As with everything, consider bulging eyes in your dog in context. Is that how they’ve always looked—or has something changed? Does your dog show any signs of discomfort or distress?
My daughter’s Chi had eyes so large they looked like they’d pop out of her face at any minute. Every time I was around her, I worried about her eyes getting injured constantly. Some breeds inherently have such protruding eyes. So bulging eyes are normal for some dogs, particularly in brachycephalic breeds.
These breeds were selectively bred for short noses, rounded skulls, and large, forward-facing eyes—features many people find expressive and endearing. However cute that might look, is it really normal in terms of function? Paired with the short snouts, these dogs are indeed prone to eye injuries.
Brachycephalic ocular syndrome (BOS)
The above term covers several eye problems associated with the anatomy of brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, and others.
The eye sockets fail to accommodate the eyes, which forces them to bulge outward. The eyelids often fail to fully cover the eyes and may also roll inward. The sheer exposed surface can cause excessive evaporation, resulting in dry eye.
Brachycephalic breeds are likely to suffer from eye injuries, inflammation, pain, even displacement or loss of an eye.
While not a symptom of a disease, bulging eyes in these dogs can easily lead to one. If you do have one of these adorable dogs, the appearance of their eyes is normal for them, but it is a reason to be on high alert, watching for problems such as:
- corneal ulcers
- chronic pain
- vision loss
- frequent eye emergencies
Further reading: Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome (BOS)
The pandemic of ocular surface disease in brachycephalic dogs: The brachycephalic ocular syndrome
Ocular proptosis
Ocular proptosis occurs when the eyeball is displaced beyond the eyelids—even in breeds with normally bulging eyes, the bulge can increase further. It usually takes blunt trauma for this to happen, but in brachycephalic breeds, because of their shallow orbits, it can happen much more easily—even with facial skin accidentally pulled too hard.
Ocular proptosis is an absolute, harrowing emergency. Vision can be lost within minutes.
You may see:
- sudden screaming or yelping at the moment of injury
- panic behavior
- pawing at the face
- freezing or shock-like stillness
- rapid breathing/panting
- refusal to move
- or, in some dogs, silence from shock despite severe pain
Further reading: Eyeball Displacement (Proptosis) in Dogs
Glaucoma
Glaucoma results in a bulging eye appearance because pressure builds up inside the eyeball. Anything that blocks fluid drainage or increases fluid production can cause this pressure to rise.
Early signs include redness in the whites of the eye, enlarged pupils, sudden cloudiness, and obvious pain. As pressure continues to rise, the eye(s) become visibly enlarged. A single bulging eye often makes the change easier to catch early.
Lethargy combined with any eye change is an emergency. Glaucoma is extremely painful and, sadly, at the time the eye is obviously enlarged, the vision has already been lost.
It is one of the most commonly missed, vision-destroying eye emergencies in dogs—it requires immediate veterinary care.
Some breeds are genetically predisposed to developing glaucoma due to inherited abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system. If your dog is on the list, be double-vigilant and consider regular eye exams. Genetic testing is also available.
Top 10 susceptible breeds include:
- American Cocker Spaniel
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Siberian Husky
- Flat-Coater Retriever
- Shar-Pei
- Chow Chow
- Boston Terrier
- Miniature Poodle
- Norwegian Elkhound
Further reading: A Primer on Glaucoma in Dogs
An overview of canine glaucoma
Extraocular myositis
With extraocular myositis, it is only the white of the eyes that appear enlarged. This condition is quite rare, but one of my friends’ dogs had it. It is most likely to happen in young retrieving breeds. The underlying cause is thought to be allergies. It looks bad, but it is typically painless. If treated early, it has a good prognosis. This appearance can also occur in masticatory muscle myositis and tetanus.
Further reading: Extraocular Myositis In Dogs: The Whites Of My Dog’s Eyes Are Swollen
Extraocular myositis in a 9-month-old FS Golden Retriever
Other causes
Other conditions can also push against the eye and cause a bulging appearance. These include:
- abscesses
- hematomas
- tumors
Abscesses are typically extremely painful and often present with noticeable facial swelling around the eye. Hematomas usually follow trauma. Tumors typically cause a gradual, progressive change rather than a sudden one.
Further reading: Oh My, A Bulging Eye! Retrobulbar Abscesses in Dogs and Cats
Bulging eyes in dogs summary
Some dogs are born with eyes that look pushed forward (brachycephalic breeds). That may be normal for them—but it also puts their eyes at greater risk of injury and disease.
A sudden change in the appearance of an eye in a dog is not normal. That change deserves urgent attention. True emergencies include:
- ocular proptosis (the eye displaced forward after trauma)
- glaucoma (rapid pressure buildup inside the eye)
Abscesses, hematomas, and tumors can also push the eye forward and require prompt diagnosis.
Extraocular myositis itself is not a true emergency—but you must treat it as one until your veterinarian rules out painful and vision-threatening conditions.
Rare systemic conditions can sometimes affect the eyes indirectly.
If your dog naturally has bulgy eyes, stay alert for any change from their normal look. If your dog’s eyes suddenly change in size, position, or appearance, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Related articles:
Retrobulbar Abscess in Dogs: Holly’s Bulging Eye
Extraocular Myositis In Dogs: The Whites Of My Dog’s Eyes Are Swollen
A Primer on Glaucoma in Dogs
Abscess Behind the Eye in Dogs: Lola’s Price for Chewing on Rose Bushes
A Primer On Corneal Damage in Dogs
Veterinary Diagnostic Mistakes: Trust Your Gut! The Story Of Blind Maximus