A blocked tear duct in dogs means tears can no longer drain from the inner corner of the eye into the nose, so they spill over the lower lid instead. The tell-tale signs are a permanently damp patch under one eye, rust-coloured staining on the fur and — when the trapped fluid becomes infected — a sticky discharge that comes back no matter how often you wipe it away. It is rarely an emergency, but it is one of the most common reasons an "eye infection" refuses to settle, and it needs your vet to find the cause.
This Australian guide explains how the drainage system works, what blocks it (including the grass seeds that turn up every spring and summer), how vets confirm and fix it, and what you can safely do at home while you wait for the appointment. For the daily clean-up, our sterile, pH-matched Pure Majesty Pets Dog Eye Drops are A$30.00 for a 120 mL bottle, with free worldwide shipping.
How your dog's tear drainage actually works
Tears are produced constantly by glands above the eye and inside the third eyelid. After washing across the surface of the eye, they drain through two tiny openings on the inner edges of the upper and lower lids, called the puncta. From there, two short channels (the canaliculi) join at a small reservoir, the lacrimal sac, which empties into the nasolacrimal duct — a narrow tube running through bone down to an opening inside the nostril (Merck Veterinary Manual, Hamor, 2023).
That is why a dog with healthy drainage often has a slightly damp nose on the same side after you rinse the eye. When any point along that route is narrowed or plugged, tears back up and overflow the lid. Vets call this overflow epiphora, and it is the symptom that sends most owners to the vet clinic in the first place.
Signs of a blocked tear duct in dogs
- Wet fur under one eye, often worse after meals, a run at the beach or a windy walk.
- Reddish-brown tear staining along the inner corner — very obvious on white and cream coats such as Maltese, Bichons and Westies. For routine debris around an otherwise comfortable eye, compare eye cleaners for routine debris and tear stains; this is a different task from treating a painful or inflamed eye.
- Moist, irritated skin below the eye, sometimes with a yeasty odour, especially in humid Queensland and coastal NSW summers.
- Recurring mucus or pus at the inner corner that returns within days of stopping antibiotic drops.
- A soft swelling just below the inner corner of the lower lid — a red flag for infection of the lacrimal sac.
One-sided signs point more strongly towards a drainage problem than towards allergies, which usually affect both eyes. If both eyes simply water, start with our guide to dog watery eyes, because the list of causes is broader. Australian allergy seasons matter here too: grass pollen peaks mostly from January to March in the subtropical north and from October to December in the south (ASCIA), so two watery eyes in those months lean towards allergy rather than a blocked duct. If scratching is part of the picture, the guide to itch-relief options helps you separate relief measures from the work of finding the trigger. For a closer look at the question raised here, read Grass Allergy in Dogs in Australia: Symptoms, Causes & How to Stop the Itch.
What causes a blocked tear duct?
Born with it: imperforate or narrow puncta
Some puppies are born with a lower punctum that never opened. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes imperforate puncta as an uncommon but recognised cause of tearing in young dogs, corrected by surgically opening the membrane and keeping it open with a temporary catheter for several weeks while it heals. Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Bedlington Terriers and Samoyeds are the breeds most often mentioned — all popular in Australian homes, so it is worth asking about at the first puppy check.
Foreign bodies — especially grass seeds (awns)
This is the cause owners rarely suspect. In a Leipzig University case series, 14 dogs with one-sided infection of the lacrimal sac had been treated unsuccessfully for one to eight months; when the sac was opened surgically, every dog had one or two plant fragments lodged inside, and the discharge cleared in all of them after removal (Steinmetz et al., 2022). A larger Spanish series of 28 dogs with foreign-body dacryocystitis used fine forceps passed through the upper punctum to extract the material without an incision in many cases (Jimenez-Ramos et al., 2024).
In Australia, think of the long, drying grass along bush tracks, paddocks and nature strips in late spring and summer (September to February). If your dog loves pushing its face through that grass — and one eye has had a stubborn discharge for weeks — tell your vet, because a grass seed in the duct will not respond to drops alone. The same spring walks are when paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are most active on the east coast; RSPCA Australia recommends a daily hands-on check, and University of Queensland researchers found 73% of ticks attach on the head and neck, so check around the eyes while you are there. For time outdoors, the flea and tick treatment comparison helps you compare coverage and application choices when planning the dog’s parasite routine.
Infection and debris: dacryocystitis
Inflammation of the lacrimal sac, called dacryocystitis, is the classic "tear duct dog eye infection". It usually follows obstruction by inflammatory debris, a foreign body or a mass pressing on the duct. Merck notes it produces tearing, a conjunctivitis that does not respond to treatment, a painful swollen area under the inner corner in acute cases and, occasionally, a draining tract below the lower lid. For a separate nutritional-support decision, compare eye supplements and what canine research supports rather than assuming an oral supplement replaces examination or eye treatment.
Teeth, tumours and trauma
The nasolacrimal duct runs close to the roots of the upper teeth. Merck warns that dacryocystitis can be confused with infection of the upper carnassial tooth, and a published case describes duct obstruction caused by a tooth growing inside the nasal cavity (Voelter-Ratson et al., 2015). Nasal tumours, facial fractures and chronic rhinitis can also compress the duct, which is why older dogs with new one-sided tearing deserve a careful work-up, often including dental X-rays under anaesthetic.
Face shape
Flat-faced breeds (Shih Tzu, Pug, Pekingese, French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) often have tight lower lids that roll inward at the inner corner and cover the punctum, plus hair in that spot that wicks tears onto the face. It is a mechanical problem rather than a true blockage, but it looks identical at home — and in a hot, humid Australian summer that constantly damp fold is an easy place for skin irritation to start.
Blocked tear duct or something else? A quick comparison
| What you notice | More likely | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| One eye always wet, clear tears, dog comfortable | Blocked or narrowed duct, punctum problem | Book a routine vet visit |
| One eye, sticky yellow-green discharge that keeps returning | Dacryocystitis (often a grass seed or other foreign body) | Vet within a few days; ask about a duct flush — see dog green eye discharge |
| Swelling under the inner corner, tender to touch | Infected lacrimal sac or tooth-root abscess | Vet within 24 hours — see dog eye swollen |
| Squinting, eye held shut, cloudiness | Corneal ulcer, glaucoma, uveitis | Same-day vet or after-hours emergency clinic — not a tear duct issue |
| Both eyes watering, itchy face and paws | Allergies (pollen, or contact plants such as Wandering Trad, kikuyu or buffalo grass) | See warning signs of a dog eye infection to rule out infection |
A note on that last row: the AVA's Vet Voice lists buffalo grass, kikuyu and Wandering Jew among the plants that cause red, itchy contact rashes in Australian dogs, and Wandering Trad is widespread in higher-rainfall NSW, coastal Victoria and south-east Queensland. Those dogs rub their faces, which makes both eyes water — a different problem from one blocked duct.
How vets diagnose it
- Fluorescein passage test. A drop of orange dye goes into the eye. If it appears at the nostril within a few minutes, the duct is at least partly open. No dye does not prove a blockage — some normal dogs drain into the back of the throat — but it guides the next step.
- Nasolacrimal flush. With a fine cannula in the punctum, the vet gently pushes sterile saline through the duct. Resistance, or pus refluxing out of the other punctum, confirms the problem. Merck describes flushing as the standard first step to re-establish drainage, and it is often done under sedation.
- Imaging. If flushing fails or the problem returns, contrast X-rays or CT (dacryocystography) show where and why the duct is blocked. Your general-practice vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for this step.
Treatment options
- Flushing plus prescription drops — antibiotic or antibiotic-steroid drops chosen by your vet, sometimes guided by a culture of the flushed material.
- Opening an imperforate punctum, followed by a temporary stent.
- Foreign-body removal — by forceps through the punctum or a small incision into the sac (Steinmetz 2022; Jimenez-Ramos 2024).
- Temporary catheterisation with fine silicone tubing to hold a scarred duct open while it heals.
- Surgical bypass (conjunctivorhinostomy) when the duct is permanently damaged — a new channel drains tears into the nose or mouth.
- Treating the root cause — dental extraction, lid surgery for inward-rolling lids, or management of nasal disease.
What you can safely do at home
You cannot unblock a tear duct at home, and you should not try — massaging the corner or poking the punctum can push debris deeper and injure the lid. What you can do is stop the overflow from causing a second problem: wet, stained skin that breeds bacteria and yeast, particularly through a sticky Australian summer.
- Wipe the inner corner once or twice a day with a clean cotton pad, from the nose outward.
- Keep facial hair trimmed short at the inner corner (your groomer can do this safely).
- Dry the fold under the eye fully after every clean.
- After walks through long grass, check the eyes and face for seeds and ticks.
- Never use human redness-relief drops from the chemist (Visine-type products contain decongestants that are toxic to dogs) or anything containing peroxide, bleach or alcohol. If your dog swallows or is exposed to something harmful, call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 (24/7).
The daily clean-up: Pure Majesty Pets Dog Eye Drops
For the daily clean itself, we formulated our gentle Pure Majesty Pets Dog Eye Drops specifically for eyes that are already irritated. Here is what is in the bottle, with the numbers, so you can compare it with the tear-stain cleaners on the shelf at Petbarn, Petstock or Pet Circle:
| Feature | Typical tear-stain cleaner | Pure Majesty Pets Dog Eye Drops |
|---|---|---|
| pH | Often unstated | 7.0–7.2, matched to natural tears |
| Grade | Cosmetic | Ophthalmic-grade, 10-micron sterile-filtered |
| Moisturising active | Usually none | Sodium hyaluronate 0.05% |
| Soothing botanicals | Rarely listed with amounts | Aloe vera 8%, chamomile 2%, pro-vitamin B5 |
| Stain control | Peroxide or bleach in some | Sodium phytate 0.15%, a gentle mineral chelator |
| Alcohol / fragrance | Common | None |
| Price in Australia | Varies | A$30.00 for 120 mL, delivered free |
For context, popular Australian eye-care options include Petkin Jumbo Eye Wipes (80 wipes, A$27.95) and TropiClean Tear Stain Remover (236 mL, A$29.95). Wipes are handy for a quick clean, but they cannot rinse the corner of the eye; our drops do both jobs — 2–3 drops into the inner corner to flush grit and loosened discharge, or onto a cotton pad for the stained fur — for A$30.00 a bottle. The separate guide, Dog Eye Wipes in Australia: Do They Work, or Is a Rinse Better?, explains the choices in more detail.
How to use them: steady your dog's head from above and behind, squeeze 2–3 drops into the inner corner, wipe loosened discharge from the inner corner outward, then wipe along the stained fur under the lower lid. Repeat daily or as needed, and never touch the dropper tip to the eye.
To be clear about limits: these are non-medicated hygiene drops. They will not open a blocked duct or replace the antibiotics your vet prescribes. They are the comfortable daily clean-up alongside that treatment and — for dogs whose tearing is permanent — the part of the routine that helps keep staining and skin irritation under control. Made in North America under GMP, with a certificate of analysis (COA) for every batch. Free worldwide shipping — ships to Australia with duties and GST prepaid (DDP), nothing to pay on delivery. For more options, browse our dog ear and eye care range, or read our tear stain remover guide if staining is your main concern. When choosing a routine cleaner, use the ear cleaner comparison to compare current ingredients and directions; a cleaner is a separate choice from treatment for an infection.
Common mistakes owners make
- Restarting the same antibiotic drops for months. If the discharge returns every time the drops stop, the source is often inside the duct — ask for a flush.
- Assuming tear stains are only cosmetic. New staining on one side in an adult dog is a symptom worth a look.
- Waiting on a swelling under the eye. A tender lump below the inner corner can be an abscess and needs prompt care.
- Forgetting the grass-seed season. A one-sided discharge that starts after spring or summer walks in long grass deserves a mention to your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked tear duct in dogs clear up on its own?
Mild blockages from debris sometimes clear after an infection settles, but congenital problems, foreign bodies such as grass seeds, and scarring do not. If the tearing persists beyond two weeks, have your vet check the duct.
Is a blocked tear duct painful for dogs?
Simple overflow usually is not. Infection of the lacrimal sac can be painful, especially when there is swelling under the inner corner of the eye.
Can I flush my dog's tear duct at home?
No. Flushing the duct requires a sterile cannula placed in the punctum, usually with sedation. At home, limit care to rinsing the surface of the eye with a sterile, pH-matched drop and cleaning the skin around it.
Does a tear duct problem cause tear stains?
Yes. When tears cannot drain, they sit on the fur, where pigments called porphyrins and minerals discolour it reddish-brown. Treating the drainage issue is the real fix; daily cleaning with our Dog Eye Drops helps keep the skin healthy and the staining down in the meantime.
How much do the Pure Majesty Pets Dog Eye Drops cost in Australia, and is shipping free?
A 120 mL bottle is A$30.00. Free worldwide shipping — ships to Australia with duties and GST prepaid (DDP), nothing to pay on delivery.
Scientific References
- Steinmetz A, Jara Dohmann GW, Blobner CC. Dacryocystitis in dogs caused by foreign bodies — Diagnosis and therapy in 14 cases. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2022;25(2):180-185. PMID 34984785
- Jimenez-Ramos L, Ripolles-Garcia A, Caro-Suarez M, et al. Nasolacrimal sac foreign body extraction using vitreoretinal forceps in 28 dogs. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2024;27(6):510-521. PMID 38414137
- Voelter-Ratson K, et al. Dacryocystitis following a nasolacrimal duct obstruction caused by an ectopic intranasal tooth in a dog. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2015. PMID 25312093
- Hamor RE. Nasolacrimal and Lacrimal Apparatus in Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. 2023. merckvetmanual.com
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis? kb.rspca.org.au
- University of Queensland. Paralysis ticks prefer heads and necks of pets (October 2025). news.uq.edu.au
- Australian Veterinary Association, Vet Voice. Plant allergies. vetvoice.com.au
- NSW DPI Weeds. Wandering Trad (Tradescantia fluminensis). weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au
- ASCIA. Pollen allergy. allergy.org.au
This article is for informational purposes and is not veterinary advice. Talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplement, especially if your dog is pregnant, nursing, on medication, or has a diagnosed condition.