Updated October 13, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: You can’t prevent every eye problem, but simple habits help: keep hair trimmed around the eyes, gently clean away discharge, keep your dog’s head inside the car window, avoid tall grass seeds, and check your dog’s eyes regularly. Flat-faced breeds need extra care because their eyes are more exposed. Early vet visits for any redness or squinting prevent small problems from becoming serious.
Everyday habits
- Grooming: keep facial hair trimmed away from the eyes
- Cleaning: gently wipe discharge with saline on a soft pad
- Car safety: don’t let your dog ride with its head out the window, where debris can hit the eyes
- Outdoors: check eyes after walks through tall grass, especially in seed season
- Bath time: keep shampoo out of the eyes
- Play: supervise play with cats, whose claws can scratch eyes
Flat-faced breeds
Pugs, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, and similar breeds have prominent eyes that are more prone to ulcers, dry eye, and injuries. Use a harness instead of a collar, check eyes daily, and see a vet promptly for squinting.
Regular checks
- Look for redness, cloudiness, discharge, or squinting
- Have your vet check tear production in breeds prone to dry eye
- Consider eye screening for breeds with inherited eye diseases
What to avoid
- Human eye drops
- Ignoring squinting or discharge
More: causes of eye problems.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Conjunctivitis in dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Corneal ulcers in small animals
- American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO): Pet owner information
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.