Is This Normal? Finder · Skin, ears and eyes

My puppy has goopy eyes. Should I worry?

By Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM

The short answer

Clear, watery tearing that clears up on its own is usually fine. Thick yellow or green discharge, a red or cloudy eye, or squinting that won't stop is a call today. An eye injury or a painful, shut eye means go now. Skip old eye drops, since some can make a scratched eye much worse.

Why it happens

Eyes react fast to dust, wind and infection. Some eye problems hurt far more than a puppy shows, and a scratch on the eye can look like nothing more than a squint.

Which door?

CALL TODAYThe discharge is thick, yellow or green.
GO NOWHe's squinting hard, the eye looks hurt, or something's in it.

Usually normal

Clear tearing after a nap or on a windy day that clears up

When to call

Tick what fits and see which door you're at.

CALL TODAYThick, yellow or green discharge, or a red or cloudy eye
CALL TODAYSquinting that won't stop, or a wet streak under one eye all the time
GO NOWAn eye injury, something in the eye, or holding it shut and pawing at it

Your door: WATCHWATCH

Nothing ticked and he's bright, playful, eating and drinking? Keep an eye on him, jot down what you see, and call in the daytime if it doesn't settle.

Under 16 weeks, a toy breed, or not done with his shots? Move everything one door closer to GO NOW.

GO NOW means: Head to your vet, if they're open and can see him right away, or to the nearest emergency clinic. Call on the way so they're ready for you.

Not sure which door you're at? That's a call. Call your vet.

Worried right now? Check the Three Doors list, from most urgent down, and stop at the first door that fits.

Is this an emergency?

General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.