Does Your Dog Have Distichiasis?

If you’ve noticed your dog squinting, tearing up, or pawing at their eye, there’s a chance the culprit is something you’d never think to look for: extra eyelashes growing from the wrong place. This condition is called distichiasis (dis-tih-KY-uh-sis), and it’s more common than most pet owners realize, especially in certain breeds.

Sometimes these extra lashes cause zero problems. Other times, they rub against the surface of the eye and cause real irritation, or worse, a corneal ulcer (a painful scratch or sore on the clear front surface of the eye). Here’s what to know.

What is distichiasis in dogs?

Distichiasis (sometimes called distichia when referring to the individual hairs) is an eyelash disorder where extra lashes grow out of the oil glands along the eyelid margin, which is the edge of the eyelid where lashes normally don’t grow. These abnormal eyelashes point inward toward the eye instead of outward, where they can brush or press against the cornea with every blink.

Not every dog with distichiasis will be in pain. Soft, fine lashes sometimes cause no irritation at all. Stiff or coarse ones are a different story. The problem is you can’t always tell from the outside how much trouble those lashes are causing without a closer look.

What are the symptoms of distichiasis in dogs?

Watch for these signs, especially if your dog is a breed that’s prone to the condition:

• Squinting or keeping one eye partially closed
• Excessive tearing or watery discharge (epiphora, which just means overflow of tears down the face)
• Eye rubbing, pawing at the face, or rubbing against furniture
• Redness around the eye
• Mucus or sticky discharge
• Cloudiness or a bluish tint on the eye (this can signal a corneal ulcer and needs same-day vet attention)

A corneal ulcer is a wound on the clear front surface of the eye. It’s painful, and it can develop quickly when something keeps rubbing the same spot. If you notice cloudiness or your dog seems suddenly very sensitive to light, don’t wait on that one.

What are the causes and which breeds are most affected?

Distichiasis is almost always inherited, meaning it’s passed down through genetics. It’s not caused by anything you did or didn’t do. Certain breeds show up in the vet’s office with this condition far more often than others:

• Cocker Spaniels
• Bulldogs (English and French)
• Shih Tzus
• Golden Retrievers
• Boxers
• Poodles
• Dachshunds

It can show up in puppies or develop as a dog gets older. Either way, the underlying cause is the same: oil glands along the eyelid margin that produce hair follicles where they shouldn’t.

Distichiasis vs. entropion vs. ectopic cilia: how to tell them apart

These three conditions all cause eye irritation and can look nearly identical from the outside, but they’re different problems with different treatments. Here’s how to read what you might be seeing:

Condition	What’s actually happening	What it looks like	Treatment focus
Distichiasis	Extra lashes grow from the eyelid margin where lashes shouldn’t be. The eyelid itself sits normally.	Tearing, squinting, redness. Your vet can usually spot the lashes with a magnifying light.	Removing or destroying the abnormal lashes
Entropion	The eyelid rolls inward, so normal skin and lashes rub against the eye’s surface.	The eyelid may look like it’s folding under. Similar signs to distichiasis but the lid position is the problem, not the lashes.	Surgery to reposition the eyelid
Ectopic cilia	A single hair or small cluster grows through the inside surface of the eyelid, directly touching the eye.	Usually invisible from the outside. Often causes intense, sudden pain or discomfort that seems out of proportion to what you can see.	A specific surgical approach to remove the follicle from the inner lid

If your dog’s eye is bothering them, don’t assume you know which of these it is. A vet, ideally a veterinary ophthalmologist, can tell them apart with the right tools. Getting the diagnosis right matters because the treatment path is different for each one.

Diagnosis and treatment options

Your vet will examine your dog’s eyelids under magnification and likely stain the eye with a special dye to check for corneal ulcers. If there’s any doubt, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Treatment depends on how much irritation the lashes are actually causing:

Mild cases: lubricating eye drops

If the lashes are soft and your dog shows minimal signs, your vet may recommend lubricating drops to reduce friction and keep the eye surface comfortable. This manages symptoms but doesn’t remove the lashes.

Moderate to severe cases: lash removal

When lashes are causing real irritation or corneal damage, removal is the answer. There are a few approaches your vet might use:

• Epilation: Manually plucking the lashes. It works temporarily but lashes grow back, often within a few weeks, so this is usually a short-term fix.
• Electroepilation: Using a small electric current to destroy the hair follicle at the root so the lash can’t regrow. More effective long-term than simple plucking.
• Cryotherapy: Applying extreme cold to freeze and destroy the hair follicles. This is one of the most effective permanent options and is done under anesthesia.
• Surgery: Removing a section of the eyelid margin where the abnormal follicles are located. Reserved for more complex cases.

The right choice depends on how many lashes are affected, where they are, and how your dog is tolerating them. Your vet will walk you through the options that make the most sense for your specific situation.

At-home monitoring: what to watch between vet visits

If your dog has been diagnosed with mild distichiasis and you’re in a watch-and-manage phase, here’s a simple routine to follow:

• Apply lubricating drops as directed and keep track of how your dog responds.
• Check the eye daily for increased redness, cloudiness, or discharge.
• Note any change in squinting frequency or intensity.
• If your dog starts rubbing their eye more, or if the discharge becomes thick or colored, call your vet.

Drops are not a permanent fix. If your dog is clearly uncomfortable despite lubrication, or if a corneal ulcer develops, that’s the signal to move from monitoring to removal.

Does pet insurance cover distichiasis?

Yes, distichiasis is eligible for coverage under a Lemonade Pet accident and illness policy, as long as the condition isn’t pre-existing. That means your dog shouldn’t be showing any signs or symptoms before your policy starts or during your waiting period.

Cryotherapy, electroepilation, and surgery can add up quickly, especially if your dog needs repeat treatments or develops a corneal ulcer alongside it. For breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus that are prone to eyelash disorders, getting coverage in place before any signs appear is what makes it actually useful when you need it. 👉 Get a quote with Lemonade in minutes.

Before we go

Distichiasis is very manageable when caught early. Some dogs do well on lubricating drops alone. Others need a procedure, and when they do, it usually works well. The most important step is getting a proper diagnosis so you know exactly what you’re dealing with. If your dog’s eye has been bothering them, that’s your cue to call the vet. And if your dog isn’t already covered, now is a good time to get a quote while they’re still healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.