Watery Eyes in Dogs (Epiphora): Causes, Treatment, and When to Worry

What Are Watery Eyes in Dogs?

Watery eyes in dogs (epiphora) occur when tears are produced in excess or are not draining properly, leading to visible moisture around the eyes.

This moisture can lead to a red-brown staining of the fur, especially in dogs with lighter-colored coats. The staining is caused by a pigment in tears called porphyrin.

Normal tear production is essential for keeping the eyes lubricated and healthy. Tears are continuously produced and drained through tear ducts located in the inner corners of the eyes near the nose.

When the eyes are irritated by dust, hair, pollen, or other environmental triggers, tear production increases to help flush out debris.

Watery eyes are very common in dogs and may be caused by irritation, abnormal tear drainage, or normal breed characteristics.

However, seek veterinary care if the discharge becomes yellow or green, or if your dog is squinting, as this may indicate infection or injury.

Symptoms of Watery Eyes in Dogs

A common symptom of watery eyes in dogs is excessive tear production that causes visible moisture around the eyes.

Additional signs may include:

• Reddish-brown staining of the fur under the eyes
• Dampness or wetness around the eye area
• Glassy or overly shiny eyes
• Rubbing or pawing at the eyes

These symptoms may be mild or more noticeable depending on the underlying cause.

Why Does My Dog Only Have One Watery Eye?

Watery eyes in dogs can affect one or both eyes, but involvement of a single eye often points to a localized issue.

Common causes include:

• Localized irritation, such as an ingrown hair or eyelash rubbing against the eye
• Nasolacrimal duct blockage, where the tear drainage system is obstructed on one side

In some cases, more serious conditions may be involved. For example, green or yellow discharge combined with squinting can indicate a corneal ulcer, which is a painful eye injury.

If your dog has discharge from only one eye that is not clear or watery—or if it is accompanied by pain, squinting, or redness—seek veterinary care immediately.

Causes of Watery Eyes in Dogs

Watery eyes in dogs (epiphora) are typically caused by eye irritation, abnormal tear drainage, or breed-related factors.

Causes of Eye Irritation

Many conditions can cause acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) irritation, leading to increased tear production:

• Allergies: Environmental irritants such as pollen or dust
• Eyelash abnormalities:
  • Ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis)
  • Extra eyelashes from abnormal locations (distichiasis)
  • Eyelashes growing inside the eyelid (ectopic cilia)
• Eyelid abnormalities:
  • Inward rolling eyelids (entropion)
  • Outward rolling eyelids (ectropion)
• Prolapsed third eyelid (“cherry eye”)
• Small eyelid masses that rub against the eye
• Viral infections
• Glaucoma, which increases pressure within the eye

Causes of Abnormal Tear Drainage

Watery eyes can also occur when tears are not able to drain properly through the normal tear duct system.

Common causes include:

• Shallow eye sockets: Seen in breeds with prominent eyes, causing tears to overflow
• Blocked nasolacrimal duct: Due to debris, inflammation, or infection
• Imperforate puncta: A congenital condition where the tear duct opening does not form properly (more common in Cocker Spaniels)

When drainage is impaired, tears build up and spill over from the eyes.

Breed-Related Causes

In some dogs, watery eyes are normal due to genetics, even without disease.

Breeds more commonly affected include:

• Poodles
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese

How Veterinarians Diagnose Watery Eyes in Dogs

Veterinarians diagnose watery eyes in dogs through a physical eye exam and targeted diagnostic tests.

During the exam, your veterinarian will evaluate the eye and surrounding structures to look for irritation, infection, or structural abnormalities.

Common diagnostic tests include:

• Schirmer tear test: Measures tear production by placing a small absorbent strip inside the lower eyelid for about one minute.
• Fluorescein stain test: A special dye is applied to the eye to detect scratches or ulcers on the cornea.
• Tonometry: A painless test that uses a handheld probe to measure pressure inside the eye and check for conditions such as glaucoma.

Treatment of Watery Eyes in Dogs

Treatment of watery eyes in dogs depends on the underlying cause.

If the tearing is due to irritation—such as allergies from pollen or environmental factors—your veterinarian may recommend:

• Over-the-counter antihistamines
• Prescription medications like Apoquel® or Cytopoint®
• Artificial tear drops to help flush irritants from the eyes

When structural abnormalities are present, treatment may involve surgery. Common conditions that may require correction include:

• Ingrown eyelashes
• Eyelid abnormalities (such as entropion or ectropion)
• Eyelid masses

In some cases, treatment is not necessary. Dogs with naturally prominent eyes or breed-related tearing may simply produce more tears without underlying disease.

For these dogs, routine care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Gently cleaning the eye area with products such as Optixcare® Eye Cleaning Wipes, Angels’ Eyes® Tear Stain Wipes, or Douxo® Antiseptic Antifungal Wipes can help remove debris and reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections. 

Recovery and Management of Watery Eyes in Dogs

The recovery and long-term management of watery eyes in dogs depend on the underlying cause.

Some conditions—such as eyelid or eyelash abnormalities—can be corrected with surgery, often resulting in a good prognosis and resolution of symptoms.

Other causes, like allergies, are not curable but can be managed long term.

For dogs with breed-related watery eyes and no abnormalities in tear drainage, treatment focuses on management rather than cure. These dogs will continue to produce excess tears, so the goal is to prevent skin irritation and secondary infections.

Always avoid getting any cleaning products directly into your dog’s eyes. Clean only the skin beneath the eyes where tears accumulate.