Eye Health In Dogs

Feb 24

Caring for your dog’s eyes might not seem like a top priority—until something goes wrong. And when it does, eye issues can escalate quickly and become painful, expensive, and in some cases, irreversible.

Whether it’s a little extra eye goop, tear stains, or something more serious like glaucoma or cataracts—your dog’s eyes are worth protecting. This post will walk you through how to recognize problems early and explore natural options to support your dog’s vision and comfort—especially as they age.

Why Eye Health Matters for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs are vulnerable to a wide range of eye problems—from everyday irritants like pollen and dust, to more serious chronic issues like dry eye, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Regular eye care isn’t just about wiping away gunk—it’s a crucial part of whole-body wellness, especially as your dog ages.

The eyes are one of the most sensitive detox and inflammatory zones in the body
They reflect oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic inflammation
Eye changes are often one of the first signs of aging or systemic imbalance

Breeds More Prone to Eye Problems

Some breeds need extra eye care support due to their anatomy, genetics, or skin folds:

Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pugs – Prone to tear staining, dry eye, and lid disorders
Golden Retrievers – Increased risk for cataracts and pigmentary uveitis
Cocker Spaniels – At higher risk for glaucoma and cherry eye
Poodles and Bichons – Common tear staining and lens changes in seniors

No matter the breed, it pays to observe and support the eyes long before symptoms show up.

Common Dog Eye Conditions to Watch

Being proactive means knowing what’s normal—and what’s not.

Mild to Moderate Concerns:

Goop or Crust – A small amount of clear crust may be normal, especially after sleep
Watery Eyes – Can signal allergies, irritants, or blocked tear ducts
Reddish Tear Stains – Often cosmetic, but can point to chronic inflammation
White or Gray Mucus – May signal dry eye (KCS), especially in senior dogs

More Serious Conditions:

Yellow or Green Discharge – Often indicates bacterial or fungal infection
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – Redness, swelling, squinting, and discharge
Corneal Ulcers – Look for cloudiness, pawing at the eye, or keeping it closed
Cataracts – A cloudy lens, bumping into furniture, or hesitating on stairs
Glaucoma – Enlarged red eyes, dilated pupils, cloudy corneas, or behavior changes

Any injury, swelling, blood, sudden change in eye color, or behavior changes around vision should be treated as an emergency—don’t wait.

Eye Care Routine for Dogs

Supporting healthy eyes starts with simple, natural steps:

Gently Clean the Eyes – Use a vet-approved eye wash or sterile wipe to remove dust or discharge
Offer Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Fresh spinach, carrots, blueberries, and sardines are rich in antioxidants and eye-friendly nutrients
Avoid Synthetic Fragrance Around the Face – Candles, air fresheners, and household cleaners can irritate sensitive eyes
Provide Good Lighting for Seniors – Well-lit paths and food stations help dogs with declining vision navigate more safely
Keep an Eye on Their Eyes – Daily observation helps you spot subtle changes early

Safe Eye Care Products and Natural Remedies

Gentle Cleaners:

Ark Naturals Eyes So Bright Cleanser
Nutri-Vet Dog Eye Rinse (boric acid based)
Miracle Care Eye Wash Pads
Cooled green tea bags — use 2–3x/day to reduce inflammation and irritation

Caution with Home Remedies:

Colloidal Silver – Though popular, it can cause irritation or discoloration if used incorrectly around the eyes. Consult your vet before using it topically.
Castor Oil – Often recommended online, but may blur vision and cause discomfort or increase risk of infection if contaminated. Best avoided unless advised by a vet.

Supplements That Support Eye Health

Nutritional support plays a big role in long-term eye wellness, especially for seniors:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil; supports retinal health and reduces inflammation
Antioxidants – Vitamins C, E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene are helpful
Herbal & Holistic Support
- Herbsmith Spector – Eye and Vision Support
- NHV Oculove
- EY-Eas blend
- Young Living Illumineyes

You can find many of these in my Affiliate Shop for Dog Wellness Products.

Special Considerations for Senior Dogs

Aging eyes need more support—not less. Many of the eye conditions we see in older dogs can be slowed or eased with:

A fresh, anti-inflammatory diet
Consistent eye cleaning and observation
Regular veterinary check-ups and diagnostics
Antioxidant and omega-rich supplements
Adequate lighting and safe walking spaces
Acupressure and energetic techniques like Raindrop to support detox pathways and circulation

Don’t assume vision decline is just “part of getting older”—address it early and holistically.

Top 5 Things to Do for Your Dog’s Eye Health

Gently clean your dog’s eyes daily with a pet-safe solution
Include antioxidant-rich whole foods like blueberries, carrots, and leafy greens
Supplement with omega-3s and eye-specific blends (available in my product shop)
Be observant—note changes in discharge, behavior, squinting, or cloudiness
Seek veterinary help at the first sign of irritation, swelling, or injury

Want to go deeper with support for your dog through all life stages?
Reach out or Join me on Facebook, or join my members community.

Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own additional research, consult your vet as needed.

Visit My Affiliate Links for curated quality products mentioned above!
https://welloiledk9.com/products

Keywords: dog eye health, canine vision support, natural eye care for dogs, senior dog eye support, dog eye infection, tear stains in dogs, holistic dog wellness, antioxidants for dog eyes, North Myrtle Beach dog care

Dana Brigman