Redness Under Both Pug's Eyes

Pugs are known for their large protruding eyes, which are arguably their most distinguishing feature. Unfortunately, the size and placement of their eyes can cause many problems. Pug owners must be constantly vigilant to protect their dogs' eyes from sharp corners, rose bushes, cat claws and any other object which could scratch, cut or puncture their eyes. Redness in both pug's eyes can be caused by dry eye, distichiasis, corneal ulcers and inflammation.

  1. Dry Eye

    • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, commonly known as dry eye, is common in pugs. It is caused when the eyes are not properly lubricated due to low tear production. Symptoms include redness and irritation, and may be accompanied by a yellow discharge and frequent eye infections.

    Distichiasis

    • A condition which causes eyelashes to grow on the eyelid where hair would not normally be present, distichiasis is evidenced by redness, squinting, rubbing at the eye and discharge as the extra lashes rub the eye and cause irritation. Distichiasis can lead to corneal ulcers where the hair touches the eye surface.

    Corneal Ulcers

    • Red, weepy eyes can be an indication of a scratch or an ulcer on the pug's cornea. These wounds on the eye surface can be caused by a cat scratch or a scratch caused by a plant or other object. Pug eyes are prone to these small scratches due to their bulky eyes. These scratches are very small which makes them difficult to detect, but they will usually cause increased squinting along with red, watery eyes.

    Inflammation

    • Pugs are also very vulnerable to Uveitis, often referred to simply as inflammation, due to the way their eyes protrude. Symptoms include excessive blinking and squinting, tearing, sensitivity to light, redness and swelling. Inflammation can be caused by a disease such as Lyme disease or brucellosis, and treatment will vary depending on the cause.