Puppy Eye Gunk/Bogeys!

[Yamyam13]

My 4.5 month old black Lab puppy had some yellow/creamy eye gunk about a month or so ago. I took her to the vet who gave us drops which helped. The gunk cleared up for a week or so, but ever since she seems to have a little eye gunk most of the time. I had some drops left so started applying again but its never quite cleared up again, yet isnt that much so not sure it’s worth another visit & £75!
How much eye gunk is normal? I’m wondering if we just notice it more as she is black? I have to wipe it away a few times a day, this morning was particularly bad, and she does sometimes paw at her eyes but not excessively… wouldnt notice if I wasn’t on alert.

That sounds similar to our black lab. I don't worry unless eyes excessively watery or green/yellow discharge. Normally mostly in the mornings, after a long nap or if she's been digging/somewhere dusty. From what I read, labs commonly have some discharge.

It's pretty normal to have some eye gunk, so I wouldn't worry unless it's clear their eyes are sore or it's literally coming out all day.

I'd be on the lookout/alert for environmental or food allergies tbh. Especially with her pawing at her eyes.

For environmental you could talk to your vet about a test prescription of apoquel to see if that helps. If it does, that may signal there is something in the environment she is allergic to.

For food, you'd need to run an elimination diet trial which is a pretty intense business. So you might start instead by trialling a anallergenic (not hypoallergenic) diet and not treats for 4-8 weeks to see if that helps. If it does, that might suggest a food problem.

Allergies (and intolerences) can lead to bigger problems, so I personally would be tempted to try and find out now to be forewarned.

My 6 month old labradoodle has always got gooey eyes in the mornings ever since we picked him up (I’ve been told doodles tend to have discharge due to the fur near their eyes), more so now it’s spring, white discharge - similar experience at the vet and now I just wipe his eyes in the mornings gently with warm water and a micro fibre cloth (very furry face) and he seems fine.

If she's pawing at her eyes I'd be concerned about discomfort and itchiness.

Some level of gunk in the mornings is normal but constantly gunky eyes would make me think of allergies or an issue like conjunctivitis.

Thanks for all the replies. It’s so tricky to say if its more than ‘normal’ - my instinct says it is… so I’ll investigate all the suggestions. It was diagnosed as Conjunctivitis that first time we saw the vet for it… maybe it’s best I take her back, for my peace of mind.

If it's conjunctivitis there are human treatments you can use on dogs

Golden Eye ointment is good as is Optrex for infected eyes - just don't tell the pharmacist it's for a dog

When my lab was young, we had a lot of this. They stick their heads in everything and sometimes it irritates.
If it was not bothering him, I just washed with saline solution ( the human kind) . He liked to sniff the cotton wool afterwards 🙄

I always use a cold used tea bag first. It’s magic.
If not I use brolene eye ointment.
Then vet. Don’t mess with eyes!

Does your insurance have a vet video line? Most do now- they’re free and pretty good. I wouldn’t use it for a real issue-but they are good for checking what’s normal if not and then telling you if you need to go for a face to face with your normal vet.

maybe it’s best I take her back, for my peace of mind

Sounds very sensible. Even if it it 'just' conjunctivitis (which can be a secondary symptoms allergies also) this can cause eye ulcers that you won't be able to see at home. The vet can use a dye to check for them.

Like wolfie I wouldn't mess about with eyes either.

Our dog had discharge which was linked to dry eye. We were given a very expensive prescription for drops which we later established were the same ones my mother in law uses (different brand but same ingredients) and an absolute fraction of the cost. Artificial tears.
She was squinting a bit with it too though.
Same as others though, if at all concerned - vets. Don't mess with eyes.

We found wiping every day with the basic eye wipes you can buy on Amazon really good to get on top of this. You could use cotton wool pad and water but the pre wet wipes are so handy that I find I am More likely to remember to do it with them

My black Lab is the same. As long as the gunk doesn't turn green you are OK bathing and wiping as PPs have suggested.