Blue-Eyed Dog Health Problems

Having a blue-eyed dogs is a fantastic experience, how you can resist these rare, unique, and stunning eyes. Most of the dogs have brown eyes; blue color is rare in dogs. Although there is nothing sweeter than staring into the brown eyes of your amazing pup, seeing into blue eyes is a scene to behold. If you have a blue-eyed dog, then, first of all, congratulation, as others are still curious about this beautiful abnormality. But, do you know that blue-eyed dogs have specific health risks. Here is a complete guide about blue-eyed dog health problems.

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What causes blue eyes in some dogs?

 Melanin, or the pigment found in the iris, is responsible for the colorful portion of the eye. Brown eyes have a brown stain in both the front and rear layers of the iris, making them the most prevalent.

The anterior layer of blue eyes has a small quantity of melanin (or none at all), and the back layer has a small amount. Its DNA determines the amount of melanin produced by a dog. Scientists are still investigating the phenomenon. At the same time, prior research has suggested that genes that control coat color play a significant part in defining a dog's eye color. In addition, a new study suggests that another gene involved in eye development may also be affected.

Some other causes of blue eyes in dogs

Genes that are specific to each breed

Some breeds, such as Siberian huskies and Border Collies, have distinct genes that cause blue eyes. However, these dogs don't have any Merle Gene health problems, and they don't have any color loss in their hair or nose.

Heterochromia

Heterochromia is a term that refers to having two different colored eyes. Humans, horses, cats, and dogs are all susceptible to this illness. In addition, the Merle gene, pigmentation loss, or breed-specific genes can all contribute to this. Two different colored eyes can sometimes indicate health problems such as cataracts or Glaucoma.

Some dog breeds that have blue eyes

Blue-eyed dogs belong to unique hubs, as it is a rare treat. Only 5% of dogs have this trait in their DNA. It is a recessive trait and shows up rarely. but here are some dog breeds which has naturally blue eyes: 

  • Siberian husky
  • Border collie
  • Australian shepherd
  • Dachshund
  • Weimaraner
  • Cardigan Welsh corgi
  • Great Dane
  •  Catahoula leopard dog
  •  Alaskan Klee kai
  •  Pitbull

Blue-eyed dog health problems

Blue-eyed dogs have specific health risks that you as an owner should be aware of:

Blindness or deafness 

It is a condition in which a person is unable to hear. Blue eyes do not imply that your dog will become blind, deaf, or suffer from other genetic flaws. Iris pigmentation changes can occur for various causes and aren't always indicative of a health problem.

Suppose your dog is a Merle Carrier and is bred with another Merle Carrier. In that case, their progeny will have a substantially increased risk of developing severe health issues like blindness or hearing.

Diseases of the Eyes

Suppose your dog's eyes suddenly turn blue or clouded. In this situation, it is a sign that they have developed an eye illness like cataracts or Glaucoma. In this scenario, you should consult a veterinarian because some diseases can result in permanent blindness.

Albinism

Albino dogs, also known as C-series, have a significant lack of color across their bodies and a pink nose and blue eyes. Although there is nothing as a pure albino dog, some breeds have demonstrated consequential pigment loss. It results in a white coat, a pink nose, and blue eyes.

When to worry

You should immediately report any changes in your dog's vision to your veterinarian. You may treat most eye illnesses, and those that are diagnosed early have a better prognosis.