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Epiphora (Excessive Tearing) in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.02.2026

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Epiphora is a medical term that describes excessive tearing. In dogs, this can be triggered by a variety of causes, ranging from simple irritations to serious diseases.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

The lacrimal apparatus in dogs consists of the lacrimal glands, which produce tears, and the tear ducts, which drain the tears. An overproduction of tears or an obstructionobstruction refers to the blockage or narrowing of a hollow organ or canal, which hinders the normal flow of liquids or gases. In dogs and cats, an obstruction can occur in the digestive tract, airways, or urinary tract and often requires immediate medical treatment. in the drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing. system can lead to Epiphora. Tears have the function of moistening and cleaning the eye and protecting it from infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. However, an imbalanceImbalance refers to an imbalance or disruption of normal function or composition in the body, which can lead to health problems. here can lead to an excess of tear fluid.

One of the most common causes of Epiphora is a blockage or narrowing of the tear ducts. This can be congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. or caused by injuries, infections, or inflammatory conditions. Some dog breeds have a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. for such problems, especially those with short snouts or protruding eyes, such as pugs or bulldogs.

Allergic reactions are also common triggers for Epiphora. Pollen, dust, mold, or certain foods can cause allergic reactions that lead to eye irritation and increased tear flow. Environmental factors such as smoke or chemicals can also irritate the eyes.

Infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis, can also lead to increased tear flow. These infections can be bacterial, viralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases., or fungal. In addition, a foreign body in the eye, such as small particles or grass awns, can lead to irritation and increased tear flow.

In some cases, Epiphora can also be caused by more serious problems such as glaucoma or corneal ulcers. These conditions require immediate veterinary treatment as they can endanger the dog’s vision.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Redness of the eyes: A common accompaniment of Epiphora is redness of the eyes, which is caused by irritation of the conjunctiva or by inflammatory conditions.
Eyelid edemaAn edema is a buildup of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to Swelling. Edema can be localized or generalized and is often a sign of an underlying condition.: Swollen eyelids can be caused by an allergic reaction, an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., or an injury.
Glued eyelids: If the lacrimation is strong, the eyelids can stick together, especially after sleeping.
Clouding of the cornea: In severe or long-lasting cases of Epiphora, the cornea can become cloudy, which indicates possible damage.
Changes in behavior: Dogs that suffer from eye problems can show signs of discomfort, such as frequent blinking, rubbing their eyes with their paws, or general irritability.

When to visit the vet?

A veterinarian should be consulted if the tear flow occurs suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. discharge. This could indicate an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. or a foreign body in the eye that requires medical treatment.

If the dog shows signs of pain, such as frequent blinking, sensitivity to light, or rubbing of the eyes, a veterinary visit is advisable. These symptoms may indicate more serious problems such as glaucoma or a corneal ulcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions..

A chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time., persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. tear flow that does not respond to simple measures such as keeping the eyes clean should also be examined by a veterinarian to determine the exact cause and begin appropriate treatment.

Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures

It is important for the pet owner to observe the tear flow and possible accompanying symptoms. This includes monitoring the eyes for redness, swelling, or purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. discharge, as well as the dog’s behavior, such as frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes.

The veterinarian will first perform a thorough eye examination to determine the cause of the Epiphora. This may include the use of special dyes to make corneal ulcers visible, or flushing the tear ducts to identify blockages.

In addition, blood tests or allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. tests can be performed to rule out systemic causes or allergic reactions. In some cases, an X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. may be necessary to detect structural problems in the lacrimal apparatus.

The veterinarian will make a diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. based on the examination results and suggest a treatment plan. This may include administering antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops, removing foreign bodies, or, in severe cases, performing surgery.

What can pet owners do and professional therapy options

The pet owner can help relieve the tear flow by keeping the dog’s eyes clean and free of irritants. This includes regularly cleaning the eyes with a clean, damp cloth or a special eye cleaning solution for pets.

Removing allergens from the environment, such as dust, pollen, or smoke, can also help reduce symptoms. For known allergies, the veterinarian may prescribe antihistaminesAntihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine in the body, thereby alleviating allergic reactions. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Itching, Skin inflammation, and other allergy symptoms. or other medications to control the reaction.

It is important to check the dog’s eyes regularly and consult the veterinarian immediately if there are signs of deterioration or new symptoms. Early intervention can help avoid serious complications and improve the dog’s quality of life.

In cases where the tear flow is caused by a blockage of the tear ducts, gently massaging the area around the eyes can help promote drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing.. However, this should only be done after consulting a veterinarian to avoid injury.

Outlook on current research

Research into excessive tearing, also known as Epiphora, in dogs focuses on identifying the underlying mechanisms that lead to this symptom. Scientists are investigating the anatomical features of the nasolacrimal ducts, as these have a significant impact on tear drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing.. A common area of research is the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. of certain breeds that are more frequently affected by Epiphora due to their head shape and eye structure. Studies suggest that brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs are more susceptible to tear flow problems.

Another research focus is on the development of new diagnostic methods for accurately measuring tear production and tear drainageDrainage refers to the removal of fluid from body cavities, Wounds, or inflamed areas, often using a tube or other device. It is used to prevent infection and promote healing.. Modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT)Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. It enables a detailed view of bones, organs, and other structures and is used for the diagnosis of injuries, diseases, and for planning medical interventions. and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, and other organs. are used to gain detailed insights into the anatomical structure of the tear ducts. These techniques allow researchers to identify abnormalities or blockages in the tear ducts that may be contributing to increased tear flow.

In therapeutic research, more effective treatment approaches are being sought to alleviate the symptoms of Epiphora and improve the quality of life of affected dogs. Approaches that combine anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. and surgical interventions are promising. Newer studies are also investigating the use of minimally invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. techniques to remove blockages in the tear ducts. These interventions could represent a gentler alternative to traditional surgical methods in the future.

An emerging field of research is concerned with the influence of environmental factors on the development and worsening of Epiphora. Environmental stimuli such as allergens, dust and smoke are being investigated for their influence on tear production and the reaction of the eye. Researchers are working on developing preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and management strategies that aim to minimize these environmental factors in order to reduce the risk of increased tear flow.

Long-term studies aim to understand the effects of Epiphora on the overall health and well-being of dogs. ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. tear flow can lead to secondary problems such as skin irritation and infections, which underscores the need to recognize and treat the symptom early. Research in this area could lead to better preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and treatment protocols that minimize the risk of complications.

Frequently asked questions

What is Epiphora (excessive tearing) in dogs? Excessive tearing or Epiphora is a condition in which too many tears are produced or the tears cannot drain properly. This causes the tears to flow over the eyelids and lead to moist spots on the dog’s face.
Which breeds are most commonly affected by Epiphora? Breeds with short snouts, such as pugs, French bulldogs, and Pekingese, are more often affected by Epiphora due to their special head shape and eye structure. Dogs with long hair around their eyes, such as Cocker Spaniels, also frequently show symptoms.
How can I tell if my dog has Epiphora? Signs of Epiphora include constantly moist eyes, discoloration of the fur under the eyes, and skin irritation on the face. If you notice these symptoms, you should see a veterinarian to clarify the cause.
Can Epiphora lead to other health problems? Yes, untreated Epiphora can cause skin irritation, infections, and discoloration of the fur. In severe cases, chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. inflammatory conditions and ulcers can develop, requiring veterinary treatment.
What diagnostic methods are used for Epiphora? Veterinarians often use a combination of physical examination and imaging techniques such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. or CT scans to diagnose the cause of Epiphora. Sometimes tear production tests are also performed.
How is Epiphora treated in dogs? The treatment depends on the cause. It can range from simple measures such as regular cleaning of the eyes to medical treatments or surgical procedures to open blocked tear ducts.
Can home remedies help against Epiphora? Some home remedies, such as gently wiping the eyes with a warm, damp cloth, can help relieve the symptoms. However, it is important to have the underlying cause clarified by a veterinarian to ensure appropriate treatment.
Are there any preventive measures against Epiphora? Regularly caring for the eyes and controlling the environment for allergy-causing substances can help reduce the risk of Epiphora. Regular veterinary check-ups should be carried out for breeds with a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases..
Can Epiphora disappear on its own? Depending on the cause, Epiphora may be temporary, especially if it is caused by irritants or allergens. However, veterinary treatment is often necessary for anatomical or chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. causes.
Is Epiphora painful in dogs? Epiphora itself is usually not painful, but it can lead to secondary discomfort such as skin irritation and infections, which can be uncomfortable or painful for the dog.