Bernese Mountain Dog Eyes and Common Eye Conditions

Bernese Mountain Dog eyes are a unique feature of this breed. They have a distinctive appearance, with a brown or hazel eye color and a prominent haw, which is the mucous membrane that surrounds the eye.

Their eyes are also prone to certain conditions, such as ectropion, which causes the eyelid to droop and expose the eye to debris and irritation. This is a common issue in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Their eyes are also susceptible to cataracts, which can cause clouding of the lens and vision loss. This can be a serious issue if left untreated.

Their large eyes make them more prone to eye injuries, such as corneal ulcers, which can be painful and require veterinary attention.

A different take: Bernese Mountain Dog Eye Problems

Cloudy eyes in Bernese Mountain Dogs can be a sign of irritation or an underlying health issue. If you notice cloudy spots on your dog's eyes, it's essential to take action quickly, as this can be a subtle change that can progress rapidly.

Squinting, redness of the eye, vomiting, and lethargy are all potential signs that your Bernese Mountain Dog is experiencing eye irritation. If you catch the issue early, your vet may be able to prevent fully milky white eyes.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye disease that can lead to canine blindness in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Early forms of PRA can be detected as early as three months old.

The signs of PRA in Bernese Mountain Dogs include night blindness, dilated pupils, appearing disoriented in strange environments, and a reluctance to explore new places.

A genetic test is available to determine if your Bernese Mountain Dog has von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), a bleeding disorder that can affect their ability to clot blood. This is especially important to know before surgery.

Here are some key signs to watch out for in your Bernese Mountain Dog's eye health:

When it comes to supporting your Bernese Mountain Dog's eye health, supplements can be a great addition to their diet. Start with half the suggested amount and gradually increase to the suggested daily amount, as this allows their system to adjust and reduces the risk of adverse reactions.

Amounts can be split between AM and PM to make it easier on their digestive system. This is especially helpful for dogs that may have sensitive stomachs or trouble digesting large doses at once.

For optimal results, it's essential to follow the recommended dosage and give supplements at the right times to ensure they're getting the most benefit.

Cataracts are a common eye problem for dogs, and they can be a serious issue if left untreated. Cataracts are a cloudy film that forms over the lens of the eye, which can eventually lead to blindness.

Aging is the most common cause of cataracts in dogs, and older dogs are more prone to this condition. Early onset cataracts in dogs is not necessarily uncommon, and the progression of cataracts can vary from one breed to the next.

If you notice that your dog's vision changes or his eyes appear to have a blue or gray cloudy film, he might have cataracts and should see a veterinarian. The veterinarian will perform a complete eye exam, including an ultrasound to check the lens for any signs of cataracts.

Treatment for cataracts might involve surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one. In some cases, cataracts might not be severe enough to require surgery, and your dog will just need to be monitored regularly.

Here are some signs that your dog might have cataracts:

If your dog develops a cataract, clear eye drops for dogs may be able to help reduce irritation, or even reverse the progression of the condition altogether. If eyedrops are not an appropriate treatment, your vet may suggest surgery.

When starting eye supplements, it's essential to start with half the suggested amount and gradually increase to the suggested daily amount.

This approach allows your dog's body to adjust to the new supplement, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.

Amounts can be split between morning and evening to maintain consistent levels throughout the day.

This flexibility helps ensure your dog receives the full benefits of the supplement.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large breed, typically weighing between 80-120 pounds and standing between 23-27.5 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a sturdy build and a thick double coat that sheds heavily.

Their size and coat require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent overgrowth.

Originating from Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as working dogs to assist with farming and herding. They were valued for their strength and intelligence.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great family pet, especially for families with children. They are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems, which can lead to vision loss and blindness.

For another approach, see: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat

Dog eye colors are primarily determined by genetics, with specific genes controlling the distribution and concentration of pigments in the iris. This results in a range of colors, from light brown to deep black.

Recommended read: Bernese Mountain Dog Colors

The most common eye colors in dogs are brown, hazel, and amber, with brown being the most prevalent. Bernese Mountain Dogs typically have shades of brown, often complementing their distinctive markings.

In some cases, young Bernese Mountain Dog puppies may display blue eyes, but this is often due to the fact that a puppy's eye color can take several weeks to fully develop.

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Lenticular sclerosis, also known as nuclear sclerosis, is a natural and normal change that occurs in the lens of a dog's eye as they age.

The lens becomes thicker and more yellow, but this change doesn't affect a dog's vision.

No treatment is necessary for lenticular sclerosis.

Some dogs develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis, but there's no scientific evidence for a causal relationship.

Here are the key differences between lenticular sclerosis and cataracts:

Dogs living in areas with high altitudes and severe pollution are more likely to develop lenticular sclerosis.

Dog eye colors are determined by genetics, just like in humans. Specific genes control the distribution and concentration of pigments in the iris of the eye.

The most common eye colors in dogs are brown, hazel, and amber. Brown is the most prevalent eye color, ranging from light brown to deep almost black shades.

In some breeds, like the Australian Shepherd and Weimaraner, you'll see hazel eyes, which are a mix of green, brown, and gold. Amber eyes have a yellow-gold hue and can be seen in breeds like the Greyhound and Saluki.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their brown eyes, but it's not uncommon for young puppies to have blue eyes. This is usually due to the eye color taking several weeks to fully develop.

Blue eyes in Bernese Mountain Dogs are not typically a sign of any health condition and are usually benign. However, it's worth noting that blue eyes are not a standard trait for this breed and can be due to rare genetic variations.

Here are the most common eye colors in dogs: