Are you wondering why does my chihuahua eyes water? It’s well-known that chihuahuas have feelings comparable to those of humans. They can be sad, angry, happy, and afraid. As pet owners, we understand enough about their body language and psychology to know that they have a wide range of emotions, much like humans.
Is it possible for a chihuahua to cry? Have you ever seen your chihuahua with teary eyes? Like other small breed dogs, Chihuahuas are prone to a variety of health issues. Some of these health issues can cause a chihuahua’s eyes to water. This article will discuss some of the potential causes of why your chihuahua’s eyes may be watering and what you can do about it.
Symptoms of Chihuahua Eyes Water
You may notice a few symptoms if your chihuahua’s eyes are watering. Chihuahuas who have recurrent eyes water may have tears stains or discolored eyes on their fur beneath the eyes. Below are some symptoms you can check for if you think your chihuahua’s eyes may be watering:
➤More Boogers Than Usual
If you notice your chihuahua has an abnormal amount of boogers, this could be a sign that their eyes are watering. Boogers are mucus and debris that can accumulate in the corners of the eyes and may cause tearing.
➤Watery or Teary Eyes
It is the most common symptom associated with chihuahua eyes water. If you notice that your chihuahua’s eyes are watery or teary, it could be a sign that they’re in pain or experiencing allergies.
➤Red, Swollen, or Itchy Eyes
If your chihuahua’s eyes are red, swollen, or itchy, this could be a sign of an infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your chihuahua to the vet as soon as possible.
➤Excess Blinking
If your chihuahua is blinking more than usual, it could be a sign that its eyes are watering. Excess blinking can also be a sign of an allergy or infection.
➤Eye Pawing
If you notice your chihuahua pawing at its eyes, this could be a sign that they’re itchy or irritated.
➤Discomfort, Pain, and Irritation
If your chihuahua is experiencing discomfort, pain, or irritation in its eyes, this could be a sign of an infection. Your chihuahua might also rub its eyes if they’re itchy or watery.
Check for the signs mentioned above, as it may help determine why your chihuahua’s eyes water. However, if you’re unsure why your chihuahua’s eyes are watering, the best course of action is to take them to the vet.
Potential Causes of Chihuahua Eyes Water
Tears have a variety of purposes in humans and dog breeds like the Chihuahua. They remove dirt from the eyes, dislodge eyelashes, and keep the eyes moisturized. In addition, tears contain enzymes that fight bacteria.
However, if your chihuahua’s eyes water excessively, it could be a sign of a health issue. Some potential causes of why your chihuahua’s eyes water include:
📌Allergies
Chihuahua eyes water is most often caused by exposure to common allergens, including weed, plant, and tree pollen. If your chihuahua’s eyes water seasonally, it’s likely due to allergies.
You can try giving your chihuahua antihistamine, chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine, and clemastine to combat seasonal allergies. It is often prescribed by a veterinarian to treat minor allergies. If your chihuahua’s eyes water year-round, you’ll need to identify the allergen and take steps to remove it from your chihuahua’s environment.
Irritation
Long-coat Chihuahuas have a common issue with overgrown furs around the eyes. When the furs are too long, they can irritate the eyes and cause tearing. Groom your chihuahua regularly to prevent this issue. Chihuahuas with short and long hair are susceptible to foreign particle exposure, such as stray fur, grass awns, and splinters which can cause eye irritation.
📌Reflex Tearing
The third eyelid is a membrane in the corner of a chihuahua’s eye that contains a tear gland. When this gland becomes irritated, it can cause reflex tearing. When the eyes water in response to irritants such as dust, smoke, or a foreign object in the eye.
As a result, if your Chihuahua were snuffling around, playing outside, or just going about their normal routine, they would have come into contact with the fur, dust, and other substances. It’s important to regularly clean your chihuahua’s eyes with a dog-safe cleanser to prevent reflex tearing.
📌Unfiltered Water
Chlorine and other chemicals in tap water can cause your chihuahua’s eyes to water. Even the water your Chihuahua consumes can cause their tear ducts to become irritated. To prevent this, give your chihuahua filtered or distilled water to drink and avoid letting them swim in chlorinated pools or ponds. Unfiltered tap water typically contains chlorine, fluoride, iron, lead, and other contaminants. Instead of giving your chihuahua unfiltered water, invest in a water filter for their bowl or buy distilled water from the store.
📌Poor Diet
A poor diet is one of the leading causes of chihuahua eyes water. Chihuahuas need a well-balanced diet with all the nutrients required to stay healthy. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to various health problems, including tear duct irritation. If your chihuahua’s eyes water frequently, take a look at their diet and ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
📌Emotional issues and Stress
Chihuahuas are emotional creatures and are prone to stress and anxiety. If your chihuahua’s eyes water frequently, it could be a sign that they’re stressed or suffering from separation anxiety. To reduce stress and anxiety in your chihuahua, try training them with positive reinforcement, providing them with plenty of exercises, and giving them a safe place to retreat when they feel overwhelmed.
Health-Related Issues of Chihuahua Eyes Water
If the common causes mentioned above don’t explain why your chihuahua’s eyes water, it could be due to a health issue. Some health issues that can cause tearing in chihuahuas include:
❗Epiphora
This condition is just a fancy way of saying “watery eyes.” It’s prevalent in dogs, and since Chihuahuas have wide eyes, they’re particularly prone to it. Epiphora is usually caused by an infection or inflammation in the tear ducts.
It may range from mild to severe. Some symptoms of epiphora include tearing, red, irritated eyes, crusting around the eyes, and squinting.
If your chihuahua is showing any of these symptoms, take them to the vet for an examination. The vet will likely prescribe antibiotics or other medication to clear up the infection. Don’t worry too much, since it is only a mild condition.
❗Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness. It’s caused by increased pressure in the eye, which damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma can be hereditary or acquired through injury.
Some symptoms of glaucoma include tearing, red eyes, squinting, cloudy eyes, and bulging eyes. If your chihuahua shows any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. Glaucoma is a severe condition and needs to be treated by a professional.
❗Congenital Health Issues
Some chihuahuas are born with congenital health issues that can cause their eyes to water. These health issues can range from mild to severe and may require surgery. Some examples of congenital health issues that can cause tearing in chihuahuas include cataracts, glaucoma, as mentioned recently, dislocated lenses, retinal dysplasia, and corneal dystrophy.
- Cataracts are a common congenital health issue in chihuahuas. They’re caused by opacity in the eye lens, which leads to decreased vision. If your chihuahua has cataracts, they may require surgery to remove them.
- Dislocated lenses occur when the lens of the eye moves out of place. It can be caused by an injury or a congenital health issue. If your chihuahua has a dislocated lens, it may require surgery to correct it.
- Retinal dysplasia is a condition where the retina doesn’t develop properly. It can lead to vision problems and may eventually cause blindness. If your chihuahua has retinal dysplasia, it may require surgery to correct it.
- Corneal dystrophy is a condition where the cornea becomes cloudy. It can lead to decreased vision and may eventually cause blindness. If your chihuahua has corneal dystrophy, it may require surgery to correct it.
❗Health and Injuries Conditions
Many health and injuries conditions can cause tearing in chihuahuas. Some examples include conjunctivitis, dry eye, foreign bodies in the eye, and Injury to the eye.
- Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common condition that can cause tearing in chihuahuas. It’s caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue that covers the eye. An infection or allergies usually cause conjunctivitis. If your chihuahua has conjunctivitis, it may require medication to clear the infection.
- A dry eye is a condition where the eyes don’t produce enough tears. It can be caused by an injury, disease, or congenital health issue. If your chihuahua has dry eyes, they may require artificial tears to help lubricate their eyes.
- Foreign bodies in the eye, such as dirt or sand, can cause tearing in chihuahuas. If you suspect that your chihuahua has a foreign body in its eye, take them to the vet for an examination. The vet will likely flush the foreign body out of the eye with saline solution.
- Injury to the eye can also cause tearing in chihuahuas. If your chihuahua has an injury to its eye, take them to the vet for an examination. The vet will likely prescribe medication to help heal the injury.
❗Ectropion and Entropion
Ectropion is a condition where the eyelid turns outwards. On the other hand, entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inwards. These conditions can cause tearing in chihuahuas because they irritate the eye. If your chihuahua has ectropion or entropion, it may require surgery and proper medication to cure it.
❗Cherry eye
It is another condition that can cause chihuahua eyes water. It’s caused by the prolapse of the third eyelid, which is a small, triangular piece of tissue in the corner of the eye. Cherry eye can be painful, and it may require surgery to correct it.
❗Tear Duct Obstruction
The tear ducts are the channels that drain tears from the eye. Tear duct obstruction is a condition where the tear ducts become blocked, which can cause tears to overflow from the eye. The tear ducts become blocked when the tears can’t drain properly, causing the eyes to water. An infection or inflammation usually causes a blocked tear ducts in tear ducts.
If your chihuahua has a tear duct obstruction, it may require surgery to clear the blockage. Since the tear ducts may need to be removed, your chihuahua may require artificial tears to help lubricate its eyes.
❗Dental Problems
Dental problems are another common cause of tearing in chihuahuas. When the teeth are not properly aligned, it can put pressure on the tear ducts and cause them to become blocked. If your chihuahua has dental problems, it may require surgery to correct the alignment of its teeth.
As you can see, many conditions can cause tearing in chihuahuas. If your chihuahua’s eyes water, it’s essential to take them to the vet for an examination. The vet will be able to determine the underlying cause and prescribe the proper treatment.
How to Treat Chihuahua Eyes Water At Home
The underlying cause determines the treatment for chihuahua eyes water. As you can see, there are many various reasons. If a blockage prevents your Chihuahua’s eyes from draining, flushing them may remove tear stains. If allergies are to blame, steroids or antihistamines might help.
Antiviral or antibiotic medicine is advised if the tears cause conjunctivitis. However, surgery can be your last resort for the more severe cases mentioned above. But you can do some things at home to help ease your Chihuahua’s discomfort.
✔️Clean and Dry Their Eyes
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe any discharge from your Chihuahua’s eyes. Be sure to use a different cloth corner for each eye to avoid spreading bacteria or viruses. You should also dry their eyes after wiping them.
Make sure you wash your hands before and after cleaning their eyes. You don’t want to spread any infection. It is also important not to use bare fingers to wipe their eyes. Use a cotton ball or pad to avoid scratching your Chihuahua’s eye.
If your Chihuahua has long hair, you should also trim the hair around its eyes. It will help keep their eyes clean and dry.
✔️Use a Clean Collar
If your Chihuahua has long hair, use a clean collar. It will help prevent their fur from getting stained with tears. You should also trim the fur around their eyes so that it doesn’t get in the way when you’re cleaning their eyes.
✔️Use Tear Stain Wipes
If water alone isn’t enough to remove the eyes watering, you can try using tear stain wipes. These are designed to remove tough stains from your dog’s fur.
Read the instructions on the package before using them. Some brands may require you to rinse your dog’s fur after using the wipes.
✔️Bath Them Regularly
Bathing your Chihuahua regularly will help keep their fur clean and free of tear stains. You should use a mild dog shampoo so that you don’t irritate their skin.
✔️Give Them Eye Drops
If your Chihuahua’s eyes are dry, you can try using artificial tears. These drops can help lubricate their eyes and reduce tearing. Follow the instructions on the package when using them. You don’t want to use too much or too little.
You can ask recommendation from your veterinarian on what kind of artificial tears to use. They can also show you how to apply the drops to your Chihuahua’s eyes properly.
✔️Maintain Face and Eye Hygiene
One of the best ways to prevent tearing is to practice good face and eye hygiene. It means keeping your Chihuahua’s face and eyes clean. You should wipe their face with a damp cloth every day.
You should also trim their nails regularly. Long nails can scratch their eyes and cause irritation. If you’re not comfortable trimming their nails, you can take them to a groomer or vet. It’s also important to brush their teeth regularly. Dental problems can cause tearing in Chihuahuas. Brushing their teeth will help prevent these problems.
✔️Change in Diet
Poor diet is one of the most common causes of tearing in Chihuahuas. A diet that is high in salt can cause excessive tearing. You should avoid feeding your Chihuahua salty foods.
You should also make sure they’re getting enough water. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes and excessive tearing. Make sure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
✔️Crate Them When You’re Not Home
If your Chihuahua’s tearing is caused by separation anxiety, you should crate them when you’re not home. It will help them feel safe and secure. You can also leave a toy or blanket in the crate with them.
You should only crate your Chihuahua for short periods. If you leave them in the crate for too long, they may start to panic and injure themselves. Make sure the crate is big enough for them to move around in and that it’s comfortable. You don’t want them to be uncomfortable while in the crate.
✔️Use Cornstarch as a Home Remedy
If you’re looking for a natural remedy, you can try using cornstarch. Cornstarch will help absorb the tears and keep them from running down your Chihuahua’s face.
You can apply the cornstarch with a cotton ball or pad. Ensure you don’t get any in their eyes. You should also avoid using cornstarch if your Chihuahua has open wounds. Cornstarch may also be used to dust beneath the eyes. Also, around the muzzle, and between toes to prevent stains from developing and keep them free of moisture.
✔️Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can also be used to treat tearing. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe your Chihuahua’s eyes. You can apply the coconut oil to a cotton ball and wipe it around their eyes. You can also add a few drops of coconut oil to their food. This will help keep their eyes healthy and prevent tearing.
✔️Use Herbs like Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce tearing. You can make a chamomile tea and let it cool before applying it to your Chihuahua’s eyes.
You can also add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to their food. This will help keep their eyes healthy and prevent tearing.
✔️Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider can also be used to treat tearing. Apple cider has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe your Chihuahua’s eyes. You can apply the apple cider to a cotton ball and wipe it around their eyes.
You can also add a few drops of apple cider to their food. It is essential to use organic, unfiltered apple cider.
✔️Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Tear stains in your chihuahua’s fur can be removed with hydrogen peroxide, a natural bleaching agent. To do this, soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and wipe away the tear stains. Be careful not to get any hydrogen peroxide in their eyes.
Use a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide. Repeat this process until the tear stains are gone.
✔️Get Help from a Vet
If you’ve tried all of these solutions and your Chihuahua’s eyes are still tearing, you should take them to the vet. As mentioned above, there may be an underlying medical condition that is causing the tearing. The vet will be able to diagnose and treat the problem. Especially if it needs surgical intervention. Do not hesitate to get help from a professional if you’re concerned about your Chihuahua’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my Chihuahua’s eye tearing?
A: There are several reasons why your Chihuahua’s eye may be tearing. It could be due to allergies, a foreign object in their eye, or an underlying medical condition. It’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.
Q: What is the best way to clean my Chihuahua’s eyes?
A: The best way to clean your Chihuahua’s eyes is with a cotton ball soaked in warm water. You can also use a damp cloth. Be careful not to get any water in their eyes. You should also avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners.
Q: How do I recognize if my dog’s eyes are watering?
A: If your Chihuahua’s eyes are watering, you may notice that their fur is wet or their eyes are red. They may also be rubbing their eyes or blinking a lot. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take them to the vet.
Q: What foods are Chihuahuas allergic to that might cause watery eyes?
A: Chihuahuas are commonly allergic to seafood, dairy products, beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. Some common symptoms of food allergies in chihuahuas are excessive paw licking, scratching and biting at their skin, redness and inflammation around the eyes and muzzle, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Suppose your Chihuahua is showing any of these symptoms after eating a particular food. In that case, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine if that food might be causing the allergy.
Q: How do I know if my Chihuahua’s eyes are healthy?
A: You should take your Chihuahua to the vet for a check-up at least once a year. The vet will be able to tell you if their eyes are healthy. Some common signs of healthy eyes in chihuahuas are clear eyes, no discharge, and no redness.
Q: Do watery eyes can cause blindness in Chihuahuas?
A: No, watery eyes cannot cause blindness in Chihuahuas. However, if the tearing is due to an underlying medical condition, it could lead to blindness if it’s not treated.
Q: How often should I wipe my Chihuahua’s eyes?
A: You should wipe your Chihuahua’s eyes to keep them clean and free of discharge. If you notice their eyes are tearing more than usual, you should take them to the vet.
Q: Can I use human eye drops for my Chihuahua?
A: No, you should not use human eye drops for your Chihuahua. Human eye drops are not safe for dogs and can cause more irritation. If you’re concerned about your Chihuahua’s eyes, you should take them to the vet.
Q: What food is good for a chihuahua’s eyes?
A: A diet rich in omega-three fatty acids is good for a chihuahua’s eyes. Some food sources of omega-three fatty acids are salmon, tuna, flaxseed, and olive oil. Adding these to your Chihuahua’s diet can help improve their eye health.
Q: Do all Chihuahuas have tear stains?
A: No, not all Chihuahuas have tear stains. However, it is more common in lighter-colored dogs. Tear stains are caused by a buildup of tears and debris in the fur around the eyes. If you notice tear stains on your Chihuahua, you can clean them with a damp cloth or cotton ball.
Final Thoughts
Chihuahuas are a popular breed of dog, but they do have some unique health concerns. One of these is watery eyes. In this article, we have discussed why chihuahua eyes water. We have also provided some tips on how to keep their eyes healthy. By following some preventive measures and knowing the signs to look out for, you can help your Chihuahua stay healthy and happy.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
