Do Dogs Have Eyelashes? Facts & FAQ

Do dogs have eyelashes? It’s one of those questions that you feel you should know the answer to immediately, but it makes you pause for a moment and really question yourself. The answer is yes, dogs do have eyelashes. In fact, they have anywhere from two to four rows of eyelashes along their upper eyelid.

Why Do Dogs Have Eyelashes?

As with humans and other species in the animal kingdom that have eyelashes, they are in place to help prevent injury to the eye and protect the eye from smaller particles such as dirt, debris, or dust. Basically, they are the first line of defense for the eyes.

Dogs only have eyelashes on the upper lid, there are none present on the lower lid. The upper lid typically has anywhere from two to four rows of lashes and some breeds have much longer lashes than others.

Can I Cut My Dog’s Eyelashes?

Owners can opt to trim their dog’s eyelashes. It’s typically done for cosmetic reasons rather than for health, though trimming can be very helpful if the lashes have grown long enough to obstruct your dog’s vision. However, for those with short eyelashes, it’s best to just leave them be to eliminate the risk of injury.

If you are interested in trimming your dog’s eyelashes, keep in mind how sensitive this area is and how easily injury can happen. If you are unable to trim the eyelashes safely and comfortably, it’s best to contact a licensed groomer for assistance.

 

Breeds With the Longest Lashes

Some breeds of dogs will have naturally longer eyelashes than others. This is typically related to fur length. most long-haired dogs tend to sport longer lashes.

Eyelash Disorders in Dogs

Eyelashes aren’t without their issues; several health issues can arise within a dog’s eyelashes. Here are a few of the most common disorders of the eyelashes:

Trichiasis

Trichiasis is a condition in which hairs from normal follicle locations grow toward the eye and rub against the cornea or the inner lining of the eyelid. Trichiasis is commonly a cause of excess tearing, which leads to tear stains down the face.

Trichiasis is most prominent in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Pugs, Pekingese, and Boston Terriers, or those with long hair that grows around the eyes like Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and American Cocker Spaniels.

Distichiasis

Distichiasis is a condition in which an abnormal, extra eyelash known as a distichia arises from the margin of the eyelid through the duct or opening of the meibomian gland or somewhere adjacent. There are typically more than one distichae that occur and sometimes even more than one in each duct.

The reason for the development of the follicles in the abnormal location is not known, but the distichiasis is considered a genetic health problem that occurs more often in certain breeds of dogs including:

Ectopic cilia

Ectopic cilia are one or more hairs that grow abnormally through the conjunctiva, eventually coming in contact with the cornea, which is the surface of the eye. These abnormally growing hairs can cause intense pain when they grow into the cornea and can even result in corneal ulcers.

This condition is treated through surgical removal of these hairs or by performing cryosurgery, where the follicle is frozen and killed. Certain breeds are more likely to develop ectopic cilia, these breeds include:

 

Final Thoughts

Just like us, dogs have eyelashes to help protect their eyes from injury and debris. Unlike humans, dogs only have eyelashes on the upper eyelid, rather than both the upper and lower. Some dog breeds tend to have much longer lashes than others, typically those with much longer hair. Some health conditions can affect the eyelashes as well, so it’s important to know the symptoms and reach out to your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any usual symptoms.

See also:

• Do Dogs Have Eyebrows?
• Can Dogs See Color? Vet-Approved Canine Eye Perception Facts

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Featured Image Credit: SJ Duran, Shutterstock