French Bulldog Eye Issues: Allergies And Infections Explained

French Bulldogs are among the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. They’re also one of the unlucky breeds predisposed to health issues, ranging from skin allergies to breathing difficulties. One particularly common problem for French Bulldogs is eye problems.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common eye problems that Frenchies face, and what you can do as an owner to help prevent them.

We’ll also discuss what treatments are available if your pup does develop any eye diseases or suffers an eye injury and how they can be managed once diagnosed.

 

French Bulldog Eye Problems

Just like humans, the canine eye is a delicate structure that can be damaged easily. This is why the most important underlying part of French Bulldog eye problems is getting an accurate diagnosis.

Religious use of eye drops isn’t going to sort all of the health problems out, unfortunately. They just mask the malady.

Below is a list of the common eye problems that can affect French Bulldog’s eyes:

Allergies

French Bulldogs are especially prone to allergies, the most common being environmental allergies. These can be caused by anything in the dog’s environment, including pollen, dust, mold, and even certain types of grass.

Other common causes of French Bulldog eye allergies include food allergies, food intolerance and reactions to medications.

The most common allergy symptom in Frenchies is itchy, red, or excessively watery eyes. Other symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.

If your French Bulldog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If your French Bulldog has red eyes, you should check the quality of its tear film with an ophthalmologist.

First, try to identify the allergen and remove it from your dog’s environment if possible.

Once you know what your dog is allergic to, you can take steps to minimize its exposure. If they’re allergic to pollen, for example, keep them inside during peak pollen hours and bathe them after they’ve been outside.

If they’re allergic to dust mites, regularly wash their bedding in hot water.

The most important thing is to keep the area around your dog’s eyes clean and free of debris. You can do this by wiping the area with a damp cloth or using a cotton swab to gently remove any discharge.

It’s also important to avoid letting your French Bulldog rub his eyes on furniture or carpet, as this can aggravate allergies and cause them to flare up.

If you think your dog may have any allergies affecting their eyes, it’s best to take them to the vet for an examination and treatment.

There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help relieve French Bulldog eye allergies. Antihistamines can help reduce itching and inflammation, while eye drops can lubricate dry eyes. Just make sure you get eye drops that are safe for prolonged usage.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your dog’s allergies, talk to your veterinarian about doing some allergy testing. Your veterinarian can recommend the best course of treatment for your canine companion.

Check out our homepage if you want more information on this topic and other health issues so you can be a real expert – and keep your Frenchie happy and healthy!

Cherry eye

A French Bulldog has a third eyelid covering its eye interior and there’s a gland nearby. Sometimes you’ll see a big cherry sitting there.

Cherry eye is a French Bulldog eye problem that results in the collapse of the third eyelid gland. This gland produces tears, which is what keeps both eyes moisturized and clean. When the gland prolapses, it can become irritated and inflamed, causing the eye to water excessively.

In severe cases, cherry eye can lead to blindness.

Treatment for cherry eye typically involves surgically repositioning the tear gland and the third eyelid back into place. In some cases, the entire gland may need to be removed.

If so, your French Bulldog will require artificial tears to keep their eyes healthy and lubricated.

Dry eye (KCS)

Dry eye syndrome (medically called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or KCS) occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears that are produced do not have the proper composition. It usually happens due to a congenital defect. If you don’t have tears, the eye is a great place for other bacteria and irritants to move right in (for humans and Frenchies).

Eye dryness can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even corneal ulcers.

There are several possible causes of dry eye in dogs, including autoimmune disease, allergies, infection, cherry eye removal, and certain medications.

In French Bulldogs, allergies are the most common cause. Allergies can cause the blood vessels in the eye to become inflamed, leading to decreased tear production.

Treatment for dry eye depends on the underlying cause. If allergies are suspected, your vet may recommend antihistamines or another allergy medication.

If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, artificial tears or ointments may be recommended to help lubricate the eyes.

If your French Bulldog is suffering from dry eye, it’s important to have him seen by a veterinarian so that an appropriate treatment plan can be put in place. Treatments are usually lifelong and help stimulate tear production.

Left untreated, dry eye can lead to serious complications, including loss of vision.

In some chronic cases, the eyes can get scarred black. As French Bulldog eye problems go, this is relatively serious despite its somewhat benign name.

Pink eye

Pink eye is a common eye condition in dogs that can be caused by allergies, bacteria, and viruses. Another name for this eye injury is conjunctivitis. In healthy dogs, you usually won’t see much of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane between the eye and eyelids, which will have a pale pink color.

When this condition occurs, the conjunctival membrane becomes red and swollen.

Signs of pink eye include redness, clear or mucus eye discharge, excessive blinking, scratching of the eye and squinting.

Dogs with underlying allergies or autoimmune skin disorders are more prone to getting this illness.

If your French Bulldog has red eyes, it is important to take them to the vet so they can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Your French Bulldog’s eyes will need topical antibiotics. Artificial tears, cold compress, and CBD oils are all ways of treating this condition.

Corneal ulcers

Corneal ulcers occur when the clear outer layer of the eye is damaged, exposing the underlying tissue to infection.

Corneal ulcers can be caused by a number of things, including trauma, bacteria, and allergies.

Treatment typically involves antibiotics and/or steroids (along with sterile eye rinse solutions) to heal the ulcer and prevent further damage.

French Bulldogs’ corneal ulcers/corneal injuries are extremely agonizing!

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common issue in French Bulldogs and can occur at any age. Early detection is key to managing this condition, as cataracts can eventually lead to blindness.

There are several symptoms of cataracts that you should be aware of, including cloudy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing in low light, increased sensitivity to light, and changes in the appearance of the pupil.

If you notice any of these changes in your French Bulldog’s vision, it’s important to bring them to the vet for an evaluation. Of course, your dog can’t communicate that it’s having difficulty seeing, but you will notice their eyes turning a milky white.

Cataracts can be treated with surgery, which is often successful in restoring vision. However, it’s important to note that cataracts can come back after surgery, so regular check-ups with the vet are essential.

Entropion and ectropion

Two common eye conditions that can affect Frenchies are entropion and ectropion.

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid (usually the lower one) rolls inwards, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This can be extremely painful and may lead to corneal ulcers.

Ectropion is when the eyelid (also typically the lower one) rolls outwards, away from the eye. It can cause tearing and discharge, as well as make the eye more susceptible to infections.

Ectropion is usually caused by the genetic trait of droopy eyelids.

If you notice your French Bulldog squinting or rubbing their eyes, it’s important to take them to the vet for an examination.

These conditions can usually be treated surgically, so don’t delay in seeking treatment for your French Bulldog.

Distichiasis

While most Frenchies have healthy eyes, some may be born with a condition called distichiasis. In this condition, one or more extra eyelashes grow from the oil gland in the eye and touch the surface of the eye. These hairs will chafe the eye.

This can cause irritation and inflammation. In severe cases, it can lead to ulcers on the cornea.

If your French Bulldog has distichiasis, you may notice that they rub its eyes frequently or have red, irritated eyes.

If you suspect that your French Bulldog has this condition, take them to the vet for an examination. Treatment options for your French Bulldog include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing of the affected area), and surgery.

 

FAQs

Why does my French Bulldog get so many eye boogers?

Flat-faced dogs are more prone to eye discharge due to their eye sockets being shallower. The watery discharge could also be caused by allergies, irritants (such as a foreign object, for example), or other abnormalities.

How do you manage a French Bulldog allergy problem?

This will depend on the type of allergy. A skin allergy can be treated with medicated and sulfate-free shampoos. An eye allergy can be treated with antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungal medications and corticosteroids. A food allergy can be treated with medical treatment and staying away from consuming that type of food.

Can a dog eye infection heal on its own?

No, all French Bulldog eye problems will not heal on their own. An eye infection will need to be treated with antibiotics and/or antifungal ointments. If you leave an infection, it could spread to both eyes and cause blindness.

Can cherry eye go away on its own?

No, cherry eye will need treatment – often surgery – as the gland has prolapsed. If you leave cherry eye untreated, this could result in more swelling and irritation.

How can I treat my dog’s eye infections without going to the vet?

You can use saline drops to flush out any eye irritants. However, you should see your local veterinarian, as all eye infections won’t go away without proper medication and treatment.

When should I take my dog to the vet for an eye infection?

Your French Bulldog should be taken to the vet immediately if you notice any signs of eye irritation or sensitivity. Only a veterinarian can conduct a proper eye examination and see what is causing the problem. Anti-inflammatory drugs might be prescribed to help ease the irritation and swelling.

Conclusion

French Bulldogs are a beautiful breed of dog, but they often suffer from eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and cherry eye. These problems can cause a great deal of pain and suffering for your dog’s eyes, so it’s important to be aware of them.

If you think your French Bulldog may be suffering from an eye problem, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing further damage to your dog’s eyesight.

Dog owners must also pay attention to their French Bulldog’s diet, as this can play a role in their eye problems.

If you want to find out more, like how to potty train a French Bulldog, our website has loads of information on other health conditions and more!