Proptosis in pugs: everything to know about your pug’s vulnerable eyes

Pugs are one of several brachycephalic breeds known for their endearing snorting and large, expressive eyes. Unfortunately, these dogs suffer from a condition called ocular proptosis. This condition causes significant pain and requires immediate veterinary attention. Here’s what dog owners need to know about proptosis in pugs and how to minimize the risk.

What is ocular proptosis?

Ocular proptosis occurs when a dog’s eye pops out of the socket. Although alarming, it’s not uncommon in pugs. Pugs, like other brachycephalic or short-nosed breeds, have shallow eye sockets and bulging eyes.

When the eyeball receives pressure, like from a traumatic event, it pushes beyond the eyelid, forcing it out of the socket. The tissue surrounding the eyeball becomes swollen, preventing the eyeball from returning back to the socket.

Early veterinary care is key to being able to save the eyeball. If there is any concern for proptosis, the dog should be taken to an emergency veterinarian immediately.

Dr. Jennifer Schott

How common is proptosis in pugs?

Ocular proptosis in pugs is extremely common. It usually occurs from blunt trauma, such as being hit by a car or getting into a fight. However, it can also happen from minimal trauma, such as using too much force and incorrectly restraining their head or excessively pulling on a leash.

Brachycephalic breeds like pugs, french bulldogs, and Boston terriers are more susceptible to proptosis. Additionally, dogs that have had proptosis in the past are more likely to suffer from ocular proptosis again.

What to do if your pug’s eye pops out

If your pug’s eye pops out, it is an emergency, and you should immediately get to a veterinarian. Quick intervention provides the best chance of salvaging the eye and a positive prognosis and recovery (Trusted Source) . After proptosis, blindness and corneal ulceration may occur, with only 25% of dogs recovering vision.

Once you get your dog to the veterinarian, they will:

• Assess the injury
• Look for optic nerve damage
• Discuss if surgery is needed (Trusted Source)
• Determine if the eye is salvageable

Due to the inability of the eyelids to close, the exposed mucous membrane and cornea will dry out. If left untreated, the cornea can rupture. Your veterinarian will determine if the eye is salvageable or needs to be removed. While an emergency, it won’t always lead to eye loss.

How to minimize the risk of ocular proptosis

While many of us pet owners hope to protect our dogs from everything, dogs will still be dogs. As a pug parent, you can take some measures to minimize the risk of ocular proptosis.

• Regular vet visits. Regular veterinarian checkups can help monitor your pug’s eye health. Your vet can address any potential issues before they become bigger problems and other specific needs your pug may have.
• Avoid trauma. Minimize situations where your pug could sustain an injury. While this may seem like a no-brainer, playtime with other dogs, running around the house, or other activities can lead to accidents.
• Use caution in wooded areas. Wooded areas can spell trouble for pugs due to sticks and other eye-height objects. Keep them on a leash if you take them on a hike, and watch for sharp objects that can cause eye injuries.
• Learn proper eye care. Pugs have special eyes. Learn how to properly care for their eyes and watch for potential signs of eye problems. Delayed treatment from your veterinarian can lead to severe consequences and long-term problems.
• Use a harness. Collars put unnecessary pressure on the neck and throat of pugs. Use a harness instead of a traditional collar to prevent a proptosis from leash pulling.
• Always watch them. Supervise your pug during playtime, especially if they start roughhousing. Keep a close eye on them, and don’t let them roam unattended to prevent eye accidents.
• Limit them from scratching their eyes. Discourage your pug from scratching their eyes or face. Their fragile eye anatomy can lead to inadvertent self-inflicted injuries. Get their attention and try redirecting them to a toy or going outside.
• Have pet insurance. Investing in pet insurance can give you peace of mind that you are financially covered in the event of an eye pop-out emergency. Pet insurance can help with the cost of expensive treatments and surgery so you can make the best decision for your pug’s health.

Frequently asked questions

What causes a pug’s eye to pop out?

Trauma to the head can cause a pug’s eye to pop out. This can come from being hit by a car, falling, getting bit by a dog, excessive leash pulling, or too much force when holding their head.

Why do pugs’ eyes go outward?

Pugs’ eyes go outward due to their skeletal anatomy and shallow eye orbits. This makes them susceptible to proptosis.

Can a pug’s eyes really pop out when they sneeze?

Generally, sneezing is not enough traumatic force for your pug’s eyes to pop out. But using a regular collar, choke collar, or scruffing them too hard can be.

How often do pugs’ eyes pop out?

While statistics aren’t available, pugs’ eyes pop out more commonly than you may expect. Even the slightest bit of trauma can cause it to happen.