Is it OK to pick your dog’s eye boogers?

It’s natural to want to keep your dog healthy and clean, but when it comes to picking their eye boogers, it’s not always clear what the right answer is. Eye boogers, commonly known as “eye gunk” or “eye discharge”, are a normal part of a pet’s eye care routine, but if not done correctly, it can cause more harm than good. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of picking your dog’s eye boogers, as well as the best practices to follow.

Understanding Your Dog’s Eye Boogers

The sight of your beloved pup with eye boogers can be concerning, but many times it is perfectly normal. Also known as epiphora or rheum, eye boogers in dogs are just debris and mucus that has accumulated in the corners of their eyes and is dried up. They are usually a combination of mucus, dirt, dust, and other debris.

What Causes Eye Boogers in Dogs?

Eye boogers can be caused by many things. Most commonly, eye boogers in dogs are caused by allergies, eye infections, from rubbing their eyes, or from the tear ducts not draining. Allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold can cause inflammation and irritation, which can lead to the production of excess mucus and tears. The tears then accumulate at the corner of the eye and dry up, leaving behind eye boogers.

Other causes of eye boogers can include dry eye, foreign bodies, or tear duct obstruction. Tear duct obstruction usually occurs when the ducts become blocked and the tears can’t drain properly. Dry eye is caused when the tear ducts don’t produce enough tears, causing havoc in the eyes and leading to the accumulation of debris and mucus. Foreign bodies can get stuck in the eye and cause irritation, which can lead to the formation of eye boogers.

Is it OK to Pick Your Dog’s Eye Boogers?

In most cases, it is not necessary to pick your dog’s eye boogers. Most of the time, the eye boogers will naturally clear up on their own. However, if the eye boogers are accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge, or other signs of distress, then it is best to take your pup to the vet as soon as possible. It could be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection or allergy.

If your dog’s eye boogers are not causing any distress, then it is generally safe to gently wipe away the debris with a clean, damp cloth. Be careful not to agitate the eye, as it can cause further irritation. If the eye boogers are particularly stubborn, then you can use a warm compress to loosen them up before wiping them away.

Preventing Eye Boogers in Dogs

The best way to prevent eye boogers in dogs is to keep their eyes clean, healthy, and free from irritants. Make sure to wipe away any dirt or debris from around the eyes regularly, and keep the area clean and dry. If your pup is prone to allergies, then try to keep them away from allergens as much as possible. Additionally, make sure that your pup is getting enough omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients in their diet, as these can help to reduce inflammation and keep the eyes healthy and strong.

Finally, if your dog is showing any signs of distress or discomfort, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet. Eye boogers can be an indication of something more serious and should be looked at by a professional as soon as possible.

**Common Myths about Picking Dog’s Eye Boogers**

Myth 1: Picking Dog’s Eye Boogers is Good for the Dog’s Health – This is not true. Picking a dog’s eye boogers can actually cause further irritation and inflammation of the eye, leading to more discomfort and potential infections.

Myth 2: Picking Dog’s Eye Boogers is Necessary – This is also untrue. Dogs can clean themselves by rubbing their eyes with their paws, which is a natural and safe way to remove any excess debris.

Myth 3: Picking Dog’s Eye Boogers is Painless – This is false. Dogs can experience discomfort and pain when their eye boogers are removed manually. It is best to avoid picking your dog’s eye boogers and let them do it themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to pick your dog’s eye boogers?

No, it is not recommended to pick your dog’s eye boogers. Dogs have very sensitive eyes and picking their eye boogers can cause irritation, infection, and even physical damage to their eyes. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian for the best way to clean your dog’s eyes.

What should I do if my dog has eye boogers?

If your dog has eye boogers, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for the best way to clean your dog’s eyes. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend using an eye cleaning solution or wiping the area gently with a warm, damp cloth. Your veterinarian may also recommend other treatments depending on the underlying cause of the eye boogers.

Conclusion

Eye boogers in dogs are usually just a combination of mucus, dirt, and dust, and can be caused by allergies, eye infections, dry eye, foreign bodies, or tear duct obstruction. It is usually not necessary to pick your dog’s eye boogers, but if they are accompanied by signs of distress, it is best to take them to the vet. To prevent eye boogers, keep the area around the eyes clean and free from irritants, and make sure your pup is getting enough nutrients in their diet. If your pup is showing any signs of distress, take them to the vet as soon as possible.