Common Eye Issues for Bulldogs and Other Brachycephalic Breeds

Brachycephalic breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs are very susceptible to eye problems. These breeds have short noses and flat faces, which can cause a number of issues with their eyesight. If you have one of these breeds, it is important to be aware of the potential problems and to take steps to protect your doggo's eyesight. The most common eye problems in brachycephalic breeds include cherry eye, conjunctivitis and eye discharge. While there are treatments available for these conditions, it is important to also take preventative measures to protect your flat faced pup's eyesight.

Cherry Eye:

Cherry eye is a condition that results in the prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. This gland is responsible for producing tears, so when it prolapses, it can lead to dryness and irritation in the eye. Cherry eye can be quite painful for your dog and if left untreated, can permanently damage the eye. Surgery is typically required to correct this condition.

Conjunctivitis:

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common condition that affects dogs of all breeds. It is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, bacteria or viruses. Treatment typically involves cleaning the affected eye and applying medicated drops or ointments. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Eye Discharge:

Eye discharge is another common issue in Bulldogs. It can be caused by a number of things including allergies, infection, injury or foreign bodies in the eye. Discharge can range from watery and clear to thick and pus-like. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may involve cleaning the eye, applying medicated drops or ointments, or surgically removing a foreign body.

Other Problems:

Bulldogs may also suffer from a condition called entropion, which is when the eyelid rolls inward. This can cause irritation and damage to the eye. Surgery is typically required to correct this problem. Tear stains due to excess tears are also common in flat faced dogs.

Treatment Options:

The treatment for eye problems in Bulldogs and other flat faced breeds will depend on the underlying cause. Cherry eye, conjunctivitis and entropion typically require surgery to correct. For other conditions, such as eye discharge, treatment may involve cleaning the eye, applying medicated drops or ointments, or surgically removing a foreign body. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.

General Prevention:

There are a few things you can do to help prevent eye problems in your flat faced pup. First, be sure to keep their eyes clean and free of discharge. Use a Wrinkle Wipe to gently clear away the boogers and clear away other dirt and grime in their wrinkle folds or around any tear stains. After cleansing with a Wrinkle Wipe, follow with Squishface Wrinkle Paste as a protective barrier on your dog’s stubborn tear stains. Also, avoid exposing your dog to dusty or dirty environments where they could get debris in their eyes, this includes avoid letting them rub their eyes on rough surfaces or grasses. Finally, make sure to take them to the vet for regular checkups so that any problems can be caught early and treated accordingly.

The Bottom Line:

Prevention is key in keeping your wrinkly dog's eyes healthy and free of infection. Make sure to keep their vaccinations up to date. This will help protect them from viruses and bacteria that can cause conjunctivitis. Keep their eyes clean and free of debris. You can do this by using Wrinkle Wipes which are designed specifically for wrinkly dogs. Finally, if your dog is prone to allergies, talk to your veterinarian about possible treatments to help prevent flare-ups. While eye problems are common in wrinkly dogs, with proper care and prevention, you can help keep your pup's eyes healthy and free of pain.

Be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook and visit our blog weekly for more tips on caring for your wrinkly doggo, and the latest on all things Squishface!