Possible Labradoodle Eye Problems and How to Treat Them!

About the Labradoodle Dog Breed

The Labradoodle dog breed is a crossbreed between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. It was first introduced in 1955 and was not originally popular. However, today, the Labradoodle has become one of the most popular dog breeds. 

The Labradoodle dog breed was developed by an Australian breeder and veterinarian, Dr. Wally Conron. He wanted to create a hypoallergenic dog, and he crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle to create a unique and recognizable dog breed. 

Labradoodles are extremely intelligent and love to play. They can develop behavioral issues if they’re bored, but they’re very active and will love playing with other dogs or pets. This breed can excel at agility courses and is also very social. It also has strong retrieval instincts. 

Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they can develop some problems, including ear infections, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. For this reason, you should talk to a Labradoodle breeder before getting a puppy.

What Are Labradoodle Eye Problems?

There are many eye problems in Labradoodles, from minor irritations to serious issues, and it is always important to have your dog’s eyes checked regularly. Eye problems can indicate underlying illnesses or conditions, and if left untreated, they can lead to loss of vision. A vet should be consulted at the first sign of trouble, so you can begin treatment immediately.

Tear staining is common in Labradoodles, especially light-colored Labradoodles. This is a symptom of an infection. It is usually easy to treat by gently wiping out the eyes with a warm, damp cloth. Some owners also give their dogs oral medications to treat the condition.

A veterinarian can detect eye problems and discuss treatment options with you. Fortunately, most eye problems in Labradoodles are simple to treat and are reversible if treated early. Early treatment will also help your dog stay comfortable and avoid further complications. 

One of the most common eye problems in Labradoodle is Progressive Retinal Atrophy. It is an inherited condition that can impair your dog’s vision. Glaucoma is another condition to watch for. It can cause pain and even blindness.

Types of Labradoodle Eye Problems

Labradoodles can suffer from a variety of eye problems.

These can include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma. It is important to regularly check your Labradoodle’s eyes to ensure that they’re healthy. 

Here are some of the most common Labradoodle eye problems you might encounter.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a condition that impairs your dog’s vision. This inherited condition affects the retina, which gradually deteriorates and eventually causes blindness. The condition affects the rods and cones in the retina and affects the pigmented epithelium layer of the eye.

There is no known cure for this degenerative eye condition, but identification of affected breeding stock is important to prevent its spread. 

• Glaucoma

Labradoodles are prone to developing glaucoma, a disease of the eye. The disease is usually inherited but can also be a result of another cause, such as injury to the eye. Symptoms of this disease include eye pressure, excessive blinking, a cloudy appearance, and recession of the eyeballs.

Treatment for glaucoma in Labradoodles involves medication that can reduce pressure in the eye. These medications can be given topically (eye drops) or systemically (oral or injectable). In severe cases, glaucoma surgery may be required. 

• Cataracts

Although there is no specific breed or age that is considered prone to cataracts, Labradoodles are more prone to this disease. Early cataracts may appear with few symptoms, but the disease may progress quickly and permanently.

In addition to causing vision problems, cataracts can cause discomfort, squinting, and pain. Fortunately, you can have the condition treated. The condition may be inherited or develop over time. It can affect one eye or both. 

• Vision Problems

Labradoodles can also suffer from vision problems. Dogs with vision problems often have no apparent symptoms. However, a veterinarian can evaluate the dog’s condition and suggest possible treatments. In some cases, medications or surgery may be required. It is important to recognize the symptoms early so that your dog can be treated quickly.

Some Labradoodle vision problems are treatable, while others require more extensive care. Early signs of vision loss may include bumping into furniture or walls, having trouble locating food and toys, and acting fearful. 

• Eye Infection

There are many common eye problems for Labradoodles, but identifying which one might be affecting your dog isn’t always easy. These problems can be caused by a variety of conditions, from allergies to autoimmune diseases. Luckily, you can often prevent these issues by maintaining sanitary living conditions and treating bacterial infections early.

Veterinary treatment for inflammation of the eye usually involves ointments or eye drops.

• Eye Boogers and Discharge

Labradoodle puppies can have eye boogers and discharge every now and then. Typically, this is normal. A healthy dog’s eyes produce tears throughout the day to keep the conjunctiva and cornea moist. If your pup’s eyes start to discharge more frequently, it may be time to visit the vet.

To treat your pup’s eye discharge, you should clean around its eyes. This can be done with lukewarm water and a washcloth. While the majority of eye discharge is harmless, it can be indicative of an underlying medical problem, such as an inflammatory condition. 

Causes of Labradoodle Eye Problems

If your Labradoodle is suffering from an eye problem, it may be time to take your dog to the veterinarian. This condition can cause your dog to have red, cloudy eyes and sensitivity to light. It can also be very painful and itchy.

Common causes of inflammation of the eyelids in dogs include fungal infections, viral infections, and infections from infectious diseases. These diseases can cause severe eye problems, including blindness. Here are some of the common causes of Labradoodle eye infections. 

• Allergies
• Glaucoma
• Conjunctivitis
• Birth defects
• Tear duct issues
• Dry eye
• Eye injury
• Foreign matter in the eye
• Canine distemper
• Routine environmental irritants
• Vitamin deficiency
• Eyelid abnormalities
• Parasites
• Fungal or bacterial infection
• Epiphora
• Tumors
• Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Signs and Symptoms of Labradoodle Eye Problems

If your Labradoodle is suffering from an eye infection, it is important to know what you can do to relieve the discomfort and help the infection heal. If your dog has a severe eye infection, you may need to go to a veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis.

Another way to detect an eye problem in your dog is to keep an eye out for any inflammation in the eye. This will cause the eye to become cloudy or red. Your dog may also start to blink more frequently. These symptoms vary from dog to dog and are based on the cause of the infection, how long it has been present, and other factors.

Here are the common signs and symptoms of Labradoodle eye problems.

• Swelling
• Redness
• Frequent blinking
• Light sensitivity
• Pawing at the eye
• Squinting
• Blinking
• Watery and smelly discharge
• Holding eye closed
• Goop or crust in the corner of the eye
• White or gray mucus
• Yellow or green discharge from eyes
• Red or brown stains near the eyes

Treatment for Labradoodle Eye Problems

Treatment for eye problems in Labradoodle can be simple or complicated, depending on the severity of the infection. In minor cases, antibiotics or ointments can be administered. In severe cases, surgery or sedation may be necessary. The first step in treating a Labradoodle eye problem is identifying the cause. 

A Labradoodle owner can reduce the discomfort of an infected eye by cleaning the eye area. Using a warm, moist cloth, clean the eye area several times daily. Never use chemicals or peroxides to clean your dog’s eye. You should also avoid touching the eyeball with your finger. Lastly, if you are unable to clean your dog’s eye, consult a veterinarian immediately.

If you suspect your dog has an eye infection, you should visit a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Your vet will perform tests to determine the cause of the problem. It is crucial to seek treatment for an eye problem as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection can worsen and cause permanent damage to the eye.

Labradoodle Eye Care Tips

Labradoodle eye care is important to ensure your Labradoodle’s eyes stay healthy. You can start by trimming the hair away from your dog’s eyes and wiping the eyes daily with an unscented baby wipe.

Here are some common Labradoodle eye care tips. 

• Trim Hair Away From Your Dog’s Eyes

Your Labradoodle’s eyes are important to keep clean, and you should cut off hair that’s near the area. Hair on the eyelids can cause irritation and may even lead to eye infections. Keeping this area clean will help your dog look and feel its best.

To properly trim the hair surrounding the eyes, you should begin by brushing the hair away from the face. Then, begin to comb the hair above the eye outward towards the nose. Holding the scissors straight, start at one side of the face and continue across the dog’s eye.

Make sure you use blunt/round-end scissors. These are great for trimming hair away from the eyes and nose.

• Use An Unscented Baby Wipe To Clean Eyes

Baby wipes may be a quick and easy way to clean your Labradoodle’s eyes, but keep in mind that baby wipes may contain ingredients that can irritate your dog’s eyes.

To be sure that your wipe is completely safe, look for unscented, hypoallergenic wipes that are made specifically for dogs. (affiliate link) Unscented wipes are gentle on the skin and will remove dirt and gunk from your Labradoodle’s eyes.

Most eye wipes have the ability to remove a small amount of eye gunk, but if your dog’s eyes smell bad, there may be a fungal or bacterial infection. If you’re concerned about removing tear stains, you can look for wipes with antibacterial or antifungal properties.

• Check Your Labradoodle’s Eyes Daily

Regular eye checkups are important for Labradoodles. Your dog’s eyes can develop any number of issues, from conjunctivitis to cataracts. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to keep your Labradoodle’s vision in top condition. Checking their eyes daily is easy and can help prevent serious problems down the road.

To test your dog’s eyesight, open them and look at their eyes. Look for redness, eyelid swelling, or bloodshot spots. An eye that is healthy is clear with a shiny surface. You can also look for signs of eye trouble, such as squinting, a red or cloudy discharge, and excessive tearing.

• Schedule An Appointment With Your Vet

Dogs need regular eye care to keep their eyes healthy. Eye problems that develop without treatment can lead to more serious problems. Your veterinarian can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine what is causing the problem. They can also examine your dog’s eyes to look for scars on the cornea.

Make sure you schedule an appointment with your vet and get regular eye checkups done to keep your dog’s eyes healthy. 

Conclusion

If you want your Labradoodle’s eyes to remain healthy, you’ll need to keep them clean. Labradoodles can suffer from different types of eye problems. If you notice any signs or symptoms of eye problems in your Labradoodle, take them to a vet for an eye examination. It will help you to diagnose the problem and provide the necessary treatment.

To make sure your Labradoodle’s eyes remain healthy, regularly check their eyes and maintain hygiene.