discharge. Keep the fur around your dog’s eyes trimmed to reduce irritation and stop gunk from getting trapped. Use a damp cloth or dog-safe eye wipes to gently clean away the crust, especially in the morning or after outdoor play.

For long-haired or flat-faced breeds, a little extra maintenance goes a long way toward keeping those peepers clean and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of our readers still have questions about canine eye discharge and how to relieve it. If you don’t see your questions, ask us in the comments.

What’s The Best Dog Eye Discharge Home Remedy?

The best treatment will vary widely based on your dog’s systems and what you have at home. Pay attention to eye discharge color and other symptoms to pick the best remedy for your pooch.

Are These Remedies Safe for All Dog Breeds and Sizes?

Most gentle home remedies, like chamomile tea compresses or saline rinses, are generally safe for dogs of all breeds and sizes when used properly. However, some breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus) are more prone to eye issues due to their facial structure and may require extra caution. Always test remedies on a small area first and consult your vet if your dog is brachycephalic, a puppy, or has a preexisting eye condition.

What Is A Natural Anti-Inflammatory For Dog Eyes?

Eyebright and chamomile are both anti-inflammatory herbs. If you don’t have these on hand, try coconut oil.

What Human Eye Drops Are Safe For Dogs?

Consult your vet before using human eye drops. Instead, make your saline solution at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt with a cup of warm distilled or filtered water. Wipe the solution around the eye with a cotton ball or gauze. We also share our picks for eye drops for dogs.

Does your dog have some guck coming out of their eye? Share in the comments; we’ll try and help! We’d also love to hear what dog eye discharge home remedy works for you.

How Diet Supports Your Dog’s Eye Health

Healthy eyes don’t start at the surface. They start in the bowl. Your dog’s nutrition plays a major role in how well their eyes function and heal. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and eye-supporting vitamins like A and E can help reduce inflammation, support tear production, and protect sensitive tissues from long-term damage. If your pup struggles with chronic eye gunk or seasonal irritation, a nutritional boost might make more of a difference than you think.

Look for high-quality dog food or supplements that include fish oil or flaxseed for their anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Add in foods like blueberries, carrots, and spinach, which are packed with antioxidants that protect the eyes from oxidative stress.

Because Love Means Wiping Eye Boogers

Dog parenting isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes, it’s cuddles on the couch, and sometimes, it’s crusty eyes at 6 a.m. But every wipe, rinse, and chamomile compress is a tiny act of love.

Your dog may never thank you (unless tail wags count), but clear eyes and a happy pup say it all. Keep showing up. Keep checking those eyes. And know that a little extra care today can make a big difference tomorrow.

After all, goopy or not, they’re still looking at you like you’re their whole world.