If you have ever noticed your Boston Terrier has “bug eyes,” you’re not alone.
Bug eyes are common among dogs, but what causes them and how can you prevent them?
These problems are caused by a variety of factors, and if you don’t act fast, they can quickly worsen.
If you suspect your Boston Terrier has bug eyes, you should consult a veterinarian. Here are some tips to help your dog avoid this eye condition.
Understanding Boston Terrier Bug Eyes: Causes and Care Tips
During your Boston Terrier’s early years, your puppy may develop strabismus
This is a condition caused by muscles behind the eye. It doesn’t affect your pup’s ability to see, but it can make it difficult to focus.
Fortunately, strabismus in Boston Terriers is not life-threatening and will usually improve with age. In some cases, it may even be curable.
Boston terriers are prone to developing corneal ulcers due to a variety of different causes
If left untreated, corneal ulcers can damage the eyeball and cause blindness.
These can cause significant pain and may even require a trip to the veterinarian. While most Boston terriers are easy to identify, you can’t just take a look at your dog’s eyes.
In some cases, they will pop out the eyelid, which resembles a cherry. Left untreated, the condition can cause further problems, including swelling, inflammation, and infection of the eyeball.
The most common chronic condition
The most common chronic condition for dogs, dental disease affects 80% of dogs by the time they reach two years of age.
Boston terriers are no exception. If left untreated, dental disease can damage the teeth and the surrounding organs.
In some cases, the disease may even shorten a dog’s life by one to three years. While dental disease is common in Boston Terriers, it is important to take the time to treat it early.
In addition to treating eye disease, Boston Terriers are prone to other health problems
Their protruding eyes and shallow orbit make them prone to eye problems. A veterinarian can recommend a treatment for your Boston Terrier.
If the problem persists, it might be time to consider adopting another pup in the litter.
You should also seek out a veterinarian if you suspect your Boston Terrier is suffering from eye problems.
Excessive dusty conditions
Despite their protruding eyes, Boston Terriers should never be exposed to excessive dusty conditions, or they may develop eye problems.
If you’re going on a hike with your Boston Terrier, carry dog eyewash with you to remove any foreign matter that gets into their eyes.
Also, if you’re in an area with thorny plants, use fencing to keep them safe.
It may be tempting to play around with your dog and let him explore, but keep an eyewash with you at all times to prevent the situation from worsening.
Health issues
Besides having bug eyes in Boston Terriers, you should check for strabismus, another condition that can cause these crazy eyes.
This condition affects one or both eyes. Although strabismus is not painful for your pet, it can indicate underlying health issues.
If you notice your dog is showing signs of strabismus, seek medical attention. If you notice your pet has strabismus, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
During your visit, be sure to mention any symptoms your Boston Terrier may be showing.
The most common symptom is itching in the eyes. This can be a sign of a larger problem, such as an ear infection.
In addition, the ear infection can cause the eye to tilt forward. Ultimately, your Boston Terrier should see a veterinarian if it’s experiencing any eye discomfort. In most cases, bug eyes are harmless, but they can still be harmful.
Regular eye check-ups
A veterinarian should perform regular eye check-ups and perform a test to measure moisture and tear production.
If there’s an underlying issue, a veterinarian can recommend an appropriate treatment.
This is an excellent opportunity to identify any problem and treat it before it worsens. Regardless of the cause, it is vital to check your dog’s eyes on a regular basis.
If they look dry or crusty, they may need veterinary care.
Strabismus
Another possible cause is strabismus, a common condition among Boston Terriers.
If you notice that your Boston Terrier is showing signs of strabismus, consult your vet immediately. You can help your vet determine the cause of this problem by tracking its symptoms.
The vet can then determine the best treatment for your dog. The underlying cause of strabismus may be hereditary. If so, you should consider seeking medical attention.
Dr. Emily Harper is a California-based veterinarian specializing in terrier breeds. With years of experience in veterinary medicine and a passion for terrier care, she focuses on breed-specific health, grooming, and behavior.
Emily’s journey began with a love for dogs, leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and develop expertise in terriers. She has authored numerous articles on terrier health and grooming and educates pet owners on providing the best care for their companions.
In her free time, Dr. Harper enjoys hiking California’s trails with her rescue terriers, Max and Bella, and spending time with her family.