Inflammation or infection, within the eye or lacrimal duct, may lead to swelling that blocks the duct. Obstruction may also be caused by tumors that develop along the duct, or by foreign material lodged within the lacrimal duct.
Table of Contents
How do you unblock a dog’s tear duct?
The eyelid is pulled out and a small catheter, or cannula, is inserted into the entrance to the tear duct. Sterile solution is injected with a syringe through the tear duct, gently, under very low pressure. Material and mucous is usually flushed out this way and removed or cleared so as not to contaminate the eye area.
Will a blocked tear duct fix itself?
Blocked tear ducts can resolve on their own, but your doctor may recommend massaging the tear duct to help it open. You can massage the outside of your child’s nose (from the eye to the corner of the nose) with a clean index finger.
How do you massage a dog’s tear duct?

What does a dogs blocked tear duct look like?
Signs of blocked tear ducts One of the main symptoms of blocked tear ducts in dogs is epiphora, but in addition to wetness around the eyes, you may also notice that your dog’s eye has brown discharge or reddish-brown tear stains, according to petMD.
Is a blocked tear duct painful?
When the drainage system becomes blocked, this can cause pain, interfere with vision, and increase the risk of infection. The symptoms of a blocked tear duct can be bothersome, but effective treatments are available to remove the blockage.
How do you unblock a tear duct at home?
Place a clean index finger between the inner corner of the eye and the side of the nose. Gently slide the index finger downwards while massaging the side of the nose. You can repeat it around 10 times in the morning and 10 times at night. You may also use warm compresses to relieve itching and irritation.
How can I treat my dogs eye infection without going to the vet?
Saline Solution Trim long hair around the eyes. You’ll also need to wash the area multiple times per day. Make a saline solution using 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Dip a gauze pad or clean cloth in the solution, and wipe the eye area starting from the snout (corner of eye) outward, toward the ear.
Can I use Vaseline on my dogs eyes?
Train your dog to accept your use of a clipper designed for this purpose or enlist the help of your veterinarianโโbetter yet, get thee to a professional groomer. 3. Use a dab of vaseline in the area that accumulates the most tears. This may keep it from staining the hair.
What happens if a blocked tear duct goes untreated?
Untreated blocked tear ducts could result in cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can spread around the body and cause painful lumps underneath the skin. Blocked tear ducts stop tears from draining properly, making them accumulate in your eyes and causing irritation and infection.
How long does blocked tear duct last?
Most blocked tear ducts heal on their own. This often happens by the time your child is 1 year old. If the duct is still blocked after your child is 1 year old, he or she may need treatment.
What are the symptoms of a blocked tear duct?
- Excessive tearing.
- Redness of the white part of the eye.
- Recurrent eye infection or inflammation (pink eye)
- Painful swelling near the inside corner of the eye.
- Crusting of the eyelids.
- Mucus or pus discharge from the lids and surface of the eye.
- Blurred vision.
Can you use human eye drops on dogs?
Never Use Human Medications for Dogs Importantly, medication for humans, including eye drops, are generally not the same for dogs. You should never treat your dog using human medication without consulting a pet care specialist first. Using the wrong eye drops could cause significant pain, damage and blindness.
Where do you massage a clogged tear duct?
Place the tip of your index finger against the side of the child’s nose, next to the affected eye (Picture 2). Press firmly and move your index finger in short downward strokes 3 to 5 times. Repeat these steps 3 times a day: morning, noon and night.
What ingredient in dog food causes tear stains?
Be attentive to additives/preservatives, red meat and excess carbs in your pet’s food. These often tend to cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in tear stains. A fresh, well-balanced diet is best in pet’s who suffer from tear staining!
How do you get rid of dog eye boogers?
First, moisten the cotton ball with saline, and then hold it on your dog’s eyelids for a few moments to soften the crusts. Once they’re soft, use the cotton ball to gently wipe the crust away.
What eye drops can you use on a dog?
Genteal Gel, Refresh tears, and Tears Naturale are all good choices. You can flush the eye with the eye wash and then wipe the eye with a soft cloth. If you are using artificial tears, apply 3 โ 4 drops in each eye and allow your pet to blink.
Is a blocked tear duct contagious?
Most blocked tear ducts won’t require a trip to a health care provider and are not contagious. Blocked tear ducts are especially common in babies with duct abnormalities that will resolve themselves over time.
What does conjunctivitis look like in a dog’s eye?
The most common clinical signs of conjunctivitis include discharge from the eyes (cloudy, yellow, or greenish), squinting or excessive blinking, and redness or swelling around the eyes. Conjunctivitis often involves both eyes, but only one eye may be affected in certain conditions.
Can a dog’s eye infection go away on its own?
Your dog’s eye infection won’t go away on its own, nor can you treat it from home. Untreated eye infections can spread into both eyes and even cause blindness. In very rare cases, a dog may require surgery for an eye infection.
When should I be concerned about my dogs eye discharge?
If your dog has colored green eye discharge, yellow eye discharge or another colored eye discharge, schedule a vet appointment immediately. Other signs of a potential problem include squinting, a red-looking eye, or if your dog is rubbing or pawing at his eye.
Can I use baby wipes to wipe my dogs eyes?
To sum it up quickly, No. You shouldn’t use baby wipes or other human wet wipes on puppies or dogs. While they aren’t likely to seriously harm your canine friend, they aren’t the best solution for day-to-day cleaning, either.
Is it OK to use Sudocrem on dogs?
Sudocrem. This can be used in dogs and cats in small amounts. Sudocrem contains zinc-oxide which is highly toxic to birds. Zinc-oxide is also toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities, but applying a thin layer of sudocrem to sore or irritated skin is generally safe and can be beneficial.
What do vets put on dogs eyes?
The eye lubricant is to protect the cornea (front part of the eye) from becoming dry and irritated and to protect developing an ulcer (scratch or abrasion). Generally a product made specifically to lubricate the eyes is used, as apposed to Vaseline, though vaseline would not be harmful. thanks for asking PetCoach!
Can a blocked tear duct cause blurry vision?
The most common symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (blocked tear ducts) are excessive tearing, recurring conjunctivitis, recurring eye infections, swelling and tenderness near the corner of the eye, discharge and blurry vision.