English Bulldogs are prone to eye problems, making it essential for pet owners to be aware of common eye issues to prevent and treat them.
In this article, we will discuss the most common eye problems, answer the most common questions, and offer tips for maintaining their eye health.
Understanding the Importance of Bulldog Eye Health
Bulldogs have a unique appearance, with their wrinkles, short nose, and big eyes. Unfortunately, the wrinkles, short nose, and big eyes make this breed more prone to eye problems.
As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to understand the common eye problems in Bulldogs and what you can do to keep your furry friend healthy.
Over time, you will learn how how to watch, treat, and possibly prevent eye issues typical with this breed. But regular maintenance is important. These dogs don’t tend to complain or show pain until it’s too late.
the most common Eye problems in English Bulldogs:
Conjunctivitis:
Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” is a common eye problem in Bulldogs. While it is very contagious in humans, it is highly unlikely that a human can “catch” it from their dog and your dog will also not spread it to their fur friends, brothers or sisters.
This condition is most often caused by allergens causing inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can also be a symptom/result of other common Bulldog eye issues such as entropion or dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
Common symptoms of Conjunctivitis:
• Redness of the eye
• Inflammation
• Mucous like discharge from the eye
• General eye swelling
• Notice your dog rubbing their eye more often
Conjunctivitis is a painful condition that can lead to redness, itching, and discharge from the eye. If you are concerned that your dog is suffering from conjunctivitis, it’s important to take them to the vet for treatment as soon as possible.
Entropion:
Entropion is a genetic condition that is very common in Bulldogs. This condition occurs when the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye, leading to irritation and damage.
Typically, the wrinklier your bulldogs face is, the bigger the chance of developing entropion.
Entropion can cause a lot of discomfort. With the eyelashes facing inward, they are rubbing on the eye every time they blink, which, aside from the general discomfort, can lead to infection. If left untreated, other possible issues could be corneal ulcers, which are painful and can cause vision problems and blindness. How do you know if your bulldog is suffering from entropion? Watch for teary and/or bloodshot eyes, or excessive rubbing on the face/eyes.
One way to help/comfort your Bulldog in the mean time while you wait for your vet appointment/surgery is to use an eye lubricant such as Optixcare https://amzn.to/40LwEIy.
If your English Bulldog has entropion, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Cherry Eye:
Did you know that your dog has 3 eyelids? The nictitating membrane provides an extra layer of protection and is responsible for producing many of your Bulldog’s tears. This extra eyelid can be the cause of a condition commonly referred to as Cherry Eye. This condition occurs when the gland that produces tears becomes displaced, causing it to prolapse, or “pop out,” from its normal position.
Any dog can develop Cherry Eye but English Bulldogs in particular are prone to them.
Cherry Eye can cause redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye, and can lead to other serious eye problems if left untreated. Because this gland produces, in some cases 60% of your bulldogs tears, it is important to “save” the gland, so seeing your vet as soon as possible is advised.
While we strongly recommend that you see your vet if you suspect Cherry Eye (or any issue) for your dog, there are ways to temporarily treat at home until surgery. By using an antibiotic lubricating eye gel such as Terramycin https://amzn.to/40QgiPr and gently massaging the eye when you first start to notice a protrusion, it is possible to reposition the gland back into position within the eye.
The “good” news is that this condition is not painful for your dog and, they probably won’t even realize that they have it. It looks worse than it feels.
Corneal ulcerative disease:
Corneal ulcers are a very serious condition that affects bulldogs, as well as other breeds of dogs. It occurs when a bulldog’s cornea, the clear front part of the eye, becomes scratched or damaged, leading to an ulcer or an open wound. The ulcer can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma to the eye, exposure to irritants, or eye infections.
This condition can be quite painful for the bulldog and can cause redness, swelling, and discharge from the affected eye. If left untreated, the corneal ulcerative disease can lead to more serious problems, such as corneal scarring, vision loss or complete eye removal.
It’s important for bulldog owners to keep an eye out for any signs of corneal ulcerative disease and to seek veterinary care if they suspect their bulldog is affected. Things to look out for could be discharge, rubbing eyes excessively, keeping eyes shut to minimize pain. These symptoms and signs of discomfort are also signs of many other eye related issues so that is another reason why seeking out vet care is so important.
Treatment may involve antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, pain medications, and eye drops to help the ulcer heal. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected area of the cornea.
All the above eye issues mentioned in this article result in tear production. The result of this overflow of tears, if not cared for, can be tear stains. Aside from it not looking good, your Bulldog’s wrinkles will stay moist and that leads to bacteria. Once bacteria have developed you are left with dark, bad smelling wrinkles that cause your dog additional discomfort. You can help to keep your Bulldog’s wrinkles healthy by keeping them dry and using a product like Squish Face Wrinkle Paste https://amzn.to/3zq9trx.
While tear stains are not life threatening, they can be a strong indicator of a bigger eye issue that should be addressed with your vet. For more information on caring for Bulldog face wrinkles, click here
MUST READ: Corneal ulcerative disease in dogs – Medical study from Canine Medicine & Genetics
How To Prevent Eye Problems in English Bulldogs
- Regular check-ups with a veterinarian: It’s important to find a vet that specializes in Bulldog care. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help diagnose eye issues early on and prevent them from becoming severe.
- Daily walks: While Bulldogs are not the most active dogs, they still require daily walks to keep their eyes healthy. Walking helps improve eye circulation, and it can prevent eye problems from developing. Keep your puppies weight under control.
- Keeping the eyes clean: It is essential to keep your Bulldog’s eyes clean to prevent eye infections. Use a damp cloth to wipe your dog’s eyes daily and clean away any dirt or debris.
MUST READ: Top 10 Health Issues Every New English Bulldog Owner Should Know
Final Thoughts
Bulldogs are prone to eye problems, but with proper care and regular check-ups with a veterinarian, pet owners can prevent and treat common eye issues in the breed.