Tears play a vital role in lubricating the eyes and are composed of three essential layers: mucus, water, and lipids (oils). Under normal conditions, excess tears are drained through the tear ducts located at the inner corners of the eyes, which lead to the nasal passages and throat. A healthy eye maintains a perfect balance between tear production and drainage. However, when this balance is disrupted—resulting in excessive tearing—it may indicate an underlying issue. We recommend bringing your pet to see a veterinarian for a comprehensive eye examination to ensure their ocular health is maintained.

Abnormal Signs to Watch For

• Persistent wetness along the tear tracks.
• Brown or reddish-brown fur staining (most visible in light-colored pets).
• Damp or musty odors from the eye area.
• Secondary skin inflammation or infection.
• Squinting, redness, or frequent pawing and rubbing at the eyes.

Epiphora is a clinical sign, not a disease itself. It indicates an underlying problem categorized into two main causes

1. Ocular Irritation and Inflammation 

When foreign objects or irritants enter the eye, the body’s natural defense is to produce excess tears to flush them out. Signs of discomfort include rubbing the face against furniture or pawing at the eyes.

Causes : Infections, dust, glaucoma, ingrown eyelashes (distichiasis), or Entropion (inward rolling eyelids). Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are particularly prone to facial hair irritating the cornea.

Risk : Untreated irritation can lead to corneal ulcers, severe infection, and potential vision loss. A thorough examination with specialized ophthalmic tools is essential to pinpoint the cause.

2. Abnormal Tear Drainage 

If there is no irritation, the issue may lie within the drainage system. Tears normally drain through small openings (puncta) at the inner corners of the eyes, leading to the nose and throat.

Structural Causes : In flat-faced breeds, shallow eye sockets and large eye openings leave little room to hold tears, causing them to spill over naturally. This is often a permanent structural trait.

Obstruction : Conditions like Entropion can physically block the tear flow to the duct while simultaneously causing irritation from hair.

Treatment : The goal is to treat the root cause. For example, surgical correction is required for Entropion to restore both comfort and proper drainage.

Comprehensive Diagnosis for Excessive Tearing

To identify the root cause of excessive tearing, a detailed patient history is essential—including age, gender, breed, lifestyle, diet, and any pre-existing conditions. For brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, food allergies to preservatives or artificial colors can often trigger increased tear production. Other contributors include viral/bacterial infections, ectopic cilia (ingrown lashes), and entropion (inward-rolling eyelids). A professional ophthalmic examination using specialized equipment is crucial. Key diagnostic steps include

• Schirmer Tear Test (STT) : Measures tear production over one minute. The normal range is 15–25 mm. A result exceeding 25 mm indicates excessive production.
• Fluorescein Staining: Used to detect corneal ulcers, which cause pain and increased tearing.
• Jones Test : A fluorescein dye is dropped into the eye to observe if it drains through the nose within 1–2 minutes; a lack of drainage suggests a tear duct obstruction.
• Tonometry : Measures intraocular pressure to diagnose glaucoma or uveitis (internal eye inflammation).
• Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy : A specialized microscope used to examine the internal and external structures of the eye in high detail.
• CT Scan with Contrast : Used to visualize tear duct blockages and identify issues in surrounding areas, such as nasal tumors or chronic sinusitis.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Excessive Tearing

Addressing the root cause is the most effective way to resolve excessive tearing. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment methods may include

• Nasolacrimal Flushing : This procedure involves inserting a blunt cannula into the tear duct to flush it with sterile saline. If the duct is clear, the saline should exit through the nose or be swallowed. This technique is used to both diagnose and clear obstructions, as well as identify congenital absences of the tear duct. Chronic inflammation can often lead to tissue scarring and duct narrowing, resulting in persistent tearing.
• Ophthalmic Medications : Anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed to reduce irritation, while antibiotic drops are used for pets with infections in the eye or tear duct system.
• Surgical Intervention : Surgery may be required to clear obstructions or widen narrow ducts. In cases where tumors are compressing the tear duct, surgical removal of the mass is necessary to restore proper drainage.

Excessive tearing can stem from numerous causes, each requiring a different medical approach. If your pet exhibits abnormal tearing, we highly recommend consulting an ophthalmology specialist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.