Bulldog Eye Care: How to Keep Your English Bulldog's Eyes Healthy

We have had several babies with eye problems, mostly dry and but we did have 2 fur babies with cherry eye. Check out some overall basic eye care information below and our personal story.

Eye care is an important aspect of keeping your English bulldog healthy and happy. Bulldogs are a popular breed known for their distinctive appearance, including their large, expressive eyes. However, their unique facial structure can also make them more susceptible to certain eye problems. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the common eye issues that English bulldogs face and share tips for keeping their eyes healthy.

Common Eye Issues in English Bulldogs:

1. Cherry Eye - This is a condition where the gland in the third eyelid of your bulldog prolapses and becomes visible as a red mass in the corner of their eye. Cherry eye is more common in young bulldogs and can be corrected through surgery.
2. Entropion - This condition is caused by the inward folding of the eyelids, leading to irritation and inflammation of the eyes. Entropion can be corrected through surgery to prevent further damage to the eyes.
3. Dry Eye - Bulldogs are prone to dry eyes due to their shortened snouts, which can lead to poor tear production. This can cause irritation, infections, and corneal ulcers. Treatment for dry eyes usually involves eye drops and ointments to lubricate the eyes.
4. Corneal Ulcers - Bulldogs are also prone to corneal ulcers due to their protruding eyes. These ulcers can be caused by scratches, infections, or even irritants like shampoo. Treatment usually involves medicated eye drops, ointments, and sometimes surgery.

Tips for Eye Care

1. Keep the Eye Area Clean - Regularly clean your bulldog's face and the area around their eyes with a damp cloth. This can help prevent infections and remove irritants that can cause eye problems.
2. Monitor Eye Health - Keep an eye out for any changes in your bulldog's eyes, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian immediately.
3. Use Eye Drops - If your bulldog has dry eyes, use lubricating eye drops or ointments as directed by your veterinarian to prevent irritation and infections.
4. Protect Eyes from Irritants - Bulldogs are sensitive to certain chemicals and irritants, so be careful when using products like shampoo or cleaning solutions around their eyes.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet - A healthy diet can help prevent eye problems in bulldogs. Feed your bulldog a balanced diet that includes antioxidants, which can help protect their eyes from damage.
   

It is not uncommon for dogs to experience eye and skin irritation as a result of allergies. If you suspect that your dog's eye or skin issues may be allergy-related, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify the specific allergen(s) that are triggering your dog's symptoms.

Allergy testing can involve skin or blood tests, and the results can help guide the development of an effective treatment plan. Your veterinarian may recommend a combination of medications, dietary changes, and environmental modifications to manage your dog's allergies and minimize the risk of future eye and skin issues.

It is important to note that not all eye and skin issues in dogs are allergy-related, and it is essential to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. With proper care and management, many eye and skin issues in dogs can be successfully treated or prevented.

See our article on nutrition and yeast infection care to help with allergies.

Our Experience:

We have had a few bullies with eye problems. First things first when cherry eye is noticed take your baby to the vet for a proper exam. Some cherry eye goes away, but in our case 2 of the 3 buddies needed surgery. The cherry eye surgery for a bulldog is not extensive and pretty common. I know it can look horrible when your dog has these fleshy bulbs protruding from his/her eyes but its a pretty easy fix.

We never had an issue after the surgery with complications. This surgery should not be super expensive on average our costs were $500.00 per pupper. I think it is vital you find a vet who is honest with pricing. It's also good to get one with extensive experience with the bully breed. We have had vets in the past that were not as familiar and issues did come up with that.

Dry eye is another common issue for bulldogs. You can find medicated drops from your vet, or opt for over-the-counter drops from reputable sources like Amazon. While it may take some trial and error to find the right drops for your bulldog, diligent care and the right medication can solve this problem.

Treatments: (over the counter)

Dry Eye / Abrasions / Ulcers

Muro 128 Sterile Ophthalmic5:
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Ophthalmic is generally safe for dogs when used as directed by a veterinarian. It is commonly used as a sterile saline solution for cleaning and flushing the eyes, as well as for treating certain eye conditions. However, it is important to always consult with your veterinarian before using any medication or treatment on your dog, as individual sensitivities and medical conditions can vary. Your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate use and dosage of sodium chloride ophthalmic for your dog's specific needs.

Terramycin Antibiotic Ointment for Eye Infection:
Veterinary antibiotic ointment for treating eye infections in dogs, cats, cattle, horses, and sheep with active ingredients oxytetracycline hydrochloride and Polymyxin B Sulfate. for treating eye infections in dogs, cats, cattle, horses, and sheep with active ingredients oxytetracycline hydrochloride and Polymyxin B Sulfate.

Vetericyn Plus Livestock Pink Eye Spray:
A topical spray-on treatment to soothe and heal cases of conjunctivitis in cows, goats, pigs, sheep, or any other livestock animal.

A standard saline wash can be a safe and effective way to clean your dog's eyes, provided that it is used correctly. Saline solution is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water, which can help to flush out any debris, dust, or irritants that may be present in the eyes.