Why Does My Pug Have Bloodshot Eyes?
Pugs are famous for their distinctive looks, particularly their large, expressive eyes. However, due to their breeding, pugs are susceptible to various eye problems, the most common of which is bloodshot or red eyes. If you’ve noticed this in your pug, you might be wondering what’s causing it. Well, after conducting extensive research, I’ve uncovered some fascinating insights.
So, why does your pug have bloodshot eyes? There are several potential causes, including cherry eye (inflammation of the tear gland), dry eye (when the tear ducts stop producing enough tears), or an allergy if your pug’s eyes are red and watery.
In this article, I’ll delve deeper into the various eye problems your pug might be experiencing, with a particular focus on bloodshot eyes since they’re the most frequently reported issue. You’ll learn about what causes cherry eye, dry eye, and allergic reactions, as well as get some valuable information on treatment options and when it’s time to contact your vet.
But first, let’s address a common question:
Are bloodshot eyes normal for pugs?
While pugs are known for their unique features, such as their small, folded ears, oversized eyes, and flat, short snouts, red eyes are not one of them. In fact, a healthy pug should have bright, clear whites of the eyes, just like any other dog breed. So, if you notice your pug’s eyes are red, it’s essential to investigate further.
What does it mean if your pug has bloodshot eyes?
As mentioned earlier, there are three primary causes of bloodshot eyes in pugs: tear gland inflammation (cherry eye), dry eye, or allergies. If your pug’s eyes appear red or bloodshot, it’s crucial to understand these causes in more detail.
In the following sections, we’ll explore each of these conditions, including their symptoms, potential complications, and treatment options.
❂ Pug Cherry Eye (Tear Gland Inflammation)
If you notice a small, red cherry-like lump in the corner of your pug’s eye, it’s probably a case of tear gland inflammation, also known as cherry eye. In severe cases, the swollen gland may even shift from its natural position, causing eye duct slippage and potentially impacting your pug’s vision.
While a mild case of cherry eye isn’t painful for your pug, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care. Without proper treatment, the condition can worsen over time and become a more serious issue.
Symptoms of pug cherry eye may include bloodshot eyes, visible discharge, and excessive blinking. In some cases, the condition may resolve on its own, while other cases may require a small corrective surgery performed by a veterinarian.
❂ Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
Another common cause of red eyes in pugs is dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This condition is painful and requires immediate veterinary attention.
If your pug’s tear glands appear normal, but their eyes are still red, they likely have dry eye. Additional symptoms may include excessive blinking, yellow discharge, and swollen eyelids.
Dry eye occurs when your pug’s tear glands can’t produce enough tears to lubricate the eye’s surface. This lack of lubrication can lead to long-term damage, such as scarring and permanent vision loss. Pugs are already prone to eye injuries due to their unique eye shape, making it important to protect them from potential hazards.
Veterinarians typically treat dry eye with a combination of eye drops, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics. If you suspect your pug may have dry eye, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care.
✨ Why Does My Pug Have Bloodshot Eyes?
If your pug has bloodshot eyes, but you don’t see any signs of swelling, a lack of tears, or a red cherry eye, it could be due to allergies or even tiredness. Let’s take a closer look at what this might mean.
❂ Bloodshot Eyes Due to Allergies
Pug eye allergies can cause not only bloodshot eyes but also a clear discharge with no discoloration. These allergies can develop quickly and are often triggered by something as simple as dust, dust mites, pollen, or mold getting into your pug’s eyes.
There are two types of allergies that can cause bloodshot eyes:
Airborne allergies: These are caused by small particles, such as grass, dust, and pollen, that get into your pug’s eyes through the wind.
Contact allergies: These occur when your pug comes into contact with something they’re allergic to, such as a food bowl, fabric conditioner in their bedding, or a favorite toy.
If your pug’s bloodshot eyes are due to an allergy, it’s likely that both eyes will be affected at the same time, unlike cherry eye, which can affect only one eye.
If you suspect your pug has allergies, it’s important to seek veterinary care to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan. Allergies can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious issues.
✨ Other Eye Problems in Pugs
While bloodshot eyes are a common issue in pugs, there are other eye and visual problems that can afflict this beloved breed. Here are a few examples:
Eye inflammation and irritation: In addition to allergies, pugs may also develop eye problems due to sleep dust. If you notice swelling or excessive blinking combined with obvious signs of debris, such as discharge, an eye ointment may be needed.
Eyelash abnormalities: Trichiasis, distichiasis, and ectopic cilia are all eyelash abnormalities that can occur in pugs. These conditions cause eyelashes to grow in abnormal locations or become ingrown, potentially damaging the cornea.
Entropion: Entropion occurs when eyelid hairs rub against the cornea, causing irritation and rolling out the eyelid margin. While this is a common problem for pug puppies, many will eventually grow out of it.
Corneal abrasions and ulcerations: Pugs and other brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds with bulging eyes are particularly prone to corneal abrasions and ulcerations. These conditions may occur following dry eye and require prompt veterinary care.
Pigmentary keratitis: If you notice a brown or black color on the surface of your pug’s eye, it could be a sign of pigmentary keratitis. This condition is caused by pigmented melanin granules that are deposited in the eye and is particularly common in brachycephalic breeds.
As with any health concern, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pug is experiencing any of these eye problems. With proper diagnosis and treatment, your furry friend can continue to see the world through their beautiful, expressive eyes.
✨ Pug Cherry Eye Treatment
There are two main ways a vet can treat cherry eye in dogs: medical management and surgical procedures.
In the case of medical management, a vet will prescribe steroid ointment or eye drops that can help the red gland return to its normal position. If this treatment is unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary to reposition the gland into the conjunctiva.
While it’s always best to consult with a vet as soon as you notice any redness in your pug’s eyes, some owners have successfully treated their dogs themselves in cases of allergies or dry eye.
Here are some home remedies you can try to treat your pug’s red eyes:
❂ Herbs
Several herbs, such as eyebright, marigold, and astaxanthin, can help alleviate redness and discomfort in your pug’s eyes. You can steep eyebright in boiling water to create a natural eye drop and apply it to your pug’s eyes up to four times a day.
❂ Dietary changes
Incorporating sardines, kale, broccoli, blueberries, pumpkin, and carrots into your pug’s diet can improve their eye health. These foods contain omega oils, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and carotenoids.
❂ Cleanliness
Regularly cleaning your pug’s eye area with warm water or saline solution can help prevent irritation and infection. Use a cotton cloth or gauze and clean gently from the center of the eye outwards.
Remember, if your pug’s red eyes persist or worsen, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
✨ When to Seek Veterinary Care for Your Pug’s Red Eyes
While home remedies can be useful for treating mild cases of red eyes in pugs, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian if you’re concerned about your pet’s health.
If your pug is exhibiting red eyes for the first time, it’s essential to schedule a vet appointment to rule out any underlying issues that could be more severe.
There are several signs that your pug needs professional treatment, such as excessive eye rubbing, keeping their eyes closed more than open, crying out, or having a fever preceding the redness.
During the vet checkup, they will conduct some tests to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate medication. If it’s dry eye, they may prescribe medication that stimulates tear production, while cherry eye can be treated with eye drops or surgical procedures.
In severe cases, your vet may need to reposition the gland or remove the tear duct entirely. Recurring prescriptions for eye drops may be necessary to maintain eye moisture and prevent dry eye.
Remember, if your pug’s red eyes persist or worsen, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care promptly to prevent any long-term eye damage.
✨ Conclusion
Do you wake up one day only to see your beloved pug’s eyes bloodshot when they’re usually bright and white? Don’t ignore it, as it could be a sign of tear gland inflammation or dry eye, both of which are painful and uncomfortable for your furry friend. While there are many home remedies available, sometimes a visit to the vet is necessary to ensure your pug gets the right treatment and medication. After all, nobody wants their pup to suffer in silence. Take care of your pug’s eyes and seek professional help when needed to ensure they live a happy and healthy life.
