Protruding Eyes

Protruding eyes are bulging, particularly round eyes in dogs, caused by a shortened eye socket and occurring primarily in brachycephalic breeds.

This anatomical feature affects approximately 25% of all flat-faced dog breeds and can be both charming and problematic. The eyes protrude further from the protective eye socket, making them more susceptible to injury and drying out.

Which dog breeds have protruding eyes?

Brachycephalic breeds develop this eye shape due to their selectively shortened skull structure. In Pugs, the phenomenon occurs in 80% of cases, and in Boston Terriers in approximately 60%.

Other affected breeds:

• French Bulldog
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzu
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Lhasa Apso

The degree of expression varies considerably even within a single breed. One Pug may have barely protruding eyes, while another shows strongly pronounced protruding eyes.

When do protruding eyes become a problem?

It becomes problematic when the cornea is no longer fully protected. This happens when the eyes protrude so far that the eyelids can no longer cover them completely.

Signs of complications:

• Redness of the conjunctiva
• Excessive tearing
• Blinking or squinting
• Whitish spots on the cornea
• Rubbing the eye with the paw

A dog with healthy protruding eyes blinks normally and shows no signs of discomfort when exposed to light.

How do you properly care for protruding eyes?

Daily inspection is key. Take a quick look at your dog’s eyes in the morning; are they clear and shiny?

Clean the corners of the eyes daily with a damp, lint-free cloth. Wipe from the inside out to remove dirt and tear residue. Lukewarm water helps with heavy crusting.

Avoid draughts and direct sunlight during longer car journeys. The exposed eyes dry out faster than normally positioned eyes.

When do you need to visit the vet?

If redness or clouding of the cornea persists, a visit to the vet is essential. This also applies if your dog blinks frequently or squints.

Eye injuries in dogs with protruding eyes are emergencies. A scratch on the exposed cornea can lead to severe complications within hours.

Treatment costs vary depending on the problem: a simple corneal injury costs 50-150 euros, while corneal surgery can cost 800-1500 euros.