Dogs rely on their eyes just as much as humans do, and proper eye care is essential to keeping them healthy and happy. Some breeds, however, are more prone to eye problems due to genetics, facial structure, or age-related conditions. If you own a dog with a higher risk of eye issues, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure their vision remains clear and free from infections or diseases.
In this guide, we’ll discuss which dog breeds are most at risk, common eye problems they face, and the best ways to care for their eyes.
Dog Breeds Prone to Eye Problems
Certain dog breeds have a higher likelihood of developing eye issues due to their genetic makeup. Here are some of the most affected breeds:
🐶 Brachycephalic Breeds (Flat-Faced Dogs) – Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese have bulging eyes that are more exposed to injuries, dryness, and infections.
🐶 Retrievers (Labrador & Golden Retrievers) – These breeds are at risk of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness.
🐶 Cocker Spaniels – Prone to cherry eye, cataracts, and glaucoma.
🐶 Dachshunds – At risk of retinal degeneration and cataracts.
🐶 Siberian Huskies – Genetic predisposition to corneal dystrophy and cataracts.
🐶 Collies & Shetland Sheepdogs – Commonly affected by Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), which can impair vision.
If your dog belongs to one of these breeds, regular eye care is crucial to prevent or manage potential problems.
Common Eye Problems in Dogs
1️⃣ Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca – KCS)
📌 Symptoms: Redness, excessive blinking, thick eye discharge, dry-looking eyes.
📌 Common in: Bulldogs, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, and Shih Tzus.
📌 Cause: Decreased tear production, leading to irritation and infections.
✅ How to Prevent/Treat:
✔ Regularly clean your dog’s eyes with a vet-approved saline solution.
✔ Use prescribed eye drops or artificial tears to keep eyes moist.
✔ Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water for natural tear production.
2️⃣ Cherry Eye
📌 Symptoms: A red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye.
📌 Common in: Beagles, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Shih Tzus.
📌 Cause: The third eyelid gland prolapses, causing a noticeable red lump.
✅ How to Prevent/Treat:
✔ If mild, gently massaging the area can sometimes help reposition the gland.
✔ Severe cases may require surgical correction.
✔ Keep the area clean to prevent infections.
3️⃣ Corneal Ulcers
📌 Symptoms: Squinting, excessive tearing, rubbing the eye, cloudiness in the eye.
📌 Common in: Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.
📌 Cause: Scratches or trauma to the cornea due to protruding eyes.
✅ How to Prevent/Treat:
✔ Avoid rough play that could lead to eye injuries.
✔ Regularly trim fur around the eyes to prevent irritation.
✔ If an ulcer forms, a vet may prescribe antibiotic eye drops.
4️⃣ Cataracts
📌 Symptoms: Cloudy or bluish-gray eyes, difficulty seeing in low light.
📌 Common in: Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, and older dogs.
📌 Cause: Aging, genetics, or diabetes.
✅ How to Prevent/Treat:
✔ Maintain a healthy diet with antioxidants to support eye health.
✔ Annual vet check-ups to monitor early signs.
✔ Advanced cases may require surgery to remove cataracts.
5️⃣ Glaucoma
📌 Symptoms: Bulging eyes, pain, watery discharge, vision loss.
📌 Common in: Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Shih Tzus.
📌 Cause: Increased eye pressure, leading to nerve damage.
✅ How to Prevent/Treat:
✔ Early detection is key—schedule regular eye pressure tests at the vet.
✔ Vets may prescribe eye drops to lower pressure.
✔ In severe cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure.
Best Eye Care Tips for Dogs
1️⃣ Keep Your Dog’s Eyes Clean
🐾 Use a damp cotton pad with vet-approved saline solution to wipe away dirt and discharge.
🐾 Clean around the eyes daily, especially for breeds prone to tear stains (e.g., Poodles, Maltese).
2️⃣ Trim Fur Around the Eyes
🐾 Long-haired breeds (e.g., Shih Tzus, Poodles) need regular trimming to prevent fur from irritating their eyes.
🐾 Use rounded-tip scissors to safely trim around the eyes or ask a groomer for help.
3️⃣ Protect Their Eyes from the Sun & Wind
🐾 Dogs with light-colored eyes (like Huskies) are more sensitive to sunlight. Dog sunglasses (doggles) can help protect against UV rays.
🐾 When traveling in the car, keep windows slightly closed to prevent dust and debris from getting into their eyes.
4️⃣ Avoid Exposure to Irritants
🐾 Keep your dog away from smoke, dust, and strong cleaning chemicals that can cause eye irritation.
🐾 Avoid letting your dog stick its head out of the car window, as debris can hit their eyes.
5️⃣ Feed a Nutrient-Rich Diet for Eye Health
🐾 Include omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) to support eye function.
🐾 Blueberries, carrots, and spinach are great for maintaining healthy vision.
🐾 Always check with a veterinarian before introducing new supplements.
6️⃣ Schedule Regular Eye Check-Ups
🐾 An annual vet visit can help catch eye problems early.
🐾 If you notice redness, excessive tearing, squinting, or cloudiness, see a vet immediately.
Final Thoughts: Prioritize Your Dog’s Eye Health
Dogs with genetic predispositions to eye problems need extra care and attention. By following these simple yet effective tips—keeping their eyes clean, trimming fur, feeding a nutrient-rich diet, and scheduling regular check-ups—you can significantly reduce the risk of serious eye diseases.
If you ever notice signs of eye discomfort in your dog, don’t wait—early detection and treatment can prevent long-term damage and help your dog maintain good vision for years to come! 🐶👀✨