How to prevent cataracts in dogs: Tips and treatments

17/09/2024

Have you ever looked into your pup’s eyes and noticed a bit of cloudiness, wondering if they’re having trouble seeing? Just like us, our four-legged friends can experience changes in their eyesight, but there are ways to help them keep their vision clear and bright. We’re exploring cataracts in dogs treatment and sharing some tips on how to prevent cataracts in dogs, so your pooch pal can continue to see the world clearly.

What are dog cataracts?

When dogs develop cataracts, their eyes turn a milky color as a cloudy film begins to cover part of the lens. This is caused by clumps of proteins that gather in the eyes and block light from entering, which can lead to reduced vision and even permanent blindness if left untreated.

If you suspect your furry friend has cataracts, it’s important to seek veterinary advice for a proper diagnosis and advice on how to treat or manage it. Sometimes, what looks like cataracts in dogs’ eyes can be nuclear sclerosis, a condition that also causes a blue-gray cloudiness in the eyes but doesn’t affect your pup’s vision. Getting the right diagnosis will ensure your pooch pal gets the best care possible and could even save them from going completely blind.

What causes cataracts in dogs?

Dogs can develop cataracts for many reasons, but the most common culprits are age and genetic predisposition. Here are a few causes to keep an eye on:

• Age
• Poor nutrition
• Diabetes mellitus
• Trauma to the eye 
• Genetics – some breeds are thought to be more prone to cataracts than others, including the following:

American Staffordshire Terrier

Australian Shepherd

Bichon Frise

Boston Terrier

Cocker Spaniel

Golden Retriever

French Bulldog

Havanese

Labrador Retriever

Miniature Schnauzer

Poodle

Siberian Husky

Silky Terrier

Welsh Springer Spaniel

West Highland White Terrier

Dog cataracts stages

Cataracts in dogs’ eyes start as small, cloudy spots on the lens, and can appear white, blue, or gray in color. They can be tricky to spot at first, and your vet might need an ophthalmoscope to diagnose them. However, these spots are likely to grow over time and once they cover about 60% of the eye, they’ll begin to affect your dog’s vision. If the entire lens becomes covered, your dog will lose their sight completely. 

How to prevent cataracts in dogs 

While it’s difficult to prevent canine cataracts completely, there are plenty of ways to help keep your furry friend’s vision clear for as long as possible. Cataracts can worsen if left untreated, so here are some tips to keep your pup’s eyes as healthy as possible:

• Check your dog’s eyes regularly.
• Visit the vet if their eyes look cloudy or bluish-gray.
• Go to the vet if you think your furry friend’s having difficulty seeing.
• Feed your pup a nutritious balanced diet
• Make sure your dog gets regular exercise.
• Protect your pup from eye injuries, and if they do get hurt, take them to the vet right away.
• Try to learn as much as you can about your dog’s familial medical history, as cataracts can be genetic. Therefore if a brother or sister from the same litter develops cataracts, there’s a chance your dog may develop the same condition.

Cataracts in dogs treatment

If your furry friend already has cataracts, your vet will be able to advise you on the best course of action. Remember that untreated cataracts can lead to permanent blindness, so the sooner you seek help, the better your chances of saving your furry friend’s eyesight.

• For early or minor cases, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory dog cataracts eye drops and suggest regular check-ups to monitor their progression. 
• The closest thing to a “cure” for cataracts in dogs is surgery, where the vet replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one. This cataract treatment for dogs can greatly improve your furry friend’s vision and quality of life. The surgery needs to be done by an experienced veterinarian with specialized equipment, and the good news is that success rates are usually very high.

Finding dog cataracts treatment without surgery can be challenging, so it’s important to do everything you can to prevent it. If your furry friend is a breed prone to cataracts or has a family history of them, talk to your vet about scheduling a yearly eye examination, and bloodwork to detect any early signs of disease. 

Make sure your pet does not become overweight, or eat a high calorie diet, as the weight gain can predispose to certain health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, a known risk factor for developing cataracts. If you are unsure what to feed your dog, ask your veterinarian for advice. 

Ensuring your pup leads a happy, healthy lifestyle is also crucial. This may include getting an in-home dog sitter when you’re away to maintain their routine, from their usual food in their favorite bowl to meeting their furry BFFs on their beloved walkies. By taking these steps, you can help your pup enjoy a clear-eyed, happy life.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.