Epiphora (Excessive Tearing) in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
ORANGE for eye pain (squinting), corneal clouding, purulent discharge, or visual disturbance. RED for acute severe pain or a foreign body/trauma.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
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:
- Allergic Reaction Disorder in Dogs (Hypersensitivity)
- Inherited Glaucoma in Dogs (Congenital Glaucoma)
- Aspergillus Fungal Infection in Dogs (Aspergillosis)
- Allergic Skin Inflammation in Dogs (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Stye or Chalazion in Dogs (Chalazion / Hordeolum)
- Chorioretin Inflammation in Dogs (Chorioretinitis)
- Abnormal Eyelash Growth in Dogs (Distichiasis / Ectopic Cilia / Trichiasis)
- Drooping Lower Eyelid in Dogs (Ectropion)
- Inward Rolling Eyelid in Dogs (Entropion)
- High Eye Pressure in Dogs (Glaucoma)
- Blood in the Front Chamber of the Eye in Dogs (Hyphema)
- Pus in the Front Chamber of the Eye in Dogs (Hypopyon)
- Inflammation Between the Air Sacs of the Lungs in Dogs (Interstitial Pneumonia)
- Pigmentary Keratitis Inflammation in Dogs (Keratitis Pigmentosa)
- Pink Eye Inflammation in Dogs (Conjunctivitis)
- Corneal Surface Damage in Dogs (Corneal Erosions)
- Hairy Corneal Skin Island in Dogs (Corneal Dermoid)
- Lens Luxation in Dogs (Lens Luxation / Luxatio Lentis)
- Abnormally Large Eyelid Opening in Dogs (Macroblepharon)
- Corneal Inflammation Without an Ulcer in Dogs (Non-Ulcerative Keratitis)
- Neonatal Conjunctivitis Inflammation in Dogs (Ophthalmia Neonatorum)
- Protrusion of the Eyeball in Dogs (Proptosis)
- Rhinitis and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs (Rhinitis and Sinusitis)
- Corneal Ulcer in Dogs (Ulcerative Keratitis / Corneal Ulcer)
- Anterior Uve Inflammation in Dogs (Anterior Uveitis)
- Autoimmune Eye and Skin Disease in Dogs (Uveodermatologic Syndrome)
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 obstruction in the drainage system can lead to Epiphora. Tears have the function of moistening and cleaning the eye and protecting it from infection. However, an imbalance 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 congenital or caused by injuries, infections, or inflammatory conditions. Some dog breeds have a genetic predisposition 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, viral, 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
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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.
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Eyelid edema: Swollen eyelids can be caused by an allergic reaction, an infection, or an injury.
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Glued eyelids: If the lacrimation is strong, the eyelids can stick together, especially after sleeping.
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Clouding of the cornea: In severe or long-lasting cases of Epiphora, the cornea can become cloudy, which indicates possible damage.
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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 see a vet?
A veterinarian should be consulted if the tear flow occurs suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or purulent discharge. This could indicate an infection 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 ulcer.
A chronic, persistent 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 the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure
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 purulent 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 allergy tests can be performed to rule out systemic causes or allergic reactions. In some cases, an X-ray or ultrasound may be necessary to detect structural problems in the lacrimal apparatus.
The veterinarian will make a diagnosis 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 the pet owner can 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 antihistamines 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 drainage. 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 drainage. A common area of research is the genetic predisposition 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 drainage. Modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 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 drugs and surgical interventions are promising. Newer studies are also investigating the use of minimally invasive 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 prevention 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. Chronic 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 prevention and treatment protocols that minimize the risk of complications.