You may have noticed your dog’s eyes look a bit crusty or runny from time to time. This usually happens after they have been sleeping for a long time, the same way our eyes can get a bit crusty after a long night’s sleep. However, sometimes this discharge, as it’s called, can be excessive.
Eye discharge is a common problem for most dogs, but Yorkshire Terriers seem to be especially prone to it. Most of the time it’s nothing to be concerned about, but sometimes it may be an indication that there is something wrong with your dog, like an eye infection. Continue reading to learn more…
What Causes Yorkie Eye Discharge?
Unusual Eyelashes
The main reason Yorkshire Terriers have more ocular discharge than other breeds is due to their unusual eyelashes. These eyelashes, also known as distichiae, actually grow from the duct of their eyes near the edge of their eyelids.
This unique position can lead to several eye problems, including everything from tearing to scarring, but excessive discharge is the most common.
Flat Face
Yorkies have relative flat faces compared to many other breeds. While not as flat as some others, like Pugs, this characteristic also leads to excess discharge, weird as it might sound. This is because dogs with flat faces tend to have eyes that bulge due to shallow eye sockets.
The more a dog’s eyes protrude from their sockets, the more susceptible they are to irritants.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye’s lining. It’s a common ailment for many breeds, usually caused by allergies. However, in the case of Yorkies, it is most likely going to be caused by their distichiae, which irritate the eye ducts.
Conjunctivitis can be recognized by the watery discharge it causes, which may also be accompanied by a yellowy-green mucus.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused when there is immense pressure in the eye. It causes the afflicted eye or eyes to swell and bulge, and it is incredibly painful.
What to Do About Yorkie Eye Discharge
The best way to treat and prevent ocular discharge is to frequently clean your Yorkie’s eyes with a clean, damp cloth. All you have to do is gently wipe away any buildup around their eyes. You’ll probably have to do this once or twice per day.
Keeping your dog’s eyes moist also helps. This is best achieved by not putting them in situations that will dry out their eyes – e.g., if your Yorkie likes to stick their head out the window while riding in your car, the wind will dry their eyes, so you shouldn’t let them do that.
When It’s Time to See a Vet
If your Yorkie’s eye discharge, whether it’s tears or mucus, persists for 48 hours or more, you should take them to a vet. Bear in mind, this does not mean a few times over a two-day period, rather a consistent discharge that continues to come back after being wiped away.
References:
FETCH. Discharge From a Dog’s Eye. Retrieved from https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-discharge-from-eye#1
Wikipedia. Distichia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distichia
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