
Top 10 Dog Breeds Most Prone To Eye Problems
Dog-loving owners need to know about dog eye problems. Because dogs, like humans, can lose vision by suffering from various eye diseases. So, in case of any doubt in this regard, consult with a Veterinary Ophthalmologist, without wasting time and protect your dog from being blinded. In this article, I’ll mention the ten dog breeds that are prone to eye problems most.
Introduction

Eyes perform the work of the window in the body of any living being, whether human or animal. And when it comes to dogs, the eye proves to be the mirror of the soul that reflects their loyalty and innocence. Eyes play a significant role in enhancing a dog’s beauty and showing them the colorful world around them. But unfortunately, everything has an assigned duration, after which the chances of malfunction begin to increase. The same is the case with vision. Hence, like humans, dogs also face many eye problems when aging. For example cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, nuclear Sclerosis, entropion, cherry eye and conjunctivitis.
Eye-related problems can also be genetically inherited in dogs such as cataracts, eye luxation, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and entropion. In addition to this, these breeds are more risky in terms of genetically inherited eye disease or other eye problems. Because of this base you can take precautionary measures to monitor and care for your dog’s eye health.

Your weekly bother to examine your beloved dog’s eyes can protect them from vision loss and other eye problems. Regular eye care is crucial for preventing eye problems in dogs. By incorporating regular eye examination and care into your dog’s health routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of eye-related issues. This proactive approach enables early detection and treatment of potential problems, ensuring your dog’s vision remains clear and healthy and also saves them from blindness. Because treatment can only be taken when the disease is identified. So be careful and don’t ignore the constant allergy, itching, or any other sign of discomfort in your dog’s eye, and immediately consult with a veterinarian ophthalmologist.
Causes Of Eye Problems In Dogs
1. Genetic Causes
Genetic factors play a vital role in eye problems in dogs, some dog breeds suffer from eye diseases genetically inherited from the family. In the context of eye disease, the hereditary diseases that dogs receive from their parents include progressive Retinal Atrophy, Retinal Dysplasia, Cataracts, Entropion, Cherry eyes, and Conjunctivitis.
2. Infectious Causes
Infectious causes play a significant role in eye problems in dogs. Infection can be of several types. For example, bacterial infection causes conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, blepharitis, dacryocystitis, and orbital cellulitis in dogs. Whereas, viral infection causes retinitis, choroiditis, uveitis, keratitis and conjunctivitis in dogs.
3. Environmental Causes
Environmental factors play a prominent role in eye problems in dogs. Exposure to harmful substances, extreme weather conditions, and physical trauma can all contribute to eye issues. Toxic substances can include pesticides, cleaning products, smoke, dust, and UV rays. Extreme weather conditions can consist of extreme temperatures and dry air. Whereas injuries from sharp objects, accidents, and fights, can be counted as trauma.
4. Age-Related Causes
Age-related eye problems are common in dogs, particularly as they reach middle to old age. As dogs age, their eyes undergo natural changes that can lead to vision loss and other issues. Between 6-10 years old, dogs may start experiencing presbyopia, a decline in near vision similar to humans. This is due to the lens’s reduced ability to focus. Around 10-12 years old, age-related cataracts can develop, causing cloudy vision and eventual blindness. This is often linked to oxidative stress and the accumulation of waste products in the lens.
After 12 years, dogs enter senior hood. So age-related macular degeneration can occur, affecting central vision. The retina’s photoreceptors deteriorate, leading to blind spots and vision loss. Progressive retinal atrophy, a group of genetic disorders, can also worsen with age, causing gradual vision loss. Additionally, older dogs are more prone to eye infections, inflammation, and dry eye due to decreased tear production. Glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased eye pressure, can also develop, leading to vision loss and pain. In this context, regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring for age-related eye changes can help identify issues early, ensuring timely intervention and preserving vision.
5. Nutritional Causes
Nutritional causes play a peculiar role in eye problems in dogs. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health. Deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients can lead to various eye issues. Protein deficiency can cause retinal degeneration, while inadequate omega-3 fatty acids can lead to dry eye and inflammation. Vitamin A deficiency is particularly harmful, causing night blindness, corneal ulcers, and even blindness. Similarly, antioxidants like vitamins C and E help protect against oxidative stress, which can damage eye tissues, and mineral deficiencies, such as zinc or copper, can impair vision and contribute to conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Top 10 Dog Breeds Most Prone To Eye Problems
1. Boston Terriers

Due to their protruding eyes, Boston Terriers are prone to various eye diseases. These include cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal ulcers. As Boston Terriers have large eyes that protrude outwards, they often suffer from many problems such as bumps, scratches, cuts, and other problems. By keeping that in mind, Boston Terrier owners should provide their furry friends with a safe environment that minimizes the risk of Boston Terriers becoming injured.
Boston terriers are predisposed to the cherry eye also. In this disease, the tear gland is not positioned correctly, which results in it sticking to the eye. This condition is so painful that it becomes difficult for the dog to close its eyes. In this condition, the affected Boston terrier may experience dryness, burning, itching, irritation, and inflammation in eyes. In addition, progressive Retinal Atrophy is also a common disease found in Boston terriers. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a genetic disease in which the retinal cells deteriorate and the affected dog gradually becomes blind.
2. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are beautiful dogs, known for their free nature and heterochromatic eyes. They are prone to various eye problems such as corneal dystrophy, Entropion, and Ectropion. To deal with these problems, Siberian huskies require regular examination and proper hygiene. Corner Dystrophy is a hereditary disease found in Siberian huskies, which is often considered to be cataracts due to its cataract-like symptoms. The disease causes fadiness in the eyes. Which starts with minor discomfort and can cause serious problems for eye health.
In addition, with aging, cataracts also attack Siberian hassle’s eye lens. And can also affect the vision of the infected eye over time. Genetically inherited diseases include Retinal Dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. In Retinal Dysplasia, the retina can’t form in an appropriate way which may affect a dog’s eyesight. Whereas, in Progressive Retinal Atrophy, retina cells deteriorate. Although there is no cure for this disease, early diagnosis can slow down its precedence.
3. Collies

Collies are very popular due to their friendly nature, loyalty, and intelligence. In the context of dog eye problems, Collie Eye Anomaly is a genetic disease. In which almost all Collies suffer. Collie Eye Anomaly affects retina and choroid. Initially, this disease is very harmless, which makes it very difficult to diagnose. It becomes evident when the disease begins to damage vision while intensifying. As a result, the affected dog can also be blind. Collie’s Eye Anomaly is incurable. However, treatment can reduce the severity of the disease.
Apart from this, Collie Retinal Degeneration and Persistent Pupillary Membranes are also very common diseases found in Collies. Collie Retinal Degeneration is a progressive retinal disorder in which the retina deteriorates causing vision loss. Whereas, Persistent Pupillary Membranes is a genetic disorder that not only causes eye irritation and inflammation but can also impair vision due to irregularities in the pupillary membrane.
4. Poodle

Poodles are called the world’s most sensitive and intelligent dogs. All three sizes – Toy, small, and standard – are genetically prone to many eye diseases. Glaucoma is also common in all of them. Which can cause inflammation and pain in the eye by becoming a reason for loss or blockage of fluid in the eye. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which increases the risk of vision loss. Glaucoma symptoms include eye redness, swelling, and eye discharge. If any of these symptoms appear in your dog’s eye, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Poodle Eye Syndrome is also a common genetic disorder in poodles. It not only weakens the cells of the retina and reduces the growth of the choroid, but also reduces the thickness of the retina and choroid, which can result in vision loss due to damage of the retina and choroid. In addition to this, with aging, cataracts also attack the eye lens of poodles. And over time can also affect the vision of the affected eye.
5. Labrador Retriever

Popular among children and adults alike, Labrador Retrievers also, are several hereditary eye diseases, with Progressive Retinal Atrophy being the most prominent. Progressive Retinal Atrophy has three stages. In the early stage, vision is not affected, but the retinal cells have started to deteriorate. In the moderate stage, eyesight begins to weaken, initially the ability to see at night decreases and then even in daylight, darkness and fadiness start to come in front of eyes. Whereas, in advanced stages, the vision of the eyes can be completely lost. Since Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a hereditary disease. It should be decisive that Labrador with the affected gene not be bred. So that the prevalence of this disease can be reduced in future generations.
Apart from this, cataract is a disease that is often found in Labradors. Moreover, Labrador retrievers are not only prone to cataracts due to genetic factors, but environmental factors and age also play a crucial role in making them predisposed to this disease. Symptoms of cataracts include noticing visible white spots in the dog’s eyes, feeling difficulty seeing in the night or low light, and finding it hard to look at away-placed things. If you see any of these symptoms in your pet dog, immediately consult a veterinarian and pay your duty to remove the darkness from the affected dog’s life.
6. Pug

Medium-sized dogs, pugs who are known for their wrinkly flat-faced, are prone to several eye problems such as conjunctivitis, cherry Eye, Entropion, and Proptosis. Conjunctivitis is very common in pugs. This disease can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or allergic infection, which affects the conjunctiva. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include discharge of pus from the eyes, redness and loss of vision. Conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, eye drops, and eye ointment.
Cherry eyes are a problem that can significantly affect the eyes of pugs. In this disease, the third eyelid gland of pugs, which is normally hidden and located at the inner corner of the eyes, becomes prominent and the eyes appear red or pink. If this disease is not treated in time, it can also lead to loss of vision. Additionally, Proptosis is a disease in which the eyes of pugs protrude. This serious situation increases the risk of dry eyes, swelling, injury, and vision loss. Similarly, Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid folds inwards, which can lead to infection, excessive tearing and eye irritation
7. American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker spaniels, famous for their beautiful bulging eyes, are also prone to various eye problems, which include Cataracts, Progress Retinal Atrophy, and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the American Cochlear Spaniel. which forms a cloudy layer in the lens of the eye, thereby affecting the vision of the affected dog. The American Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to Cataracts, due to genetic transmission, age factors, or diabetes. Symptoms of cataracts include Night blindness, cloudy appearance of the eye, and gradual loss of vision. If you notice any white blot in your dog’s eyes, immediately consult with a veterinarian And save it from blindness
Progressive retinal atrophy is also a common genetic disorder in the American Cocker Spaniel,. in which retina cells deteriorate. Although there is no cure for this disease, early diagnosis can slow down its prevalence. Progressive Retinal Atrophy symptoms enlist night blindness, visual impairment, and eventually complete vision loss. In addition to these diseases, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is also a very common problem found in American Cocker Spaniels. In which the production in tear ducts is reduced. Due to this, the eyes become very dry. It is treated with artificial tears and medication. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca symptoms include redness, excessive blinking, and sensitivity to light.
8. German Shepherd

The German Shepherds, who hold a special place in their owner’s hearts due to their loyal, intelligent, confident, and protective nature, are also prone to different eye problems, such as Entropion, Ectropion, and Glaucoma. Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid folds inwards, which can cause infection, excessive tearing, and eye irritation. Entropion symptoms include excessive tearing, redness, and discomfort. Whereas, in Ectropion eyelid folds outward, which can lead to irritation, inflammation, dryness, and infection in the affected dog’s eyes.
Apart from that, German shepherds are also predisposed to Glaucoma. Glaucoma causes inflammation and pain in the eye by becoming a reason for loss or blockage of fluid in the eye. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which increases the risk of vision loss. Glaucoma symptoms include eye redness, swelling, and eye discharge. Moreover, Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy are commonly found in German shepherds. If these can’t be diagnosed in time, the disease may become severe and the affected German Shepherd might also lose vision.
9. Great Dane

The Great Dane, known for its unique size and long neck, is prone to many eye problems like other dog breeds. Among them, genetically inherited disease Entropion is at the top, Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid folds inwards, and can cause infection, excessive tearing, and eye irritation. Apart from hereditary reasons, in the Great Danes, Entropion can also be caused by severe injury, infection, chronic inflammation, and aging. Along with this, the Great Dane is equally predisposed to Ectropion, Cataracts, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
In addition to these diseases, Corneal Ulcer is also common in the Great Dane. Which can be caused by some kind of injury or infection in the eyes. A Corneal Ulcer is an open sore on the cornea of an infected Great Dane. Which causes redness, swelling, and excessive tearing. Corneal Ulcer is treated with antibiotics and pain reliever medications, but surgery can also be done in severe cases. It is treated with antibiotics and pain reliever medications, but in severe cases surgery can also be done. So get your pet’s eyes examined regularly because consistent checkups can prevent your dog from various eye problems
10. Pekingese

Pekingese is a small-sized dog. who is loved all over the world for its unique appearance, affectionate nature, and strong will. Pekingese are prone to several eye problems due to their flat face and bulgy eyes. As Pekingese have protruded eyes therefore they have to face many issues such as bumps, scratches, and cuts just like Boston Terriers most often. Glaucoma is very common in Pekingese. Which can cause inflammation and pain in the eye by becoming a reason for loss or blockage of fluid in the eye. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which increases the risk of vision loss. Glaucoma symptoms include eye redness, swelling, and eye discharge.
Pekingese are also predisposed to Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. In which the production in tear ducts is reduced. Due to this, the eyes become very dry. It is treated with artificial tears and meditation. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca symptoms include redness, excessive blinking, and sensitivity to light. Additionionally, with aging, cataracts also attack Pekingese eye lenses. And can also affect the vision of the infected eye over time. Hence, in terms of eye health, pekingese owner’s need to stay prudent and consult a veterinarian without delay if any signs of irritation, inflammation, or discomfort appear.
Tips For Preventing Eye Problems In Dogs
1. Regular Eye Care
Regular eye care is crucial for preventing eye problems in dogs. By incorporating regular eye exams and care into your dog’s health routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of eye-related issues. This proactive approach enables early detection and treatment of potential problems, ensuring your dog’s vision remains clear and healthy.
2. Nutrition and diet
Proper nutrition and diet play an essential role in maintaining optimal eye health in dogs. A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants like vitamin C and E, can help prevent eye problems in dogs and support overall visual well-being. In addition, zinc is another essential mineral that supports eye health. Zinc-rich diets help to prevent eye infection and heal wounds.
3. Monitor for signs
Monitoring your dog’s eyes for signs of potential problems is important in preventing and addressing eye issues promptly. Regular observation and detection of subtle changes can help identify eye problems early, ensuring timely veterinary interventions. These signs include itching in the dog’s eyes, swelling around the eyes or the eyelids, drooping eyelids, avoiding bright light, seeing difficulty, frequent blinking, and persistent eye rubbing. If you see these signs in your dog, Consult with the animal doctor immediately without any delay.
4. Environmental Precaution
Taking environmental precautions is beneficial in preventing eye problems in dogs. Certain environmental factors can increase the risk of eye issues. In this context, protect your dog from UV radiation, and keep sharp things and chemical products out of its reach.
5. Genetic Testing
Genetic testing plays a vital role in preventing eye problems in dogs by identifying inherited traits and predispositions. This proactive approach enables breeders and owners to make informed decisions, reducing the risk of eye issues.
Conclusion
Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to eye problems due to their genetic predisposition and physical characteristics. Breeds like Boston Terriers, Siberian Husky, Collies, Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Bulldog American Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Pekingese, and others are prone to various eye issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, genetic testing, and responsible breeding practices can help prevent or manage these conditions.
Eye protection, healthy diet, and lifestyle also play a crucial role in maintaining canine eye health. Neglecting eye care can lead to vision loss, chronic pain, and decreased quality of life. It is essential for dog owners to be aware of their breed’s specific eye problems and take proactive measures. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Additionally, supporting research and responsible breeding practices can help reduce the incidence of eye problems in susceptible breeds. By prioritizing eye health, we can ensure our canine companions live happy, healthy lives. Canine eye care requires attention, education, and action. Protecting our dogs’ vision is a shared responsibility. Together, we can make a difference. Eye health matters, and every dog deserves clear vision. Responsible pet ownership starts with awareness and proactive care. Let’s prioritize our dogs’ eye health today. By doing so, we can prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure our furry friends thrive.