How to Stop a Horse's Eye From Weeping

Most horse owners will eventually need to deal with an animal's health problems. It is important to know what steps to take when your horse exhibits signs of illness. Weepy eyes are one of the most common equine health problems, but horse owners who take the time to educate themselves can deal with this issue effectively.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean washcloth
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Sponge
  • Allergy medication
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Call your veterinarian to have your horse checked for allergies. Many horses suffer from seasonal allergies just like people do. If your horse's eyes tend to water around the same time every year, allergies could very well be to blame. The treatment for equine allergies is basically the same as the treatment for human allergies: doses of antihistamines that can be mixed with the horse's feed.

    • 2

      Ask your vet to check your horse for a blocked tear duct, which can also cause the horse's eyes to become watery and runny. An experienced vet should be able to tell almost immediately if the duct is blocked.

    • 3

      Clean your horse's eye carefully using a soft washcloth that has been soaked in warm water. Carefully open the horse's eye and use the washcloth to clean the area around the eye. Remove any crusted discharge and use the washcloth to clear away any debris that has accumulated in the corner of his eye. You can also use a damp sponge to get at those hard to reach areas.

    • 4

      Apply an antibiotic ointment to fight any infection and clear up runny eyes. Your veterinarian can recommend a quality antibiotic ointment that can be purchased at your local tack shop or pharmacy. Use the ointment according to the directions on the package and watch the eye carefully for signs of improvement.