Bulldog eyes problems? Avoid them at HOME TODAY!
VET’s Edition for Non-VETs!
Did you know that the field of vision for dogs is approximately 240 degrees, whereas in humans it’s just 180 degrees? The eyes of a dog are truly amazing organs, however, Bulldog eyes can be prone to some problems.
Edited by Dr. Jo
Bulldogs Eyes Care – Why?
Are you concerned about your Bulldog’s eye problems? Worry no more and learn their common issues.
Discover in 5 minutes how to correctly treat and clean your Bulldog’s eyes to avoid the most common problems!
Why should you concern about Bulldog’s eyes?
Reason #1 – Bulldog’s eyes are big
Sometimes have some genetic issues. That means they can easily have problems!
Reason #2 – Allergies, irritation and infection
They are common threats to these beautiful black pearls.
Reason #3 – blindness!
These issues can develop bigger health problems, which can even lead to blindness!
Learn the proper eye cleaning technique to ensure that you do it safely at home.
That way you can minimize the chances of Bulldog eye problems, and you could potentially save yourself some extra trips to the vet. Let’s get started!
Bulldog Eye Problems (and HOW to avoid or treat them)
#1 – Bloodshot eyes
Bloodshot eyes may be normal for a Bulldog, but they can also be a sign of discomfort. Tears are also produced if there is discomfort.
Allergies are the main cause, although other conditions may cause it, such as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca and Distichiasis.
Treatment: If allergies are the cause, you can start by trying to avoid the allergies. Diet changes, routine eye cleaning, and medicated drops from your vet can work to solve this. It’s hard to treat it during spring because of the abundance of allergenic agents, such as pollens and grass, so your vet is a wonderful source of advice.
#2 – Irritation
This can be caused by environmental debris, such as dust, or something more serious, such as an object trapped under the eyelid, for example, a grass seed.
Treatment: For dust, you can quickly treat this at home with an eye rinse and eye cleaner. Applying daily eye lubricant if dust cannot be avoided, will help provide your Bulldog’s eyes from becoming uncomfortable. If it is severe, you should visit your vet to check for something stuck.
#3 – Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
This is otherwise known as ‘Dry Eye’. It is when the eyes are not producing enough tears and become very dry. This is common in Bulldogs as their eyes dry out very easily due to being protruded.
It can be dangerous, as when the eye becomes very dry, it leads to ulceration of the outer layer of the eye, the cornea, which is extremely uncomfortable and can affect vision.
“Left untreated, eye infections can spread or lead to vision loss.”
AKC – American Kennel Club
Treatment: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca requires veterinary medication to increase tear production from the tear glands. It will also require frequent eye lubrication to help keep the eyes moist, and potentially antibiotic drops if ulcers have formed
#4 – Cherry eye
The third eyelid is a membrane in the inner-most corner of the eye. Cherry eye is when the third eyelid pops out of position and becomes swollen.
It can happen in one or both eyes at the same time. Cherry eye is very common in Bulldogs.
Treatment: Surgery is performed to replace the third eyelid back into the correct position and suture it in place to avoid it from happening again. Sometimes the other third eyelid is also sutured as even if it hasn’t popped out, it will be at a high risk of doing so.
#5 – Eyelash problems (Hereditary)
Distichiasis and Ectopic Cilia are two of the most prevalent eyelash problems in Bulldog’s eyes. Both happen when extra eyelashes damage the cornea.
That is very painful for your Bulldog. It causes chronic ulceration which can lead to corneal swelling and in extreme cases, perforation.
Treatment: The eyelashes can be plucked out but they tend to recur approximately a month later. So, surgery is the treatment of choice to remove the hair with the follicle so there is no regrowth.
#6 – Entropion (Hereditary)
This is when the upper or lower eyelid rolls inward. It can be painful and cause ulceration of the cornea, due to the hairs touching the surface and causing friction.
It is hereditary, and Bulldogs with entropion should not be bred from.
Treatment: Surgery can be performed to evert the eyelids, although this can only happen once fully grown to avoid excessive over-correction.
#7 – Ectropion (hereditary)
This is the opposite of entropion, where the eyelid turns outwards and falls away from the eye.
While this may look cute to see a Bulldog with droopy eyes, it puts them more at risk for eye infections and environmental irritation.
Treatment: Like entropion, ectropion can also be surgically corrected.
#8 – Corneal ulceration
Bulldogs can easily ulcerate if they have something in their eye or it became scratched.
Ulceration is very painful and requires treatment from your vet as soon as possible.
Treatment: Your vet will prescribe medicated antibiotic drops for your Bulldog’s eyes to heal the ulcer and prevent it from becoming infected.
Important Note: Bulldogs’ eyes are very delicate and are vulnerable to be injured if they get too excited. So, taking into account this issue, it is advisable to avoid playing too rough.
AKC – American Kennel Club.
How Often Should I Clean My Bulldog’s eyes?
Bulldogs’ eyes should be cleaned on a daily basis to remove all discharge and keep them clean and healthy.
How to Clean Bulldogs Eyes: Practical And Easy STEPS!
Since Bulldogs’ eyes are quite delicate, you must pay attention to it and include cleaning into your daily routine.
You must be careful though since it can cause also cause damage to the eyes if done too firmly.
Other than the extra caution while cleaning Bulldog’s eyes, this is a simple process.
Step #1 – Get what you need!
Most of the time wipes for eyes are enough, especially if you’re using any of our recommended wipes for Bulldogs’ eyes. You can also use cooled boiled water on a cotton ball, but wipes are the best choice.
Step #2 – Clean the eye carefully
Softly and slowly, wipe through the outer areas of the eye, removing debris, eye sleep, and other contaminants. Pay good attention to the inner corner of the eye where discharge and tears most commonly run.
Step #3 – Reward your friend
Give her/him a treats for Bulldogs and praise good behavior! This will help you train him and make it a positive experience for him.
Pro Tips
Tip #1 – Start cleaning your Bulldog’s eyes since she/he is a puppy
That way he will become accustomed to the cleaning process.
Tip #2 – Twice is optimum
To keep your Bulldog’s eyes from any discomfort, you must clean his eyes every day at least once a day.
Tip #3 – Avoid rough playing with him!
Tip #4 – Do not use spray substances around your Bulldog.
Tip #5 – Pay attention to each cleaning routine
Doing so, you can note changes in his eyes. This can save her/his eyes from problems developing further.
My Bulldog caught something in his eye. How do I remove it?
If your Bulldog has caught something in his eye, here’s how to solve it:
Step #1 – Firstly, calm down your pup
Your Bulldog may become very upset when something is bugging him as this is an annoying experience for him (and also for humans as well!). You can use your pup’s favorite Bulldogs’ treats or Separation Anxiety toys to achieve this.
Step #2 – Sit down with your Bulldog and place him on your lap
You can also put him on top of a counter if it is safer, that way you will have more access to his face.
Step #3 – Open your Bulldog’s eyelids gently with your hands
You must ensure your hands are completely clean and without irritants or substances on them. This may irritate your Bulldog more and he needs to be calm for this or an accident can happen.
Step #4 – Add a few drops of a sterile saline solution or distilled water
You can easily find these items on our selection of first aid kits for Bulldogs!
Step #5 – Let your dog go giving her/him a minute to blink.
Step #6 – Clean away his tears
It is better to use our recommended wipes for eyes.
Important note: If your Bulldog’s eyes still seem irritated, which you will notice by excessive blinking, tears, or rubbing his eyes, take him immediately to your vet to be checked out.
Useful Products to Clean My Bulldog’s Eyes
Check-out our Detailed Reviews for Bulldogs to pick the best products for your Bulldog. We have invested time and effort to ease your buying decision!
Product #1 – Eyes Wipes for Bulldogs
Product #2 – Optixcare Eye Relief Lubricant
Great to battle dryness especially during Dry Eye treatment. Optixcare has a whole product range which is worth checking out.
Product #3 – Treats for Bulldogs
Frequently Asked Questions – Bulldog Eyes Problems
No, eyeballs require a huge pressure from behind them to pop out so this is almost impossible.
Eye discharge in Bulldogs is rather normal, so you might need to clean them on a daily basis. This is usually because of mild environmental irritants, such as dust, or dryness, because of the fact they protrude. If they become uncomfortable or red, you should take your Bulldog to the vet.
Visit your vet ASAP! There’s little you can do to help Bulldogs at home without the right diagnosis from a vet.
Conclusion
Now you’re ready to know what’s going on with those black pearly eyes and keep them clean and comfortable. As you just read, Bulldog’s eyes can be protected by avoiding and applying certain practices.
It’s important to note that the quality of the products you use along with our eye-cleaning tips will have a direct influence on the outcome. Always pick the best. If you cannot find the products we suggest, research any alternatives thoroughly and find one which is as close as possible.
Editor’s Choice – Cleaning A Bulldog’s Eyes
So, did you properly clean your Bulldog’s eyes today?
