
French Bulldogs are known for their adorable wrinkles and playful personalities, but they can also be prone to eye problems.
Red eyes in French Bulldogs are often caused by a condition called cherry eye, which occurs when the gland in the third eyelid becomes inflamed.
French Bulldogs are more susceptible to cherry eye due to their brachycephalic skull structure, which can cause their eyes to bulge out.
To prevent cherry eye, it's essential to keep your French Bulldog's eyes clean and free of debris.
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Common Problems
French Bulldogs are prone to certain eye problems that can be quite distressing for both the dog and the owner. Red eyes are a common symptom of these issues.
One of the most common eye problems in French Bulldogs is corneal injury, which can occur when an eyelash enters the eye. This can be painful and even lead to loss of eyesight if left untreated.
Allergies are another common cause of red eyes in French Bulldogs. Pollen, dust, mites, fleas, and even certain foods can trigger allergic reactions, causing bloodshot eyes, excessive tearing, and pawing at the eyes.
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French Bulldogs are also susceptible to infections, which can cause redness, discharge, and squinting. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch these issues early on.
Here are some common symptoms of French Bulldog eye problems:
- Red eyes
- Squinting or closing the eye often
- Clear discharge from the eyes that doesn't go away after a few days
- Tearing
- Crusting around the eyes
- Constantly pawing at the eyes
These symptoms can indicate a range of eye problems, from corneal injury to infections and allergies. If you notice any of these symptoms in your French Bulldog, it's essential to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Preventing Problems
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor eye health and catch potential issues early. This can help prevent more serious problems from developing.
Administering vaccinations and preventive medications can reduce the risk of infections that can cause red eyes. This is especially important for French Bulldogs, as they are prone to certain eye issues.
Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for bolstering the immune system and overall health, which can indirectly benefit eye health. A well-nourished dog is better equipped to fight off infections.
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Grooming regularly, paying close attention to the area around the eyes, can help remove debris and prevent irritation. This can be done using pet-friendly eye wipes.
Avoid exposing your French Bulldog to irritants like smoke, chemicals, and excessive dust, which can cause redness and irritation.
To reduce the risk of eye injuries, provide toys and accessories free from sharp edges. This can help prevent painful injuries and infections.
Here are some common signs of French Bulldog eye problems:
• Redness
• Squinting
• Discharge
• Rubbing the face onto the floor
• Scratching the eyes with paws
Causes of Red Eyes
Red eyes in French Bulldogs can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are inherited while others are environmental.
Allergies are a common cause of red eyes in French Bulldogs, as they can trigger irritation and inflammation in the eyes.
Dry eyes are another potential cause of redness, especially in breeds with shallow eye sockets like the French Bulldog.
Bright sunlight can also cause redness in French Bulldogs' eyes, as it can irritate the sensitive skin and cause discomfort.
Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis, can cause redness, discharge, and eye discomfort in French Bulldogs.
These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other underlying health issues.
Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of red eyes in French Bulldogs can be quite distressing for both you and your pup. One of the most obvious symptoms is the cherry eye itself, which appears as a red lump around the corner of your pup's eye.
A red eye can be caused by a cherry eye, which is a prolapsed nictitans gland that can cause extreme distress and pain for your French Bulldog. Your Frenchie may scratch and paw at its face and shake its head to try and get rid of the discomfort, but unfortunately, this won't help.
Some common signs of red eyes in French Bulldogs include redness, squinting, clear discharge from the eyes, and tearing. You may also notice crusting around the eyes and constant pawing at the eyes.
Here are some common symptoms of French Bulldog eye problems:
- Red eyes;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Clear discharge from the eyes;
- Squinting or closing eye often;
- Tearing;
- Crusting around the eyes;
- Constantly pawing at the eyes.
Symptoms of Cherry

If your French Bulldog has cherry eye, one of the most obvious symptoms is the cherry eye itself, a red lump around the corner of their eye that may protrude and cause irritation or discomfort.
You may observe your Frenchie scratching and pawing at their face and shaking their head persistently to try and get rid of the cherry eye, but unfortunately, this won't help.
Their third eye may not function optimally, leading to an impaired tear film and more squinting, which can be a sign that your dog is in pain or discomfort.
Here are some common symptoms of cherry eye in French Bulldogs:
- Redness around the eye
- Squinting or closing the eye often
- Excessive tearing
- Crusting around the eyes
- Constantly pawing at the eyes
These symptoms can be distressing for both you and your dog, but recognizing them early on is crucial for getting the right treatment and preventing further complications.
Feeling Tired
Red eyes can be a sign of tiredness in dogs, just like in humans. This is because the blood vessels in the eyes become more visible when they're tired.
Some dog breeds, including Frenchies, can get red eyes when they're exhausted. It's nothing to worry about and doesn't indicate any type of health problem.
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Treatments and Care
French bulldogs with red eyes need proper care and treatment to prevent discomfort and infection. Regular cleaning of the eye area is essential to remove dirt and debris.
You can use a warm, damp cloth or an over-the-counter eye cleaning product specifically designed for dogs to clean your French bulldog's eyes. Always read the instructions carefully and use them as directed to avoid further irritation.
To keep your French bulldog's eyes moist and free of discharge, use eye drops or an eye gel/ointment as directed. Never use human eye drops on your dog.
Here are some common treatments for French bulldog eye issues:
- Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops/ointments
- Cleaning the eye area regularly
- Avoiding irritants
- Wearing a protective cone if needed
- Following a vet's prescribed treatment plan
Care
Regular eye care is crucial for French Bulldogs, as their big eyes are prone to allergies and infections. Their short nostrils make them more susceptible to eye allergies.
To prevent eye infections, regularly rinse your Frenchie's eyes with special eye solutions and use artificial teardrops. During the blooming season, their allergies can get worse.
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Cleaning their eyes regularly is essential, especially if they have a lot of discharge. Use a warm, damp cloth to gently clean the area around the eyes and remove any crusts that may have formed.
You should clean their eyes frequently, but the exact frequency depends on their individual needs. If they have a lot of discharge, clean their eyes more often.
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are vital to ensure your Frenchie's eyes are healthy and free of infections. Take them for annual eye exams to detect any potential issues early on.
French Bulldogs' eyes should be examined by your veterinarian at least annually to identify potential blinding genetic conditions.
Treating Cherry
Treating Cherry Eye in French Bulldogs requires a careful approach, depending on the size and severity of the issue. The treatment may involve anti-inflammatory treatments like antibiotics or ointments to bring down swelling and preserve comfort for your pup.
Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or ointments to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cherry eye completely, which involves excising the third eyelid and its glandular tissue.
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Surgery is usually a last resort, as it can lead to overly dry eyes due to insufficient tears. However, it significantly lowers the chances of the cherry eye popping out again and keeps your pup safe from discomfort.
Regular use of artificial tears after surgery is crucial to prevent eye issues from appearing or worsening. This will help mitigate the risk of dry eyes and keep your French Bulldog's eyes healthy.
Your veterinarian will recommend the best course of treatment based on your pup's individual needs. It's essential to follow their advice and schedule regular check-ups to ensure your French Bulldog's eye health.
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Health Checks and Maintenance
Regular health checks are crucial for French Bulldogs with red eyes.
French Bulldogs are prone to eye problems due to their brachycephalic skull structure, which can lead to shallow eye sockets and increased tear duct pressure.
Their eyes should be checked regularly for signs of redness, discharge, or squinting.
In addition to regular check-ups, it's also essential to maintain good hygiene around their eyes to prevent infections.
Keep an eye out for any changes in your French Bulldog's eye color or clarity, as this can be a sign of underlying health issues.
Eye Disorders
French bulldogs are prone to eye disorders, and it's essential to be aware of the common issues they can face. Genetic eye disorders usually cause problems for puppies only in their first few months, so regular veterinary visits are crucial during this time.
Brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs are prone to corneal ulcerations and injuries due to their eye shape and reduced surface sensitivity. An injured cornea can become infected and quickly progress, possibly requiring surgical repair.
Cherry eye is a common condition in French bulldogs, caused by an inherited weakness in the tissue that holds the tear gland in place. This condition can be triggered by trauma to the eye, excessive wiping, allergies, or certain medications.
Symptoms of cherry eye include a red lump around the corner of the eye, excessive tearing, squinting, and pawing at the face. If left untreated, cherry eye can grow into an infection and severe issue.
French bulldogs with dry eye syndrome will have red and irritated eyes due to a lack of tears. They may also develop secondary bacterial or yeast infections.
Corneal ulcers in French bulldogs can cause eye pain, red eyes, squinting, and excessive tearing. The most common cause of corneal ulcers in Frenchies is trauma caused by a foreign object or a scratch from another dog or cat.
Entropion and ectropion are inherited eye conditions that can cause irritation and inflammation in French bulldogs. These conditions can lead to red eyes, and surgery may be necessary to correct them.
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) are tissue strands or sheets in the front eye chamber that can cause small opacities on the lens or cornea. In severe cases, PPMs can obstruct and impair vision.
Retinal dysplasia is abnormal development of the retina, which can cause vision problems in French bulldogs. However, some French bulldogs with retinal dysplasia may have normal vision and not require treatment.
Identifying and Recognizing
French bulldogs are prone to eye problems, and it's essential to recognize the signs early on to prevent further damage. Red eyes in French bulldogs can be a symptom of various issues, including corneal ulcers and injuries.
Genetic eye disorders can cause problems for French bulldog puppies in their first few months, so regular veterinary visits are crucial for monitoring their development. If your puppy develops an abnormal eye appearance or vision changes, schedule a visit with a veterinary ophthalmology specialty team.
Redness is one of the most common symptoms of French bulldog eye problems, along with squinting, tearing, mucoid discharge, and reduced vision. These symptoms can indicate a range of issues, from corneal ulcers to infections.
French bulldog owners should be aware that brachycephalic breeds are prone to corneal ulcerations and injuries due to their eye shape and reduced surface sensitivity. An injured cornea can become infected and quickly progress, possibly requiring surgical repair.

Here are some common signs of French bulldog eye problems:
- Red eyes
- Squints or closes eye often
- Has clear discharge from the eyes and does not go away after a few days
- Eyes are tearing
- Has crusting around the eyes
- Is constantly pawing at the eyes
If you notice any of these symptoms in your French bulldog, make an appointment with your vet right away. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in preventing further damage and ensuring your dog's eye health.
Cleaning Products for Dogs
Cleaning products for your French Bulldog's eyes are essential to keep them clean and healthy. You can use wipes to clean away dirt, dust, and debris that French Bulldogs pick up around the house or outside.
Eye drops for dogs can help keep their eyes moist and free of discharge. It's crucial to use products specifically designed for dogs, as human eye drops can cause further irritation.
An eye gel or ointment can be used if there's a lot of discharge in your French Bulldog's eyes. This helps keep the area lubricated and free from infection.
To keep your French Bulldog's eyes clean and healthy, use the right products and follow the instructions carefully. Improper use can cause further irritation.
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Emotional Support
French bulldogs with red eyes need emotional support, and it's essential to offer comfort and reassurance. This can be especially stressful for the dog.
Being patient and gentle is crucial when interacting with your French bulldog, as they may be experiencing discomfort or impaired vision.
Closely observing your dog's behavior and symptoms is vital, and you should report any changes to the vet promptly.
Here are some key things to look out for:
- Changes in behavior, such as irritability or restlessness
- Symptoms like squinting or pawing at the eyes
- Discharge or redness in the eyes
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I give my Frenchie for red eyes?
For red eyes in your French Bulldog, topical medications like ointments or drops may be prescribed, containing antibiotics, steroids, or pain relievers to help alleviate symptoms. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your pet's specific condition.
Sources
- https://pudgybulls.com/do-french-bulldogs-have-eye-problems/
- https://frenchiefaq.com/why-is-my-french-bulldog-eyes-red/
- https://dogadvisorycouncil.com/french-bulldog-red-eyes/
- https://veterinaryvisioncenter.com/genetic-eye-conditions-in-french-bulldogs/
- https://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/blog/french-bulldog-eye-problems-what-do-you-need-to-know/
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