Did you just look at your pooch’s adorable face and find the corner of their eyes filled with crusty gooey boogers? If so, you are not alone! It’s a natural process for your dog’s eyes to filter out particles and dust that irritate their eyes.
They do spend most of their time close to the ground and floor. Plus they seem to enjoy sticking their noses into everything to get a good sniff as they explore their surroundings.
While your dog’s eye boogers might look crusty and gross at the moment, they started out in liquid form then hardened as it was exposed to the air.
Cleaning your dog’s eye boogers is beneficial because it wipes away dust, dirt, and particles that can lead to infection if left near the eye for too long.
Now that you know it’s safe to clean your dog’s eyes, keep reading to find how to soften dog eye boogers to make the process easier.
Dog Eye Boogers – Guide to Removing Them
Is it safe to remove eye boogers
Yes. As long as the cleaning is done gently and carefully by using the steps below. Eye boogers appear for a reason but can also be caused by other issues such as an infection, dry eyes, or excessively watery eyes.
In any case, it’s safe to remove eye boogers but it’s more important to learn the cause in case a trip to the veterinarian is required.
Cleaning Wet Eye Boogers
If you are lucky enough to find soft moist eye boogers on your dog you can easily remove them by following the steps below:
- Step 1 – Moisten a cotton ball, sponge, or washcloth with tap water from the kitchen or bathroom faucet.
- Step 2 – Gently wipe the boogers away from your dog’s eyes to remove the gunk.
- Step 3 – Continue to repeat the process until the eye area is clean.
Softening Dog Eye Boogers
Crunchy eye boogers on dogs are common for all breeds. Sometimes the crusty boogers form a ball that is attached to a thin thread of fur.
An eye comb successfully removes this type of crusty booger.
However, if the eye boogers are stuck to the surface of your dog’s fur and skin, the comb will not help but the following steps will.
- Step 1 – Carefully press a soft washcloth on your dog’s eye boogers to try to absorb or loosen the crunchy surface.
- Step 2 – Use a doggy booger treatment or eye-drop that is prescribed by a veterinarian to help flush out and soften the eye booger.
- Step 3 – Use a damp washcloth to remove the softened crust by placing a small amount of pressure as you wipe it away. If you notice some of your dog’s fur is coming along with the eye booger, stop immediately and repeat step two until the crust has become softer.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid using too much pressure or force during the removal process. Your goal is to be firm but gentle.
- Don’t use tissues, paper towels, or napkins. These paper items can get wet and fall apart making the process worse and possibly ending up in your dog’s eyes.
- Avoid using soap or shampoo near your dog’s eyes. It causes damage, discomfort, and irritation.
- Avoid using q-tips or objects to clean your dog’s eyes. These pointy objects can stab and injure your dog’s eyes quickly.
When You Should Be Worried
While eye boogers are natural and normal excessive amounts are a sign there might be a problem. Consider the following issues when determining if your dog’s eye boogers are something to worry about or not.
Allergies
Yes. Dogs have allergies too. Allergic reactions to pollen and dust sometimes lead to allergic conjunctivitis. The most common signs of hay fever in dogs are redness and weepy eyes.
Veterinarians often report pollen getting trapped under the eyelid and causing eye discharge and irritation. If you think your dog is having an allergic reaction, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian for treatment and further assistance.
Excessive Eye Watering
The veterinarian might mention the term epiphora when explaining your dog’s excessive eye watering issues. This issue is common in dog breeds that have a flat face because the tear ducts are unable to get rid of excess tears.
This type of eye-watering issue often results in tear-staining around the eyes. It most commonly occurs in dogs with a light-colored coat.
A veterinarian will be able to help with this issue and offer treatment that sometimes involves surgery.
Dry Eye
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye is the opposite of watery eyes but still causes boogers. This condition causes a lack of lubrication in the eye which results in itchiness and discomfort.
Since the eye is dry it makes it difficult to flush out the particles and leaves them inside the air trapped under the eyelid. This can feel like sand scratching the surface of the eye.
Symptoms of dry eye in dogs include yellow-green discharge and the whites of the eye turning brown. A visit to the veterinarian’s office is recommended for treatment.
Conjunctivitis
This condition is similar to pinkeye and needs professional help from a veterinarian.
While conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, it can also be a bacterial or viral infection.
The most common symptom of conjunctivitis is green or yellow puss-like eye crust and discharge coming from the eye.
This eye issue can be contagious and spread to other dogs and pets in the household.
An immediate visit to the veterinarian is recommended to start treatment as soon as possible.
There are a variety of scenarios that are cause for alarm such as an injury to your dog’s eye. Injuries are not always noticeable but often produce symptoms that can be cause for concern.
If your dog is showing any signs of discomfort or problems that might be related to an injury, contact the local animal hospital or make an appointment with the veterinarian.
Bottom Line
As a pet parent who loves their dog, you will become comfortable with cleaning the gunk out of your dog’s eyes. It’s always best to do it as gently as possible and always use a clean washcloth or cotton ball.
Beware of some cotton balls that tend to shed when used. The small fabric strips get stuck on your dog’s eyelashes and can get trapped under the eyelid causing more irritation.
Soft washcloths are recommended instead.
Some pet owners have a weak stomach and can’t bring themselves to remove their dog’s eye boogers. This can be a challenge because it’s important to remove the boogers and bacteria before it causes an eye infection.
If you are a pet parent that loves your dog but you can’t clean their eye boogers, it’s important to ask for help. Ask a family member in the household to do it or a close friend that your dog knows well.
Groomers are also great support when it comes to your dog’s eye health. They remove the crunchy boogers and clean the fur to remove stains. Your pup will look fresh and new after a visit to the groomer.
Remove your dog’s eye boogers regularly for optimal eye health. Get started today with a soft damp cloth! Visit the PetStruggles homepage for more expert advice & information.
$$$$
