8 Natural ways to treat Glaucoma in dogs

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is very common in dogs. If they are not given prompt care they can lose their eyesight. Yes, it is that serious! Though they are treated through medications and surgery, you can save and improve your dog’s eyesight naturally. There is no harm in trying is there?

Firstly, what is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition of increased pressure within your pet’s eyes that will gradually result in loss of sight. Inside their eyes and situated between the lens and the cornea is a thick substance called aqueous humour. It nourishes the eye tissues and helps the eye to maintain its round shape.

The eye pressure will be normal where there is a proper balance of the production and drainage of this substance. Your dog’s eyes will function efficiently. If there is an imbalance of the aqueous humour, in terms of over production or not sufficient drainage, then the pressure within the eyes will build up. When the pressure gets high, the eye will stretch in order to accommodate the fluid build-up.

There are two types of Glaucoma; primary and secondary. Primary glaucoma is a result of genetics and secondary glaucoma occurs when something effects the eye which blocks the drainage. It could be due to an eye injury, trauma, an eye infection or a general inflammation in the eye.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

• Blinking constantly
• Redness in the blood vessels
• Cloudiness in the front of your dog’s eyes
• A diluted pupil
• Rubbing the eyes with their paw
• Squinting
• Swollen eye
• Loss of vision

Glaucoma is a serious problem and if left untreated will cause blindness. So, a quick medical intervention is required to save their eyesight. The treatment involves oral medication that will lower the pressure by blocking the fluid production.

But their eyes require the nutrients in the fluid. So, it is not really a bright idea to stop them from producing it, isn’t it?

However, there are natural remedies that will help to reduce the pressure and will protect your dog’s eyes from further harm.

Natural treatment for glaucoma in dogs

• Spinach – This has carotenoids that will strengthen the ocular tissue and stop further eye damage. You must add 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of bodyweight.
• Fennel – Is very important for eye health. It also reduces the pressure of the damaged eye. Add 1 teaspoon of it for 10 lbs of your pet’s body weight to their food. You can also use its juice extract on a clean cloth and gently wipe their eyes.
• Carrots – They are a good source of beta carotene, which helps to repair damaged eye cells. You must add 1 teaspoon of grated carrot per 10 lbs of your dog’s body weight daily to their food.
• Magnesium – This relaxes the blood vessel walls. It also improves and regulates blood flow. Good sources of magnesium are spinach, beans, meat and fish.

Reducing the risk of glaucoma

If your dog has not developed glaucoma then you must protect their eyes. Once you slow down the degenerative changes in their eye, you will help them to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma.

Here is how you can do this.

• Introduce antioxidants to their diet – Make sure they get their daily dose of beta carotene, all the vitamins and minerals.
• Reduce stress – Stress is bad for everyone, even your furry buddy. Help them to manage stress by recognising the signs and by eliminating the stressors from their environment.
• Regular eye checks – Glaucoma can be hard to spot. So, its best that you take your pet for regular check ups so that your vet can spot the signs and treat it at an early stage.
• Reduce the pressure on their neck – Lot of pressure on the neck can cause inter cerebral pressure that can increase the risk of glaucoma. You can switch to a harness that will fit their chest or loosen up their collar if its too tight.

Since prevention is always better than cure, ensure that you follow these tips to protect your canine buddy’s eyes.