If your beloved canine companion is facing cataracts, you may be seeking a non-surgical solution to help maintain their eyesight.
This blog post explores alternative treatments for dog cataracts and offers insights into managing this condition without invasive surgery.
Contents
Explore effective natural cataract treatments for dogs, from supplements to eye drops. Learn how to support your furry friend’s vision health naturally.
Are there natural remedies for cataracts in dogs?
To tell the truth, I have researched the four corners of the net worldwide to find viable information on this subject.
No way my doggie will experience an uncomfortable end of life.
Do vets treat cataracts?
Yes, they do and the procedure is the same as for humans.
It goes through surgery without any guarantee of result because such intervention in a dog can be complicated.
So how do you treat a cataract problem in dogs?
On the hunt for information, I learned that there are some natural ways to help it to slow down the progress or even stop the disease.
Understanding dog cataracts
Cataracts in dogs, often associated with conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t communicate their vision problems, making early intervention crucial.
Here, we’ll discuss natural remedies to slow down or halt cataract progression.
Causes of dog cataracts
Cataracts in dogs can result from various factors, including aging, congenital issues, secondary conditions like diabetes, cortisone-based treatments, eye injuries, or excessive UV sun exposure.
Identifying the underlying cause is essential in tailoring a suitable treatment plan.
Traditional cataract treatment for dogs
Just like for humans, the veterinarian will first try to stabilize the dry eye and then avoid any form of infection with antibiotic eye drops.
It treats the underlying cause when cataracts in dogs with diabetes occur.
It will go no further and will quickly follow the two possible options:
– resign yourself and allow your pet to gradually lose sight to blindness
– schedule a very invasive surgery (and very expensive dog cataract surgery cost) with the hope that all goes well.
How much does dog cataract surgery cost?
The dog cataract surgery cost is on average $1,500 to $2,000 per treated eye, plus around $400 if an implant must be placed (an artificial lens to adjust his vision if necessary).
Performed under a surgical microscope and of course under general anesthesia, the operation lasts about twenty minutes and the dog is not hospitalized if there are no postoperative complications.
Postoperative treatment requires anti-inflammatory treatment and daily instillation of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops for 2 months.
The result is not guaranteed, however, and complications may appear such as implant displacement, retinal detachment, uveitis, glaucoma, infection, or edema of the cornea.
How can I help my dog with cataracts?
After extensive research, I can state that there is no established protocol for treating this disease.
There are avenues that are worth exploring without fear if you want to try to act to avoid the irreversible.
Some tricks actually work, I can attest to that.
But that doesn’t mean that what works for my dog will be as effective for any of his congeners.
There are different eye conditions and each is different.
However, everything you will read below has been tested by me without damage to my doggie’s eyes … quite the contrary.
It’s up to you to see if you try this adventure.
Natural cataract treatment for dogs
-
Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and eye health
Do not look for products intended for pets in this area, rely on products that are commonly found in our pharmacies, intended for macular degeneration.
Why?
Because they contain everything you need to fight free radicals and nourish the eye more reliably.
Personally, I use a supplement consisting of:
- DHA, a polyunsaturated fatty acid belonging to the Omega 3 family which is present in the composition of the eye and helps visual health
- Lutein is a carotenoid pigment that is found in very strong concentrations in the retina
- Zeaxanthin, another carotenoid related to lutein
- Zinc is an essential mineral that sends vitamin A synthesized by the liver to the retina to produce protective melanin for the eye
- Essential vitamins for eye health: vitamin C, vitamin E
The product I use comes in capsule form.
My dog weighing less than 10kg (22 pounds), I open it and half-empty it in his food every two or three days.
If you are interested in this practical product due to its complete formula which avoids multiple purchases, try it now (ad)
If you prefer a cataract supplement for dogs, here are the 3 most valuable :
- Ocu-Glo vision for medium to large dogs (ad) or Ocu-Glo vision for small dogs (ad)
- Vision Bites by Zesty Paws (ad)
- Vision Supplement by Nutrition Strength (ad)
-
Blueberries for vision
This small fruit contains a characteristic dark blue pigment.
It is made up of flavonoids like quercetin and tannins.
The medicinal properties of bilberries have been known for millennia, they are antioxidants, fight diabetes and provide vascular protection.
It also has virtues for eye health as demonstrated by an Italian study published in 1989 which concluded that there was a significant reduction in the progression of cataracts in 48 of the 50 patients tested.
My dog is supplemented with one blueberry concentrate capsule (ad) per day in his food.
How to dissolve cataracts naturally?
-
N-Acetyl-L-Carnosine (NAC) eye drops
N-Acetyl-L-Carnosine or N.A.C (not to be confused with N-acetyl-cysteine) is a naturally occurring compound related to carnosine.
A Russian study published in 2012 demonstrated the effectiveness of eye drops containing 1% NAC on patients with cataracts.
My dog has been getting 1 drop in each eye three times a day for over 6 months.
In 4 months, the white haze started to disappear and he regained his ferocious appetite.
Does that mean he was depressed?…
However, while the improvement was clearly visible, it was not sufficient for my taste.
As I researched further, I learned that there was the same type of cataract drops for dogs but containing 2 or 4% NAC.
And I tried the adventure of 4% acetyl L Carnosine (ebay)
So I started quietly with a 1% solution to get his eyes used to it twice a day then added a 4% solution once a day.
I see an obvious improvement, my dog finding his black eyes and moving without hitting any obstacle.
Time will tell if it will be possible to lower the dosage and switch to just one application per day… surely in months.
You can also try Lanosterol eye drops for cataracts in dogs that are associated with NAC and lanosterol but they are quite expensive.
-
Aloe Vera for eye hydration
Drops to dissolve cataracts in dogs tend to irritate and cause dry eyes.
I know, you’re going to laugh: “we’re not going to put aloe vera in the eye!”
Well yes, but not just any.
There is distilled aloe vera, 100% pure and without any preservatives you can find here (ad).
Its role is to hydrate the eyes and reduce any inflammation.
My doggie gets a drop twice a day.
-
Homeopathic Cineraria Maritima drops
Note that there are other interesting eye drops for dogs with cataracts that have given encouraging results.
This is Cineraria Maritima homeopathic drops (ebay), a perennial plant with silver leaves.
These eye drops can only be obtained directly from India.
It is now part of this natural cataract treatment for my dog (if you do the same, choose the alcohol-free version like those mentioned above) with a drop per eye in the evening.
Again, I’m testing with him. These eye drops do not sting the eyes and provide hydration and visual comfort.
-
Castor Oil for eye nourishment
As strange as it may sound, the trick of castor oil directly into the eye is often given in an attempt to combat cataracts.
I also test it personally and notice a marked improvement in color perception and sharpness.
I cannot confirm its effectiveness but if the oil is well-chosen, cold-pressed, pure, and hexane-free like the one I use (ad), it obviously nourishes the eye and fights dry eyes.
My dog gets a drop in each eye before bed every other day.
How to dissolve cataracts naturally in dogs?
Voila.
Where are we 6 months later?
First of all, I would like to point out that I started by testing all the eye drops myself to assess their impact on the eye.
Suffering from severe dry eye, I can guarantee you that they have helped me a lot and in fact improved my myopic vision.
Note that all the products mentioned in this article are not intended for animals but for human and that in my opinion, they can surely help people with advanced dry eye or early-stage cataracts.
No product has had any negative side effects and over the days I see only improvements in my dog’s behavior, especially during his nocturnal outings.
He has regained his zest for life and, as if to thank me, keeps staring at me insistently…
It’s up to you … but keep in mind that this is a precise long-term treatment that should never be stopped.
Evolution is slow.
How to treat dog cataracts naturally?
Update August 2021
This specific treatment for cataracts in dogs is giving more and more convincing results from month to month.
Also, I want to check in regularly to update you and share treatment adjustments as we progress.
This August, my dog is entering the ninth month of care, he is maintaining his eyesight and the cataract has improved.
Of course, it would be a lie to write that he has regained full function, he is and will remain presbyopic (like all dogs) but he only bumps into objects more rarely and only at night.
On the other hand, his view from afar (and by day) is maintained, he always runs after cats!
His treatment has changed somewhat.
Morning and evening, he receives 2 drops of NAC eye drops (Can C) in each eye.
A third dose is taken with NAC 4% eye drops, one drop in each eye.
He also receives two drops in each eye at bedtime of Cineraria Maritima eye drops.
The use of these eye drops has apparently slowed the progression of the white veil, his eyes are becoming more and more clear.
Also at bedtime and about 10 minutes later, he gets a drop of castor oil in each eye every 2-3 days.
I also added colloidal silver (ad) sprays to this routine on her eyelids (always at bedtime).
The antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties of the colloidal silver that I put on the hairs on her eyelids markedly improved irritation and a tendency for conjunctivitis.
The action time of the product housed in its bristles before drying is optimal.
Orally, it continues to take blueberry daily and take PreserVision every 2-3 days.
I plan to introduce a new essential antioxidant, Coenzyme Q10 30mg (ad) in the coming weeks because it is an essential nutrient in the protection of the eye (and the heart).
See you soon for the rest of the adventure.
Update October 2022
Hello, we are still here!
More than a year after my last update, a few words to give you news about my doggy and his sight.
So, then, does he still see?
The answer is yes, he still sees even if everything is not perfect.
The major difficulty for him remains at night because his night vision is the most affected.
But wait, he still navigates the dark with ease, even if on some days he loses his bearings.
Remember, however, that my dog does not only suffer from cataracts but from a more complex condition, progressive retinal atrophy.
Without any care, he would already be blind without a doubt.
In terms of his treatment, he is entitled to one blueberry capsule a day as well as a PreserVision soft gel once or twice a week and a Coenzyme Q10 30mg capsule twice a week.
Eye drops are administered every day without exception and in particular, Nac 4% eye drops 2 drops in each eye, 4 times a day.
He receives a drop of castor oil in each eye before bedtime 3 times a week.
In recent months, I have introduced a very effective eye drop discovered by chance, it is Virbac VT Phak eye drops (switch to amazon France) designed to fight against degeneration of the lens.
This is a product well known to veterinarians with an antioxidant effect, which provides the necessary nutrients for a crystal clear lens.
You can even add the VT Phak syrup (switch to amazon France) for global antioxidant action, targeting of course the eyes but also the intestinal flora and the immune defenses.
These products are amazingly effective and combined with NAC eye drops, the results are impressive.
The lens clears up more quickly and tearing is definitely stopped, the hairs under the eyes are no longer stained.
VT Phak eye drops should be instilled with one drop in each eye twice a day for 20 days a month without ever stopping treatment.
To tell the truth, I proceed differently by administering a drop in each eye twice a day each day of the week then taking a break on the weekend.
This is where we are.
Obviously, not everything is perfect and his initial sight has not been restored, but I started this treatment in early 2021 and my dog still sees normally during the day even if his night vision is imperfect.
And I insist, he should be blind, he’s not.
He is still so happy, very active and so charming!
In summary, the current treatment is:
Eye drops acetyl L carnosine 4%: 2 drops in each eye 4 times a day
Eye drops VT Phak: 1 drop in each eye twice a day, 5 days a week
Castor oil: 1 drop in each eye at bedtime two to three times a week
Supplements:
Coenzyme Q10 (antioxidant), VT Phak syrup (antioxidant), PreserVision (antioxidant), Blueberry (antioxidant), and Colloidal silver to avoid any infection.
Do not be afraid. I assure you, it works without any side effects.
But be very constant. Set up a routine so that you never forget to give him his drops and supplements every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will colloidal silver help cataracts?
Colloidal silver is well known for its antibacterial and antiviral action. It is very suitable for protecting the eye from any infection.
It is also anti-inflammatory while improving blood circulation.
A drop of colloidal silver 10ppm in each eye two to three times a day can help in the treatment of cataracts.
Do cataracts hurt?
A cataract is more of an annoyance than pain.
At the beginning of the affection, the dog is sometimes confused and disoriented but does not suffer.
However, it must be preserved from any inflammation of the eyes.
Why have my dogs eyes gone blue?
This is nuclear sclerosis, normal aging of the lens.
The eye takes on a bluish appearance due to an accumulation of fibers in the capsular bag.
But the sight of the dog is not affected, the lens keeping its transparency.
Is there a product that contains most if not all of the supplements you mentioned in the above article. And if not, do you make your own eye drops.
Thank you for your time.
Dee West
Thank you for your comment.
No, there are no eye drops containing all the necessary ingredients for cataracts. Each eye drop must be applied during the day, respecting at least a 20-minute gap between each application.
I don’t make them myself but I know it is possible to get acetyl-l-carnosine to make NAC eye drops for example.
When the eye drops are applies to the pets eye.
Do the drop cause any stinging or pain to the eyes when applied?
Has your dog shown improvement since you started the eye drops?
How did you dilute to the 1% solution your explained in the beginning?
“And I tried the adventure of 4% acetyl L Carnosine (#ebay)
So I started quietly with a 1% solution to get his eyes used to it twice a day then added a 4% solution once a day.” I bought a 2.5% there was no 1%. Yet also bought the 4.5%.
And how to I dilute the solution to the 4%?
My Toby is dealing with cataracts from diabetes. I want to help him retain as much eye sight as I can.
Yet, I don’t want to cause him pain to his eyes.
Thank you for sharing your information to help other pets.
Thanks for your comment, Deborah.
All the eye drops I recommend do not sting the dog’s eyes.
You can buy all the 1% and 4% NAC (acetyl L Carnosine) eye drops by clicking on the links that I indicate to you in the article.
Don’t be afraid to try these products to save your dog’s eyesight. You will help him a lot.
Hey Marie, I know you are not a vet, but I’m desperately trying to save my dogs eyesight. He has pretty advanced pannus (not too sure if you’re familiar with the condition). Apparently, it’s an auto-immune condition affecting the eyes. It first started as cloudiness and has progressed to cellular growth on top of the cornea. I’ve been trying so many different remedies to stave off blindness. I really don’t want to start steroids so I’m doing everything in my power to find alternatives. I think using conventional treatment he would’ve been blind a long time ago. Do you think some of the treatments you’ve been doing might help improve my guy’s situation? I just started him on a Chinese herb that’s supposed to really support eye health called Ming my di Huang wan…
He’s a happy and healthy boy otherwise, on a raw food diet, on bilberry, fish oil, tumeric PDR and green lipped muscle. His joints are awesome and he’s full of energy and spunk.
Hi and thanks for your comment.
Like you, I did not want to treat my dog with aggressive drugs.
You really have nothing to fear from trying natural products.
To date (May 2023), my dog still sees when normally he should be completely blind.