Lulu

HAPPY EYES

Happy eyes - eye care for bull terriers

Bull terriers can be prone to eye issues including excessive tearing, tear staining, mild conjunctivitis and general irritation. While serious eye conditions should always be assessed by a veterinarian, mild eye issues can often be managed at home with gentle, natural remedies.

Regular eye care is an important part of your bully’s grooming routine. Gently wiping away discharge with a warm, damp cloth each morning helps prevent build-up and reduces the risk of bacterial growth around the eyes. For ongoing eye health support, the following two DIY eye drop recipes have been wonderfully effective for Lulu.

RECIPE 1: MANUKA HONEY EYE DROPS

Manuka honey has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. When diluted and used as eye drops, it can help soothe irritation, fight mild infections and promote healing of the delicate eye tissues.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon Manuka Honey UMF 5+ (do not use a higher grade for eye drops – UMF 5+ is sufficient and gentler)
  • 3 tablespoons filtered water (boiled and cooled to room temperature)

Method

  1. Boil the filtered water and allow it to cool to room temperature. This ensures the water is sterile.
  2. Add the Manuka honey to the cooled water and stir until completely dissolved.
  3. Transfer to a clean, sterilised dropper bottle.
  4. Apply 1–2 drops to each affected eye, 2–3 times daily.
  5. Make a fresh batch every 2–3 days. Store in the refrigerator between uses.

Note: The drops may cause mild, temporary stinging on application. This is normal and subsides quickly.

RECIPE 2: GOLDEN SEAL AND SALINE EYE DROPS

Goldenseal root is a time-honoured herbal remedy with potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with a gentle saline solution, it makes an effective natural eye wash for mild infections, conjunctivitis and general eye irritation.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (pure, unrefined, with no added anti-caking agents)
  • 1 cup filtered water (boiled and cooled)
  • 1 capsule goldenseal root (open the capsule and use the powder inside)

Method

  1. Boil the filtered water and allow it to cool to lukewarm.
  2. Add the sea salt and stir until fully dissolved.
  3. Open the goldenseal root capsule and add the powder to the saline solution. Stir well.
  4. Allow the mixture to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain through a fine cloth or coffee filter to remove any undissolved particles.
  5. Transfer to a clean, sterilised dropper bottle.
  6. Apply 1–2 drops to each affected eye, 2–3 times daily.
  7. Make a fresh batch every 2–3 days. Store in the refrigerator between uses.

If your dog’s eye condition does not improve within a few days of treatment, or if you notice swelling, cloudiness, squinting, or your dog pawing at their eye persistently, please consult your veterinarian promptly. Eye conditions can deteriorate quickly and some require prescription treatment.

Lix and Lulu

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lix North | Artist, Illustrator, Photographer. Owned by The Lulu Bully.

I grew up on a farm in rural New Zealand. Forever fond of my gumboots and jumping in muddy puddles, my childhood best friends were the farm working dogs (huntaways, bearded and border collies) and the family spaniels. Animals have always been an intrinsic part of my life, I spent a lot of my youth caring for farm and domestic animals, hand rearing orphaned animals and watching and assisting farm hands and vets. One of my earliest memories is the magic and awe I felt as a toddler watching my grandmother help a litter of puppies into the world. As legend has it, my first word was ‘woof’.

As an artist and photographer I seek the imperfections that make each of us, each fleeting moment, and the world around us, utterly unique. I strive to capture our points of difference, our foibles and eccentricities, our daydreams and delusions, our innate temporality - I believe that in the juxtaposition of wonderful strangeness lies an exquisite, honest beauty far greater than that built on pure symmetry, calculable balance or flawlessness. Who better as my muse than a Bull Terrier - the very embodiment of wonderful strangeness.

For fine art by Lix North visit www.lixnorth.com. For illustration, graphic art and photography visit www.lixcreative.com

Disclaimer: The content on lulubully.com is a fluid, living collection of notes, personal thoughts and experiences. I regularly edit tweak and update these blog pages as my ideas evolve. All opinions are my own and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, nor prevent any disease. Thoughts expressed, information provided and products mentioned are not necessarily approved by any governing body or health professional. I am not a qualified medical, veterinarian or naturopathic practitioner, my thoughts and experiences are offered purely as a layperson. Discretion, common sense and personal responsibility should be employed when applying any of the ideas expressed here to your own personal situation.