Cataracts may affect the eyes and vision of a canine, and there are a few tips for dog cataract prevention. Cataracts affect mostly senior dogs and the condition manifests through the whitening of the pupils. Knowing the causes of cataracts can help you prevent this problem, but cataracts may not always be prevented.
Causes of Dog Cataracts
The dog's pupils are usually black and if they turn white, the dog is affected by cataract. The causes of dog cataract may include:
- Diabetes
- Injuries to the eyeballs
- Excess of free radicals in the body that lead to eye tissue damage
Dogs may also develop cataracts due to old age, and if these are not discovered and managed, they can get worse and cause permanent blindness.
Prevent Diabetes
Diabetes may be an inherited disease, but it can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity. Diabetes may be prevented by making sure your dog gets only limited amounts of carbohydrates in his diet. If your dog gets an increased amount of carbohydrates, he may not be able to assimilate all the glucose and diabetes may occur. Obese dogs are also prone to diabetes, so make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and gets only the amount of calories he needs. While you cannot prevent the occurrence of diabetes in dogs with genetic predisposition, you can always detect the early signs of diabetes and make sure to get insulin treatment. If diabetes is controlled, the chances of cataract occurrence are diminished.
Antioxidants to Fight Free Radicals
Free radicals may be present in the dog's food or environment, and are damaging oxygen molecules that can eventually lead to the formation of cataracts. Free radicals can be fought with a number of antioxidants, which will prevent them from oxidizing the cells. Use helpful antioxidants such as:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
Talk to your vet about a proper dosage of these supplements. Get powders or vitamins in liquid form, whichever your pet tolerates best. Even dogs that already have cataracts can benefit from antioxidants, which will prevent the cataracts from getting worse.
Vegetables and Greens
Adding more vegetables and greens to your dog's diet can diminish the chances of diabetes developing, help the digestion and will also fight the free radicals, as the vegetables contain antioxidants. Carrots, green or yellow peppers, broccoli and other yellow and green veggies are all rich in antioxidants.
Bilberries for Eye Protection
Bilberries are known to protect the dog's eye tissues, as they contain antioxidants. Bilberry may be mixed with vitamin E for an increased effectiveness. Crush the bilberries and add 50 mg of vitamin E.
Vitamin A for Cataract Prevention
Vitamin A protects the eye tissues, as it is a powerful antioxidant. You can get some beta carotene from the pharmacy or simply opt for carrots, which contain beta carotene that can be easily converted into vitamin A.