Eye discharge in spaniels is common — but it isn’t always “normal”. Sometimes it’s just sleep crusts or mild watering after a windy walk. Other times, the colour and texture of the discharge is an early warning sign of irritation, infection, allergy flare-ups, or even a painful scratch.
Spaniels are especially prone to eye gunk because they’re outdoorsy dogs with long facial hair, active lifestyles, and a talent for collecting pollen, dust, mud and seeds in places they shouldn’t. The key is knowing what you’re looking at — and when you need to act quickly.
This guide breaks down what different eye discharge colours can mean, what to do at home, and the signs that mean it’s time to contact your vet.
Related guides: This article supports our Eye Problems in Spaniels hub. For the most important next steps, see:
What “normal” eye discharge looks like in spaniels
A small amount of discharge can be completely normal, especially:
- first thing in the morning
- after sleep or a nap
- after a windy walk
- if your spaniel has long hair around the eyes
Normal discharge is usually:
- clear and watery, or
- small, dry crusts (light brown/grey) in the corners
If it wipes away easily and your dog is comfortable, it’s usually nothing to panic about.
Eye discharge colours: what each one can mean
The colour, thickness, and smell of discharge matters. So does whether it’s coming from one eye or both.
1) Clear, watery discharge
This is usually caused by:
- mild irritation (wind, dust, pollen)
- allergies
- hair rubbing the eye
- mild early conjunctivitis
Clear tears become a problem when they’re paired with:
- squinting
- redness
- pawing/rubbing
- swelling
- worsening discomfort
Clear + squinting often suggests pain or a scratch.
➡️ Related post: Why is my spaniel squinting in one eye?/why-is-my-spaniel-squinting-in-one-eye/
2) White or pale grey discharge (mucus-like)
This often suggests:
- mild inflammation
- conjunctivitis
- dry eye irritation
- allergies or ongoing irritation
White stringy discharge can happen when the eye is slightly dry or inflamed. It may not be urgent, but if it persists, it’s worth getting checked.
If it becomes thick, sticky, or frequent, don’t ignore it.
3) Yellow discharge
Yellow discharge often indicates:
- infection or bacterial involvement
- worsening conjunctivitis
- inflammation becoming more serious
If you see yellow discharge, check for:
- redness
- swelling
- squinting
- discomfort
Yellow discharge that is increasing, especially in one eye, usually needs vet advice.
4) Green discharge
Green discharge is more concerning and often suggests:
- infection
- significant inflammation
- possible deeper involvement
Green discharge rarely resolves without treatment. If you see it, book a vet appointment.
5) Brown discharge / staining
Brown discharge is often a mix of tears and debris. It can be caused by:
- normal tear staining (especially in lighter-coated dogs)
- long hair catching discharge and turning it brown
- low-grade chronic irritation
- blocked tear drainage (sometimes)
Brown staining alone isn’t usually urgent — but if it’s paired with discomfort, redness, or constant gunk build-up, something is irritating the eye.
6) Thick, sticky discharge with “crusty” build-up
This can indicate:
- conjunctivitis
- dry eye
- infection
- inflammation that’s been going on for a while
The bigger concern isn’t just the discharge — it’s whether your dog is comfortable.
If your spaniel is squinting or rubbing, act quickly.
7) Bloody discharge or visible blood around the eye
This is urgent.
Blood can be caused by:
- trauma
- a scratch
- foreign body injury
- eyelid injury
If you see blood, book a vet appointment straight away.
➡️ Related hub: /spaniel-health/emergencies/
One eye or both eyes? (Important clue)
Discharge in one eye more often suggests:
- foreign body (seed, grit)
- scratch/ulcer
- local infection
- injury
Discharge in both eyes more often suggests:
- allergies
- environmental irritation
- mild conjunctivitis
- dry air / seasonal irritation
This isn’t a perfect rule, but it’s a useful starting point.
Signs the discharge is NOT the main problem
Eye discharge is often a symptom of something else. The “big warning signs” are:
- squinting
- swelling
- cloudiness
- pawing at the eye
- strong redness
- the eye being held shut
- visible third eyelid showing
- obvious pain
If your dog is squinting, assume soreness.
➡️ Related post: /why-is-my-spaniel-squinting-in-one-eye/
What you can do at home (safe steps)
If your spaniel has mild discharge but seems comfortable:
Step 1: Clean it gently
Use:
- clean cotton pads or soft cloth
- lukewarm water
- wipe from inner corner outward
- don’t scrub
Always use a fresh pad for each eye.
Step 2: Trim hair if it’s poking the eye
Facial hair can trap gunk and cause irritation. If it’s constantly brushing the eye, it’s worth tidying.
Step 3: Reduce irritation triggers for 24–48 hours
Avoid:
- long grass
- brambles
- dusty, windy routes
- rough play
Step 4: Monitor changes closely
If discharge gets thicker, turns yellow/green, or the eye becomes red or painful — contact your vet.
What you should NOT do
Avoid:
- using human eye drops
- using leftover medication from previous eye problems
- trying to remove something stuck under the eyelid
- using salty home mixes or harsh cleaners
- waiting several days if discharge worsens
If you’re in doubt, get the eye checked.
When to contact the vet
Book vet advice promptly if your spaniel has:
- yellow or green discharge
- discharge + squinting
- swelling
- cloudiness
- signs of pain
- symptoms lasting longer than 24–48 hours
- discharge that keeps returning in the same eye
- any vision changes
Eyes do not follow the same rules as skin issues. A small problem can become serious quickly if it’s left.
How to prevent recurring eye gunk in spaniels
You can’t prevent every irritation, but you can reduce repeat flare-ups by:
- wiping eyes after muddy walks
- trimming long hair around the eyes
- avoiding heavy cover when the eye is already slightly irritated
- managing allergy flare-ups properly
- keeping recall reliable to prevent bramble crashes
➡️ /spaniel-training/recall/
➡️ /spaniel-health/skin-allergies/
Key takeaway
Eye discharge is common in spaniels — but colour matters. Clear tears are often mild irritation. Yellow and green discharge needs more attention. Discharge plus squinting or swelling should always be treated as time-sensitive.
If your spaniel looks uncomfortable, act early.