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Question:
Why does my dog have so many tears?
A: Some dogs, especially the smaller breeds, may have closed tear ducts causing the tears to drip onto the nose.
Many dogs, especially the smaller breeds such as Maltese and poodles can have closed tear ducts. The tear duct (or lacrimal duct) connects the eye to the nose. This the pathway that allows your nose to run when you cry.
If the duct is not patent, the tears will spill over the eye onto the nose, and may cause some staining. There is a surgical procedure in which the duct can attempt to be opened to help alleviate some of the tearing. But, some dogs have closed ducts and these cannot be opened.
I would recommend speaking to your veterinarian about the tear staining if it becomes a problem.
~Dr. Page Wages
Oberlin Animal Hospital
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