Why Has My Dog’s Eye Discharge Suddenly Increased?
A little clear morning crust is normal, but a sudden jump in amount — especially yellow-green, sticky, or one-sided discharge — signals irritation or infection.
Every dog wakes up with a bit of crust in the inner corner of the eye — tears collect dust overnight and dry out. What matters is change: more discharge than usual, a new color, or a dog that squints and paws at the eye. Those shifts separate housekeeping from a medical problem.
Color and pattern are the first clues
Clear, watery discharge in both eyes often follows dust, wind, or allergy season, while thick yellow-green discharge suggests bacterial conjunctivitis and a one-sided pattern raises the chance of a foreign body or a blocked tear duct. Baseline discharge also differs between individuals — flat-faced and long-haired breeds normally produce more.
Wipe the eye area with saline-moistened gauze from the inner corner outward, and skip human eye drops — some ingredients are unsuitable for dogs. If heavy discharge lasts beyond a day or two, or comes with squinting, redness, or a cloudy cornea, book a veterinary exam; eye problems in dogs can escalate quickly.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.