Why Is My Dog's Eyes Watery When Breathing? Possible Causes Explained

Excessive tearing that appears linked to your dog's breathing may stem from several common conditions ranging from mild irritants to structural issues.

Quick Answer

Watery eyes in dogs that seem to worsen with breathing are commonly associated with nasal congestion, allergies, respiratory infections, or blocked tear ducts. In many cases the two symptoms share an underlying cause involving the upper respiratory tract. Monitoring duration, discharge colour, and accompanying signs helps determine whether veterinary attention is warranted.

SYMPTOM TRIAGE Not sure how serious your dog's symptoms are? Use our free Symptom Triage Tool to get personalised guidance on whether a vet visit may be needed.

What Watery Eyes Linked to Breathing Look Like

Dog owners often describe the tearing as a clear or slightly cloudy discharge that pools in the inner corner of one or both eyes. It may be more noticeable after exercise, during warm weather, or when the dog is resting and breathing more audibly.

Key observable signs may include:

Clear, colourless overflow from the tear ducts, sometimes leaving a damp stain on the fur beneath the eye
Increased tearing after physical activity or when the dog is panting heavily
Noisier-than-usual breathing, including snuffling, wheezing, or reverse sneezing
Squinting or pawing at the face during episodes of heavier breathing
Reddened conjunctiva (the pink tissue lining the eyelids), which may indicate irritation

The connection between the eyes and the respiratory system in dogs is anatomically closer than many owners realise. The nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears from the eye into the nasal cavity, creates a direct pathway. When nasal passages are inflamed or congested, normal tear drainage can be disrupted, causing tears to overflow onto the face rather than draining internally.

Possible Causes of Watery Eyes During Breathing Episodes

Several conditions may explain why your dog develops watery eyes that correlate with breathing patterns. Understanding these possibilities can help you have a more informed conversation with your veterinarian.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Bacterial or viral infections affecting the nasal passages and sinuses can cause inflammation that spreads to the tear ducts. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (sometimes called kennel cough complex) and rhinitis are among the more common culprits. The resulting congestion interferes with the nasolacrimal duct, leading to tear overflow. These infections may also be accompanied by nasal discharge, mild fever, and reduced appetite.

Allergies and Environmental Irritants

Allergic rhinitis in dogs can be triggered by pollen, dust mites, mould spores, household chemicals, or smoke. When inhaled allergens irritate the nasal lining, the resulting inflammation can block tear drainage and simultaneously stimulate excess tear production. Dogs with allergies often show additional signs such as itchy skin, ear infections, and repeated paw chewing.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Short-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus are predisposed to brachycephalic airway syndrome. Their compressed facial anatomy means that elongated soft palates, narrowed nostrils, and crowded tear duct structures create a perfect storm for breathing-related eye watering. The effort required to move air through constricted passages raises pressure in the nasal cavity, which can force tears backward or prevent normal drainage.

Foreign Bodies in the Nasal Cavity

Grass awns, seeds, small insects, or other foreign material lodged in a nostril can cause sudden, unilateral (one-sided) nasal irritation and reflexive tearing. This is especially common in dogs that spend time in tall grass or brush. Foreign bodies typically cause more dramatic, acute symptoms and usually affect only one nostril and the nearby eye.

Blocked or Malformed Tear Ducts

Some dogs are born with narrow, malformed, or partially obstructed nasolacrimal ducts. Chronic low-grade tearing may go unnoticed until a respiratory event such as a cold or allergy flare-up further narrows the duct and causes sudden overflow. Certain breeds, including Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Chihuahuas, may be more prone to this congenital variation.

Dental Disease

Tooth root infections, particularly of the upper canine teeth, can create abscesses that extend into the nasal cavity and affect surrounding structures including the tear ducts. This is a less obvious but well-documented cause. Dogs with advanced dental disease may also show reluctance to eat hard food, drooling, and facial swelling.

What to Monitor at Home

Careful observation at home provides valuable information for your veterinarian. Consider keeping a simple log that tracks the following:

Duration: How long has the tearing persisted? A few hours is very different from several weeks.
Discharge characteristics: Is the fluid clear, yellow, green, or blood-tinged? Colour changes can signal infection progression.
Unilateral versus bilateral: Does only one eye water, or are both affected? One-sided symptoms may point to a localised issue such as a foreign body or blocked duct.
Breathing pattern changes: Note whether the dog is open-mouth breathing, reverse sneezing, or showing increased respiratory effort at rest.
Behavioural shifts: Loss of appetite, reduced energy, or withdrawal from normal activities are worth recording.
Response to environment: Does the tearing worsen after walks in certain areas, exposure to household cleaners, or time in dusty environments?

Photographing the eyes and any facial staining every few days can also help your veterinarian assess whether the condition is improving, worsening, or remaining static.

What You Can Do

While home care does not replace professional veterinary assessment, several steps may help keep your dog comfortable:

Gently clean the area around the eyes with a soft, damp cloth or a veterinary-approved eye wipe. This prevents skin irritation and staining from chronic moisture.
Minimise known environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke, strongly scented cleaning products, and dusty environments.
Use a humidifier in dry indoor conditions, which may soothe irritated nasal and ocular tissues.
Monitor exercise intensity if your dog is brachycephalic, as overheating and excessive panting can exacerbate symptoms.
Schedule a dental check if you suspect dental disease, as oral health directly impacts nearby structures.

Avoid administering human eye drops or medications without veterinary guidance, as many products formulated for people are not safe for dogs and may worsen the condition.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian promptly if you observe any of the following:

The tearing persists for more than 48 to 72 hours without improvement
Discharge becomes yellow, green, or thick
Your dog shows signs of pain such as vocalising when the face is touched or reluctance to eat
Breathing becomes visibly laboured, rapid, or noisy at rest
There is noticeable facial swelling, especially around the nose, muzzle, or beneath the eye
Blood appears in the nasal discharge or tears
Your dog develops a fever (rectal temperature above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 39.2 degrees Celsius)
Additional symptoms emerge such as coughing, gagging, or lethargy

If your dog is a brachycephalic breed and exhibits increasing breathing difficulty alongside eye watering, this warrants particularly urgent evaluation, as these breeds are at higher risk for respiratory compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dog's watery eyes be caused by a simple cold?

Yes. Dogs can experience viral or bacterial upper respiratory infections that cause nasal congestion and secondary tear overflow, similar in principle to a human cold. However, what appears mild may progress, so veterinary evaluation is recommended if symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen.

Why does my flat-faced dog get watery eyes more easily?

Brachycephalic breeds have compressed facial anatomy that affects both the airway and the tear drainage system. Narrowed nostrils increase breathing effort, which raises pressure in the nasal cavity and impedes normal tear drainage through the nasolacrimal duct. This anatomical vulnerability makes watery eyes a common and often chronic issue for these breeds.

Should I use saline solution to clean my dog's watery eyes?

Plain, unmedicated saline solution or a veterinary-approved eye wipe can be used gently around the eye to remove crust and discharge. Avoid making direct contact with the eyeball surface, and never use contact lens solution or medicated human eye products without veterinary approval.

Can allergies cause both watery eyes and breathing changes in dogs?

Yes. Allergic rhinitis affects the nasal passages and can simultaneously obstruct tear drainage and trigger excess tear production. Dogs with environmental allergies often present with a combination of ocular, nasal, and skin-related signs. If you notice seasonal patterns or triggers, share this information with your veterinarian.

Not sure whether your dog's watery eyes and breathing changes need professional attention? Try our free Symptom Triage Tool for a quick, evidence-based assessment.

Sources

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) -- Canine Ocular Health Guidelines
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) -- Guidance on Recognising Respiratory Signs in Companion Animals
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) -- Client Resources on Tear Duct Disorders
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine -- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome Overview
Merck Veterinary Manual -- Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction and Epiphora in Dogs

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. The information presented is not a substitute for professional veterinary examination, diagnosis, or treatment. If your dog is experiencing a health concern, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic promptly. PawAI Lab does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any animal.