Eye goop - 3 easy ways to remove it
Soda with a massive chunk of crusty eye goop
If your dog often has gunk in the corners of their eyes, you're definitely not alone. In this article, we’ll cover what this mysterious "eye goop" actually is, whether it’s normal, and how to gently and safely remove it. Let’s get into it!
What are eye boogers?
Whether you call it goop, crust, boogers, or discharge, this gunk is a natural mix of tears, mucus, dead skin cells, and debris that collects in the corners of your dog’s eyes. It’s similar to what we humans might wake up with—just a bit more dramatic (and sometimes messier).
Are eye boogers normal for dogs?
Yes, a small amount of eye goop—especially in the morning—is perfectly normal dogs. Some breeds are more prone to it than others, especially those with shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes, like Pugs, Bulldogs, Chihuahuas and Cavaliers.
Keep an eye out for anything unusual. If your dog suddenly has more discharge than usual, or if it changes colour, or is accompanied by redness, squinting, or pawing at the eye, it’s best to get it checked by your vet.
How to clean a dog’s eye boogers
I recommend wiping your dog’s eyes regularly—either daily or every few days—using a makeup pad soaked in warm water. It’s much easier (and gentler) to clean when the goop is still soft. Once it dries and crusts up, it becomes harder to remove and more uncomfortable for your dog.
For this article, I left my dog Soda’s eye goop for a couple of weeks—just to show how crusty it can get (you’ll see what I mean in the photo above... eww!).
How to remove dry and crust eye boogers
Here are 3 effective ways to remove eye goop, listed from easiest to most involved.
What you’ll need:
Cotton makeup pads
Warm water
Pick it out (when it’s soft)
Start by using a comb to gently loosen any soft goop. If it lifts easily, you can pick it off gently with your fingers.
Can dogs eat their eye boogers? Absolutely! It might sound gross, but many dogs love it. My dogs, Soda and Poppy, actually lick it off my fingers when I clean their eyes. It’s believed the salt and fat content is what makes it appealing to them.
Soften with warm water
If the goop isn't too crusty, use a warm, damp makeup pad to soak the area. Hold it against the goop for a minute or two to soften it. Then, gently wipe it away or pick it out with your fingers or comb.
This method works best if you're cleaning regularly and the goop hasn’t had time to harden too much.
Trim it out (for hard, crusty goop)
For really crusty and chunky build-up (like Soda’s), trimming is the easiest and most comfortable solution.
Here’s how I do it:
First I use my comb to lift the goop away from the skin.
Then I use my straight scissors. If you’re new to grooming, it’s safest to use straight scissors with a rounded tip to prevent any eye injuries.
Holding your dog around their muzzle, gently place the scissors under the goop (between the fur and the skin) and gently cut.
Continue the process, until all the goop is gone or you can pick the rest out using your fingers.
Watch this demo
In the video below, I demonstrate all three methods on my dogs, Soda and Poppy, so you can see exactly how I approach eye goop removal safely and gently.
I’m a qualified dog groomer and fur-mum to two cavoodles; Soda and Poppy. I’m passionate about the health and wellbeing of dogs, as well as helping dog parents groom their dogs at home. I’ll teach you the basics, however if you don’t feel comfortable or confident at any time that’s completely fine, book your dog in for a regular groom and pamper session at the salon. Please never leave your dog unattended on a grooming table.
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