Many French Bulldog owners notice a common issue—eye discharge, often referred to as “eye boogers.” You clean it in the morning, and by afternoon, it’s back again.
Is it normal, or is it a sign of an infection? Should you wipe it off with tissue or leave it alone?
This guide breaks down exactly why Frenchies produce so much eye discharge, how to clean it safely, and what symptoms to never ignore.

Why Do French Bulldogs Have So Much Eye Discharge?

French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short noses and shallow eye sockets. This unique facial structure leads to:

Poor tear drainage (due to underdeveloped tear ducts)

Tears that overflow and pool near the inner eye corners

Exposed eyes that easily trap dust, allergens, and debris

Facial folds near the eyes that retain moisture and bacteria

Additional triggers that can increase eye mucus or tear stains include:

Food allergies (especially to chicken, beef, or dairy)

Airborne irritants like cleaning sprays or fragrances

Poor indoor air quality (dust, mold, dry air)

Long or inverted eyelashes irritating the cornea

Underlying eye infections such as conjunctivitis or dry eye

French Bulldogs naturally have more visible discharge than other breeds—but that doesn’t mean all discharge is normal.

Normal vs. Abnormal Eye Discharge in French Bulldogs

Normal eye discharge:

Light brown or grayish in color

Appears mostly in the morning or after naps

Dry or slightly moist, not sticky or smelly

Dog behavior remains normal (active, no rubbing or squinting)

Signs of abnormal discharge (and when to see a vet):

Yellow, green, or blood-tinged mucus

Thick and sticky discharge that keeps coming back

Foul odor around the eye area

Redness, swelling, or constant squinting

Dog pawing at the eyes or avoiding bright light

Asymmetrical discharge (only one eye is affected)

5 Common Mistakes When Cleaning a French Bulldog’s Eyes

• Using dry tissue or rough towels
  This can cause micro-tears or irritation. Use soft, damp cotton pads or pet-safe wipes instead.
• Over-wiping multiple times a day
  Frequent rubbing causes more irritation and stimulates tear production. Once or twice daily is enough for routine care.
• Using human eye drops or harsh cleansers
  Human products often contain ingredients unsafe for dogs. Never use them without veterinary guidance.
• Ignoring long facial hair near the eyes
  Overgrown hair can poke the eyes, trigger watering, and trap discharge. Regular grooming is essential.
• Not disinfecting after cleaning
  Reusing cotton or dirty hands spreads bacteria. Always use fresh wipes and wash your hands.

How to Properly Clean French Bulldog Eye Discharge (Step-by-Step)

• Gather supplies
  Use clean cotton pads or soft gauze, pet-safe eye wipes, or a vet-approved eye rinse. Avoid alcohol-based products.
• Secure your dog gently
  Have your dog sit comfortably. Hold the head steady with one hand and reassure them with a calm voice.
• Moisten the cotton pad
  Never use dry material. Dampen it with warm water or sterile saline solution.
• Wipe from inner to outer corner
  Gently wipe in a single direction—don’t scrub or go back and forth.
• Use a new pad for each eye
  This prevents cross-contamination in case one eye has a mild infection.
• Inspect the eye area
  Look for any redness, crusting, tear stains, or discharge buildup in the folds.
• Trim eye-area fur regularly
  Use blunt-tip scissors or ask your groomer to keep the eye region clean and free from irritating hairs.

Daily Care Tips to Prevent Excess Eye Discharge

• Keep the indoor environment allergen-free
  Reduce dust, avoid strong cleaners or sprays, and use air purifiers if needed.
• Feed a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet
  Avoid known food allergens (especially poultry or grains) that may trigger eye inflammation.
• Groom the face weekly
  Clean tear stains, trim hair, and inspect folds around the eyes for signs of infection.
• Supplement with skin and eye health nutrients
  Omega-3s, Vitamin A, and lutein may support tear gland and eye health.
• Create a weekly health check routine
  Monitor for unusual discharge, odor, redness, or changes in behavior around light or eye contact.

Common Eye Conditions in French Bulldogs That Require Vet Attention

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
  Symptoms: Red eyes, yellow-green discharge, constant squinting or pawing
  Causes: Bacteria, viruses, allergens
• Corneal Ulcers or Scratches
  Symptoms: Cloudy or grayish cornea, light sensitivity, pain, blinking
  Causes: Scratches from hair, dust, or foreign objects
• Nasolacrimal Duct Blockage or Tear Stain Infection
  Symptoms: Persistent tear staining, wet fur around the eyes, odor
  Causes: Poor drainage, bacterial buildup

All of these conditions require professional diagnosis and often prescription medication. Do not treat with over-the-counter human products.

Conclusion: Eye Discharge May Be Common, But It’s Never Irrelevant

Eye discharge in French Bulldogs is often a normal part of the breed’s facial structure, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.
Cleaning it the right way can help your dog feel more comfortable, and paying attention to the color, texture, and frequency of the discharge could help you catch serious problems early.

A few minutes of gentle care each day is more than hygiene—it’s a form of communication.
Your Frenchie may not speak, but their eyes are always trying to tell you something.