Like a lot of other dogs, French bulldogs suffer from eye problems. The most common problem is dry eyes, which can be treated by using drops or ointment.
Other conditions include corneal ulcers, entropion (turning in) and ectropion (turning out).
French bulldogs have shorter snouts and are prone to injuries just from trying to walk about.
As they get older, they are also not that sturdy on their legs, so this also makes it more difficult for them to find their way around.
Dry eyes and corneas can also result in sight loss.
It is important to get this treated quickly, as it could lead to blindness in your dog, which will require a lot more care. Keep reading to find out how to treat these issues.
What Is Cherry Eye?
Cherry eye occurs when the eyelid becomes inflamed, swollen and red. This usually happens because of an infection, but can also occur if your dog has allergies.
This is because of a prolapse of the eye, and you will be able to see red tissue coming out of the eye itself. It will also experience things like watering and yellowish discharge.
This can be very irritating and painful for your dog, so make sure that you take it to the vet to get it checked out immediately.
The vet can sew this prolapsed tissue back into place and your dog can make a full recovery.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eyes are caused by a lack of tears in the eyes. There are two types of dry eye: primary and secondary.
Primary dry eye is due to a deficiency of tear production. Secondary dry eye results from inflammation or irritation of the eye.
In both cases, there is no fluid produced by the lacrimal glands, which secrete tears.
Symptoms of dry eye include a thickened mucus layer over the surface of the eye, excessive tearing, pain, itching and discomfort.
There are several causes of dry eye, including age, hormonal changes, certain medications, diabetes, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, allergies, autoimmune diseases, infections, environmental factors and nutritional deficiencies.
You will notice that your dog has dry eyes if they are excessively blinking. This will be quite painful for them, so you should seek treatment from the vet as soon as you possibly can.
What Is A Corneal Ulcer?
A corneal ulcer is a small hole in the cornea. These are often caused by trauma such as foreign objects getting stuck in the eye, or rubbing against the eye.
They can also be caused by bacteria or viruses.
A common cause of this can also be untreated dry eye. This is why it is important to treat dry eye early so that it does not develop into an ulcer.
A Frenchie might also get a corneal ulcer through exposure to harmful soaps and detergents which can cause irritation to this area.
You should always be aware of the chemical compounds in your dog’s shampoo and make sure that it does not get anywhere near your dog’s eyes.
Treatment will usually involve ointments that have antibiotics in them. You should make sure that this is applied regularly until the ulcer disappears.
Spotting Eye Problems In Your French Bulldog
If your Frenchie is showing any signs of having trouble with their eyes, then you need to get them to the vet right away. If left untreated, they can become infected and even blind.
It is important to know what symptoms to look for so that you can spot these problems before they become too serious. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Redness around the eyes
- Swelling
- Itching
- Painful discharge
- Blinking constantly
- Squinting
- Losing his balance when he walks
You can also see if your dog has eye issues if they have a little cloudiness in their retina. This could be evidence that they have cataracts.
This should be treated, as it will essentially render your dog blind.
You can get saline solution for your dog’s eyes, but you should be sparing with it and only use it for around 1 – 2 days. If you see that the eye condition has not improved, seek out a vet.
Redness Around French Bulldog’s Eyes
This is one of the first signs that something is wrong with your Frenchie’s eyes. It is very easy to miss because it is subtle, but it is still a sign that something needs to be looked at.
The redness may appear on the eyelids, around the eyes, under the eyes, or behind the ears.
The best way to tell if your Frenchie has redness around the eyes is to examine him closely. Look for patches of skin that are bright red.
If you find any, then you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
Swelling
Another sign that your Frenchie is experiencing eye problems is swelling. Swelling can occur in both the front and back parts of the eye.
There are many causes of swelling in the eye including allergies, infections, inflammation, tumors and other conditions.
Your Frenchie may also experience swelling due to dry eyes. Make sure that you keep up with treating this problem so that it doesn’t worsen.
Itching
Your Frenchie may itch all over his body, especially his face. He may scratch himself incessantly, making it difficult to sleep.
He may also rub his eyes excessively. If you notice any of these things happening, then you should bring your Frenchie to the vet as soon as possible.
Painful Discharge
Your Frenchie may start leaking pus from his eyes. This is another sign that something is wrong with his eyes.
He may also feel pain while looking into the light. You will notice that the discharge is drying on the eye too, which might cause your dog some irritation.
Blinking Constantly
Frenchie owners often report that their dogs blink constantly. They are trying to clear their eyes of debris, dust and dirt.
They may also be blinking to try and relieve discomfort. If you notice your Frenchie doing this, then you should take him to the vet immediately.
Blinking is a natural reflex, but excessive blinking can indicate an underlying issue.
Squinting
If your Frenchie squints, then there is probably something wrong with his eyes. Squinting occurs when your Frenchie tries to focus on something that is far away.
If you notice your Frenchie squinting, then you should take action right away. Your Frenchie may need surgery.
Losing Balance When Walking
If your Frenchie loses his balance when walking, then he may have vision problems. Vision problems can lead to falling down, which can result in injury.
Make sure that you pay attention to your Frenchie when he walks. If you notice anything unusual, then this could either be problems with the joints, the legs or possibly the eyesight.
The fact that your Frenchie is finding it hard to walk might also cause further injury. This is why you should not delay in getting your dog to a professional.
What Other Eye Problems Might Your Dog Have?
Dogs with glaucoma tend to lose their sight gradually. The most common symptom of glaucoma is seeing halos around lights, such as headlights coming toward you.
Glaucoma is more likely to affect older dogs than younger ones because they usually live longer.
Cataracts are clouded lenses inside the eyeball. A cataract may develop slowly over time, causing blurred vision.
It’s important to get your Frenchie checked by a veterinarian at least once every year.
Do Older Dogs Have More Sight Issues?
Older dogs tend to have more issues related to their eyes. The reason for this is that the aging process affects the lens of the eye. As the lens ages, it becomes harder and less flexible.
This makes it harder for the lens to change shape. This results in cloudy lenses and blurry vision.
How Can You Prevent Eye Issues With Your Frenchie?
You can prevent many of the issues associated with your Frenchie’s eyes if you keep (pardon the pun) an eye out for them.
Make sure that you do this before you leave home. Check your Frenchie’s eyes regularly. Look for any signs of redness, swelling or discharge.
You can also treat them with saline solution, even if they are not experiencing eye issues. However, you should make sure not to put too much in, as this might be another cause of eye problems.
You should also avoid using a caustic shampoo that has harmful chemicals that might cause irritation in your dog’s eyes.
Make sure you avoid getting shampoo near the head. If your pooch does get shampoo near the eyes, then you should make sure to rinse it out quickly.
Also, make sure you clean any natural discharge from your dog’s eyes. If this builds up, then it can cause vision issues and irritation that might lead to further problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes My Frenchie To Squint?
Squinting happens when your Frenchie focuses on something that is far off. Squinting often occurs when your Frenchie is looking into bright light.
How Can I Tell If My Frenchie Is Having Trouble Focusing?
Focusing is a very important part of your Frenchie’s life. He needs to focus on things like food, toys, people and other animals.
If your Frenchie is having trouble concentrating, then you need to take him to see his vet. They will be able to help diagnose what is going on.
Is There Anything Else I Can Do To Help My Frenchie’s Eyes?
Yes! There are some simple steps that you can follow to help your Frenchie’s eyes stay healthy.
First, always wash your Frenchie’s face gently. Be careful not to rub the area under her eyes. Also, don’t use soap or harsh products near her eyes.
Next, try to limit the amount of time that she spends outdoors in direct sunlight. Try to give your Frenchie plenty of rest during the day.
Finally, make sure that you check your Frenchie’s eyes regularly. If you notice any changes, then contact your vet immediately.
Our Final Say
We hope that this article has helped you when it comes to noticing any issues with your French bulldog’s eyes.
There could be a myriad of reasons why your dog is itching or experiencing discomfort, but it is important to notice it straight away and treat it soon afterward.
