Herbal remedies for cataracts in dogs

Cataract is one of the worst nightmare for any dog guardian. Read the complete blog post to know all the herbal remedies for cataracts in dogs

Have you noticed that your dog’s eyes are starting to cloud up with a whitish tinge? This is generally indicative towards the fact that your dog is probably developing cataract. Just like humans, dogs can also get affected by cataract. It causes a white haze to form in front of the lens of the eye and impedes your dog’s vision.   

If you are worried about your dog developing this heinous disease and losing his or her version, read the full blog post to know the home remedies you can use to prevent cataract as well as to heal your dog if he or she is suffering from cataract.

Do you know why cataracts occur in dogs and what are the normal preventive measures available for the same? I invite you to check out my blog post on cataract: cataracts in dogs the causes symptoms and treatment options. When dogs develop cataract, the crystalline lens in the eye looses its transparency and light from outside can no longer reach the retina. This leads to a vision disorder. Depending on the age and previous health conditions of your dog, cataract can either develop slowly or it may develop before you realize.

If you are still reading, then you know what is cataract in case of dogs, its causes, symptoms as well as treatment options available. Let’s focus on the natural remedies which are available for cataracts. Most natural remedies will not be able to heal your dog of the cataract, however, they will ensure that the cataract does not progress any further. Let’s look at the natural cataract remedies for dogs

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known to be an antioxidant by virtue of which it prevents cells from ageing fast. It has also been known to improve vision. You can use the following dose of vitamin C as a supplement to keep your dog from developing cataract and also to keep your dog young and healthy:

250 mg every day for dogs belonging to small breeds

500 mg every day for dogs belonging to medium-sized breeds

Up to 1000 mg every day for dogs belonging to the large dog breeds.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A has proven that it can act as a shield of good health. It is known to be the best supplement for eye care. It has also shown to protect the integrity of the epithelium of the eye. This epithelium primarily covers the eyeball. If you wish to administer vitamin A to your dog as a supplement, kindly check out the following doses

1500 IU every day for dogs belonging to small treats

3000 IU every day for dogs belonging to medium-sized dog breeds

5000 to 7000 IU daily for dogs belonging to the large breeds.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another natural antioxidant. It has been known to heal the oxidative damage which occurs in tissues as and when ageing happens. To administer vitamin E as a regular supplement to your dog, check out the following doses:

100 IU every day for dogs belonging to small dog breeds.

200 IU daily for dogs belong to medium-sized dog breeds.

400 IU daily for dogs belonging to large breeds.

Coenzyme Q 10

Coenzyme Q 10 is another natural antioxidant. It is commonly taken by humans as well as dogs. This antioxidant is known to stop the progression of cataracts and has been known in some cases, to reverse the effects of cataract as well. It has been observed to strengthen and protect the eye. The following doses of coenzyme Q 10 should be administered to dogs:

15 mg every day for dogs belonging to small breeds

22 mg every day for dogs belonging to medium-sized breeds

30 mg every day for dogs belonging to the large dog breeds

The Dosage of coenzyme Q 10 as well as vitamins can be divided into half and the portions can be administered once in the morning and once in the evening.

Bilberry extract: 

Certain herbal remedies have been observed to reduce the rate of cataract advancement. Among these, Bilberry extract has been observed to be pretty effective. Bilberry contains an antioxidant which has the ability to fight I diseases. It is for this reason that Bilberry is also sometimes referred to as the vision herb.

Other herbal remedies

Other herbs which may be used to counteract and reduce cataract progression are rosemary, meadow sweet, grape seed extract, turmeric as well as burdock. The eye washes which are made with eye bright tea and greater calendine tea have been observed to reduce the progression of canine cataracts.

Carrots

Remember when your mother told you that carrots must be eaten since they are good for your eyes? Not only was she right about your eye, she was also right about your dog’s eye. The reason behind this is the presence of beta carotene carotenoid in carrots. Lutein, another carotenoid  which is found in leafy greens can also help reduce the progression of canine cataracts and protect the eye from any further damage.

Topical treatment

Succus cineraria with artificial tears in a 50:50 ratio has been observed to improve vision in some dog suffering from cataracts. Other topical treatments which have shown mixed results in case of canine cataracts are cysteine ascorbate, riboflavin, glutathione and l-taurine. 

Now that you know the natural supplements which can prevent as well as reduce cataract in your dog, what about the efficacy of the same?

The primary thing to remember here for all the guardians is that supplements are not miracle workers. Thus, no one should expect instant results. Currently there is a growing support towards the administration and usage of the natural remedies for canine cataract. Supplements for canine cataracts have shown that they can be an effective preventive measure as well as a great option as treatment for the same. However, these treatments have shown no permanent effect so far. 

Another promising remedy: eyedrops with lanosterol

Lanosterol is an organic compound which has recently been discovered as one that can improve vision by just dissolving the clumped proteins which form cataracts. Three dogs who were suffering from natural cataracts observed a complete clearance of vision within six weeks of treatment with these eyedrops. These results have cleared up a path towards a new nonsurgical treatment for cataracts.

Balance lifetime diet

A balance lifetime diet can help prevent the occurrence of cataract in your dog. Obesity is one of the factor which contributes to the risk of diabetes and cataracts. So keep an eye on your dog’s weight always. Provide your dog food items which are rich in amino acids like cysteine, glycine, glutamic acid, bioflavonoids, zinc, manganese, selenium and finally vitamin A, C, E.

If your dog is already suffering from cataract, avoid giving him or her any kind of processed meat, dairy products or saturated fats. 

Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals like wheat grass sprouts have shown a great promise as natural treatment for canine cataracts. You can either feed your dog fresh sprouts or you can purchase high-quality wheat grass powder supplement for your pup.

Algae/ seaweed

Algae/seaweed possesses the minerals, vitamins, liver detoxifier and antioxidants which have detoxifying properties which can act as natural canine cataract remedy. 

Whole krill

Krill is an amazing source of carotenoid, astaxanthin and other great antioxidants which are recommended to keep your dog’s eye safe and sound.

Conclusion:

Have you ever tried using natural remedies for canine cataracts? Please share your experiences in the comment section below. If you have a story or anecdote about your pup that you wish to share on my blog, please contact me on one of my social media channels.

See you in my next blog post

Shruti