Is it normal for my dog to have gunk in its eyes every morning?

Tear production slows during sleep, and dust or debris that accumulated during the day settles in the corner of the eye overnight, forming a small amount of clear to slightly tan discharge that most dogs have to some degree every morning, much like a person waking up with a bit of sleep in their eyes.

A small bead or thin crust in the inner corner of each eye, easily wiped away with a damp cloth, and roughly consistent from day to day, fits within the range of normal. This should not require repeated wiping throughout the day or return heavily within a few hours of cleaning.

A sudden increase in the amount, a shift to yellow, green, or thick discharge, or discharge appearing alongside redness, squinting, or your dog pawing at the eye, moves beyond routine overnight buildup and is worth a vet's attention rather than continued daily wiping alone.

Some dogs produce slightly more discharge during high pollen seasons or particularly dusty, dry stretches of weather, which is a reasonable, environmental explanation for a temporary increase, as opposed to a genuine ongoing change that would warrant closer attention regardless of the season.

If you travel with your dog and notice a temporary increase in morning discharge in a new environment, unfamiliar dust, different air quality, or a change in bedding material can all be reasonable explanations worth considering before assuming something more significant is happening.