5 most common French Bulldog eye problems

Frenchies and other bulldog breeds are more exposed to eye problems as their shorter snouts cannot protect them as much from scratches and things that can get into them. Because their eyes are so vulnerable, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that your puppy might face and know how to act when there are warning signs.

In this article, we explain the five most common French Bulldog eye problems, and share how you can recognize and treat them effectively. Based on our experience, early detection and proper care can prevent long-term complications and keep your pup healthy and happy. If you notice anything unusual about your Frenchie’s eyes, so they are red and waterier than normal, they are squinting and rubbing them, or there’s even some discharge coming out, it’s time to visit your vet!

Key Takeaways

• French Bulldogs are prone to several eye conditions due to their facial structure.
• Common issues include watery eyes, cherry eye, dry eyes, and corneal ulcers.
• Regular cleaning, vet visits, and proper eye drops can prevent complications.

1. Watery eyes in French bulldogs

Some dogs simply produce more tear than others. If that’s the case with your Frenchie, you may notice brown tear stains under their eyes.  This constant tearing discolors the fur, especially between the wrinkles. That is even more noticeable in white or light-colored Frenchies.

Besides being an aesthetic issue, excessive tearing can lead to health problems. Moist fur creates a perfect environment for bacteria, increasing the risk of eye infections.

How to prevent tear stains

Luckily, this issue is easy to manage with regular cleaning. We recommend cleaning your Frenchie’s tear stains at least once a week.

You can use sanitizing wipes, but our top suggestion is to apply a 2% boric acid eye wash using a cotton pad. This solution is completely safe for your dog’s eyes and provides thorough sanitation of the area beneath them.

If you’d like to learn how you can clean you puppy’s tear stains properly, check out our video tutorial, where Tom, the breeding expert at TomKings, demonstrates the technique.

2. Inflamed eyes in French bulldogs

You can usually recognize eye inflammation by the redness in your Frenchie’s eyes. This may have several causes, from environmental irritants to illness. For example, if your Frenchie has a runny nose, sneezes or coughs frequently as well, they may have caught a cold and will need antibiotics prescribed by a vet.

The most common cause your puppy’s eyes might be inflamed is when something gets into them. Sometimes it is obvious, for example, during bath time if shampoo accidentally enters the eyes. In such cases, use antibiotic eye drops like Tobradex, which is available at most vets and pharmacies.

When to visit the vet

If you’re unsure why your Frenchie’s eye might be inflamed, it’s very important to visit a vet as soon as possible. That’s because a damaged cornea may be made worse by using regular eye drops. Your vet will examine the eye under a microscope and recommend safe treatment. If there’s no damage, then it’s safe to use an eye drop.

Inflamed eyes may also produce white, yellow or green discharge. Your Frenchie may squint, blink more often, or rub the affected eye. In these cases, an antibiotic eye drop is typically needed, but only after a vet has ruled out corneal damage!

3. Cherry eye in French bulldogs

French Bulldogs have naturally loose facial skin, which sometimes causes the mucous membrane around their eyes to become visible. This membrane is normally red due to its blood supply and isn’t a cause for concern on its own.

However, a common condition in bulldog breeds is cherry eye, which occurs when the third eyelid’s gland slips out of place. It’s usually very easy to spot: you’ll see a small, red, swollen lump in the corner of your Frenchie’s eye, similar in shape and color to a cherry.

Early treatment at home

As bad is it may look, cherry eye doesn’t usually cause any pain to you pup. If you notice and treat it early, a gentle massage can even help move the gland back into position. This should be done carefully and only if you’re confident about the method.

When to see a vet

If massage doesn’t work or your puppy starts rubbing the eye, take them to a vet, as they could easily damage the gland. Vets typically perform a quick surgery to attach the gland back in place using an invisible, absorbable suture, so it won’t need to be removed. Recovery is typically fast with antibiotic eye drops.

Some surgeries remove the cherry eye entirely, but this is not recommended. The third eyelid is crucial for tear production, so removing it can lead to chronic dry eyes, which may require lifelong care.

4. Dry eyes in French bulldogs

When a Frenchie has dry eyes, it means their tear glands aren’t producing enough moisture to keep the eyes lubricated. This condition may result from various causes, like medications, previous cherry eye surgery, or sleeping with their eyes open.

Dry eyes in Frenchies can lead to redness and irritation. If left untreated, it can even result in inflammation and further complications. It can be really painful for your fur baby, so you should treat it as soon as possible.

Treatment options

Our recommendation for dry eyes is using preservative-free artificial tears, which are available at most pharmacies. Apply 1-2 drops into each eye twice daily, or more often if you have the time (e.g. on weekends).

After 1–2 months, visit your vet to check your Frenchie’s tear production levels. If their eyes are back in the normal range, you can stop using the drops. Otherwise, continue as advised by your vet.

5. Corneal ulcer in French bulldogs

A corneal ulcer is one of the most serious and painful eye problem in Frenchies. It typically develops after an injury to the eye, chemical irritation (like shampoo), or as a complication of untreated dry eyes.

Your Frenchie may keep one eye closed or try to rub it frequently to relieve the pain. You might also see discharge or notice they’re avoiding light. These are all signs of possible corneal damage.

Why immediate care is critical

Corneal ulcers can worsen quickly and even cause permanent vision loss if not treated in time. That’s why it’s crucial to see your vet at the first signs of trouble.

Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotic eye drops, which you’ll need to apply multiple times a day. Follow the dosage carefully and keep a close eye on your Frenchie’s symptoms.

If you’d like to learn more about Frenchies, join our Facebook group called TomKings Frenchie Family to read our Frenchie parents’ experiences.

FAQs

The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.