Eye problems are common in several dogs like French bulldogs, pugs, etc. Eye infections result from various pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These pathogens can affect different parts of the French bulldog eye including the cornea, and conjunctiva. According to our research eye infection can spread to different parts that may lead to other problems.
Eye Infection scientifically referred to as canine ocular infection caused due to various factors such as fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This infection can spread to different parts and increase the inflammation in eye parts such as conjunctiva, cornea, etc.
Some of the common eye infections in dogs are Cherry eye, Dry eye, Watery eye, Inflamed eye, etc. The main reasons for eye infections are bacteria and viruses. Cleaning the eye is important for dogs because dust, pollen, and allergies will increase the chances of eye infection in French bulldogs.
In this article, We evaluate eye problems in French bulldogs with the 6 most common eye problems, symptoms, and treatments.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is a common eye infection in dogs like French bulldogs. In scientific terms, it is known as nictitans gland prolapse. The nictitating membrane is the tissue that secretes the tears gland of the third eyelid pops like a reddish mass.
Cherry eyes are common in young dogs under 2 years old and it is mainly due to weakness in connective tissue that holds glands the vet has agreed that French bulldogs are prone genetically to a cherry eye condition. Some of the common signs of cherry eye are listed below
- Excessive tearing
- Blinking
- Visible red
These are the breeds prone to developing cherry eye.
- Bulldogs
- Beagles
- Cocker Spaniels
- Shih Tzus
- Lhasa Apsos
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Neapolitan Mastiffs
- Boxers
The symptoms of cherry eye infection are rubbing the eye due to discomfort and the exposed glands become inflamed. If you find these symptoms in dogs then consult a veterinarian for better treatment and untreated cherry eye infection may lead to various problems like dry eye.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common eye condition in French bulldogs and it is scientifically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). It mainly occurs due to a lack of tear production or an imbalance in the composition of tears that leads to inadequate lubrication of the eyes.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also known as dry eye syndrome, is a chronic ophthalmic disease resulting from a deficiency of one or more elements in the precorneal tear film.
The main signs of dry eye are inflammation or redness, Discharge, blinking, and rubbing the eye. Suppose the eye appears red in color or thick yellow or green discharge from the eyes. Suppose your French bulldogs are rubbing the eye due to discomfort and relief from irritations.
The research conducted by the National Library of Medicine found that dry eye is a common incident that occurs in dogs with a reported annual incidence of 0.3%-1.52 % in North America and common in Europe countries.
Some of the causes of Dry eye are Autoimmune Disorders, Genetics, and Medications. The dog’s immunity system may attack or damage the tear-production glands. Some of the breeds are genetically prone to develop dry due to pre-disposed eyes. Another cause is the Medication, the tear production may decrease due to some drug’s side effects.
If you find any dry eye symptoms in French bulldogs then consult a veterinarian for better treatment. Some of the dry eye treatments are Artificial tears, Antibiotics, and surgery. Untreated dry eye problems may lead to various problems and eye infections in French bulldogs.
Watery Eye
Watery eye is caused by various factors in French bulldogs. A thin film of tearing is normal for all dogs for keeping the eye lubricated and removing debris and the excess tear will drain into the corner of the eye. Scientifically watery eye was known as Epiphora means the overflow of tears from the eyes of French bulldogs.
The main causes of Watery eyes are Eye infections, Corneal ulcers, Environmental Irritants, Blocked tear ducts, etc. The symptoms of watery eyes can be different according to the various conditions. So if French bulldogs produce excessive tears then consult a veterinarian for better treatment and untreated watery eyes can lead to various infections and health problems.
To prevent the eyes from watery eye infections, you need to keep the eye clean to prevent irritations. You can use dump cloths for wiping the discharge.
Eye Discharge
Eye Discharge in dogs is a common occurrence but the type and color of discharge will show the eye infection indication. The French bulldogs will normally discharge tears like a reddish-brown stain due to the disposed eyes. Bacterial and virus infections will discharge tears and the dogs will rub their eyes every time due to irritation and discomfort.
Another eye discharge was due to a blocked tear duct, entropian, and dry eye. You need to keep the French bulldog’s eye clean. If the dog discharges excessive tears then consult a vet.
Here are some of the symptoms of Eye discharge.
- Tear Staining
- Excessive tearing
- Squinting
- Inflammation
- Pawing at eye
- Mucoid
- Cloudiness
Inflamed Eye
French bulldogs have inflamed eyes due to various reasons such as bacterial infection, virus infection, and cherry eye. The common reasons for inflammation in French bulldog’s eyes include infection, allergies, injuries, tear ducts, etc.
The main symptoms of the inflamed eye are Redness, swelling, discharge, watery eyes, rubbing on eye parts, and changes in behavior. To prevent dogs from inflamed eyes, you need to keep the eyes of French bulldogs clean, avoid irritants, warm compress, limit scratching, etc.
Corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer is a painful ulcer found in breeds like French bulldogs and disposed eye breeds. In scientific terms, corneal ulcer is known as Ulcerative Keratitis which is a transparent layer over the iris. It was usually a result of irritation or trauma to the eye. Corneal ulcers can be formed due to decreased tear production or nerve damage due to rubbing on the eye parts.
The most common causes of corneal ulcers are blunt trauma, chemical burns on the cornea, or scratches or contact with sharp objects. The symptoms of corneal ulcer are bloodshot, eye itching, discharge, and hazy vision.
What are the Symptoms of Eye Problems in Frenc Bulldogs
The symptoms of eye infection or problems can vary according to the type of problems or infections. If the French bulldogs have any eye infection then you need to consult a veterinarian for a proper solution. Some of the symptoms of eye infection are listed below:
- Changes in behavior
- Pink or Red eyes
- Blinking more times
- Watery eye
- Rubbing on carpet or objects
- Irritations
- Discharge
How to Treat Eye Infection in French Bulldogs
You can consult a veterinarian for better and proper treatment because they can analyze the infection and recommend the proper solution for the infection according to the analysis. If the French bulldogs have a bacterial infection then it can be treated with antibiotics ( We are not recommending any medicines or treatment for Dogs).
You can clean the eye with an eye cleaner or a wiper. You need to keep the eye surroundings clean to prevent bacterial and virus infections.
Can a dog eye infection heal on its own
Some eye infections or problems can be healed by the dog itself, but if the infection starts spreading then it will lead to major problems and encourage bacteria and viruses spreading in the eyes of French bulldogs.
The better option is the consult a veterinarian and get proper antibiotics or treatment for healing the infections. The dogs need a better immunity system to heal any injuries and infections.
Does Frenchie need eye drops?
Sometimes the veterinarian may prefer to use eye drops to heal the infection. It may be an antibiotic solution for healing.
Can Frenchies use human eye drops
You should not use any human medicine or eye drops for treating the French bulldog’s eye infection because the ingredients in the eye drop for humans can be harmful to animals. So you can consult a vet.
What is the Prevention of eye infection in French Bulldogs?
To prevent the eyes of French bulldogs from infection is simple. You need to keep your eyes clean and free from sharp objects that irritate them. You need to check the eyes of French bulldogs regularly to spot anything unusual and consult a vet if you spot anything wrong or the dog starts rubbing the eye parts.
Are Eye Problems Common in French Bulldogs?
Eye problems are common in French bulldogs due to disposed eyes. The same type of breed has eye problems. If your French bulldogs have eye problems then consult a veterinarian as soon as possible because it can spread or lead to major health problems and irritation for dogs.
How to keep French bulldog’s eye clean
To keep the French bulldog’s eye clean, you need to wipe the discharge and clean the eye area regularly. Avoid sharp objects that irritate the dogs and check the eye regularly to find unusual spots.
