How can you tell if a dog’s eye discharge is normal?

Normally, a small amount of eye discharge in a dog is normal; it forms from tears mixed with impurities like bacteria, sand, dust, and hair, and just needs timely cleaning. But if the dog has too much discharge, abnormal color, red swollen eyes, smelly secretions, and frequently scratches its eyes, it may be a sign of bacterial infection, viral infection, or eye injury.

The owner should wipe the eyes clean daily with warm water or saline. If there is no improvement, or if other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever appear, take the dog to a vet promptly.