Expert-Verified: An Overlooked Natural Remedy for Dog Glaucoma

Your dog’s vision plays a vital role in their overall health and quality of life, but it can be threatened by a serious condition: glaucoma. While many pet owners believe conventional medication is the only way to manage this disease, an often-overlooked natural remedy can provide effective support and relief.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything essential about glaucoma in dogs—its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and an often-overlooked natural remedy that can support your dog’s eye health and comfort.

What Exactly is Glaucoma in Dogs?

Glaucoma in dogs is a painful eye condition caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting from inadequate fluid drainage. The pressure buildup can damage the optic nerve and other internal eye structures, leading to significant discomfort and inflammation.

Untreated glaucoma in dogs can quickly progress, causing permanent damage to the eyes and leading to blindness. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment are critical for protecting your dog’s vision and overall well-being.

Understanding How Canine Glaucoma Affects Your Dog’s Eyes

In dogs, blocked eye drainage causes pressure buildup that can lead to eye pain, vision loss, and even permanent blindness without early treatment.

A dog’s normal IOP ranges from about 10 to 25 mmHg. As mentioned, glaucoma develops when this pressure increases, not because of excess fluid production, but due to poor drainage within the eye.

Glaucoma vs. Cataracts in Dogs: What’s the Difference?

Glaucoma and cataracts in dogs are both serious eye conditions, but they differ significantly in their causes and how they affect vision.

Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure within the eye, often leading to pain and potential blindness if left untreated. Cataracts, by contrast, involve clouding of the crystalline lens, which impairs vision but is often treatable through surgery.

Both conditions cause clouding of the eye, but if you look closely, you’ll notice a key difference: in glaucoma, the cornea becomes cloudy with a bluish or hazy appearance, whereas in cataracts, the lens appears white or opaque.

Early detection is key. Glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, while cataracts usually progress more gradually. Recognizing the difference can help pet owners act quickly to protect their dogs’ vision and overall eye health.

Natural At-Home Solution for Dog Glaucoma You Might Be Missing

One natural at-home remedy for managing dog glaucoma that’s often overlooked is stress reduction. Chronic stress can contribute to oxidative damage in the body, including the eyes, which may worsen glaucoma symptoms. 

By creating a calm, stable environment for your dog, you support overall eye health and complement veterinary glaucoma treatments.

Here’s another natural solution for canine glaucoma you should know about

When it comes to often-overlooked natural remedies for dog glaucoma, Zumalka’s EYE PRESSURE SUPPORT stands out. This gentle homeopathic formula is designed to support overall eye comfort and maintain normal ocular function.

This premium natural product is carefully formulated to support dogs suffering from glaucoma and elevated eye pressure. It provides a gentle yet effective solution to promote long-term ocular health and comfort.

The Two Forms of Glaucoma That Affect Dogs

Many pet owners don’t realize that there are actually two types of glaucoma in dogs: primary and secondary. In this section, we’ll break down each type to help you understand how they differ and what that means for your dog’s eye health.

Primary glaucoma in dogs

Primary glaucoma in dogs is an inherited condition caused by genetic abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system. This malfunction prevents proper fluid outflow, leading to increased intraocular pressure and potential vision loss. Certain breeds are more prone to primary glaucoma, making early screening and proactive care essential for at-risk dogs.

Here are the breeds most commonly reported to be at high risk:

• Cocker Spaniels (both American and English)
• Basset Hounds
• Beagles
• Chow Chows
• Shar Peis
• Shih Tzus
• Siberian Huskies
• Samoyeds
• Poodles (especially Miniature and Toy)
• Dachshunds
• Norwegian Elkhounds
• Boston Terriers
• Jack Russell Terriers
• Great Danes

Primary glaucoma in dogs includes two subtypes: open-angle and narrow-angle or closed-angle.

• In open-angle glaucoma, the eye’s drainage angle looks normal, but fluid is obstructed deeper within the uveal or corneoscleral meshwork. This hidden blockage causes a gradual buildup of pressure inside the eye, often leading to slow, progressive vision loss.
• Narrow-angle or closed-angle glaucoma, also known as goniodysgenesis, involves a developmental abnormality where malformed pectinate ligaments obstruct the drainage angle. This form can cause sudden, acute attacks and often requires immediate veterinary attention.

Secondary glaucoma in dogs

Secondary glaucoma in dogs occurs as a result of another eye disease or injury that disrupts normal fluid drainage. Common causes include lens luxation, uveitis (inflammation), intraocular tumors, bleeding within the eye, advanced cataracts, severe infections, eye cancer, and trauma. 

Because it stems from an underlying issue, treating the root cause is essential to managing intraocular pressure and protecting your dog’s vision.

Warning Signs of Dog Glaucoma Every Pet Owner Should Know

The early signs of glaucoma in dogs can be easy to miss and often affect just one eye at first. Below are key glaucoma symptoms dog owners should watch for to catch the condition early and protect their pet’s vision.

• Excessive tearing or watery discharge
  
• Squinting, rubbing the eye, or avoiding head contact (signs of eye pain)
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Dilated pupil or uneven pupil size, with little to no response to light
• Loss of appetite and low energy, which may signal discomfort
• Swollen or bulging eyeball (buphthalmos)
• Cloudy or bluish appearance of the eye’s surface (corneal haze)
• Bumping into objects or hesitation in unfamiliar spaces (vision loss)

If you notice any of these symptoms of glaucoma in your dog, seek immediate veterinary care to prevent permanent vision loss. You may also consider consulting a pet homeopathy specialist for natural support alongside conventional treatment.

How Do Vets Diagnose Glaucoma in Dogs?

Diagnosing glaucoma in dogs involves measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) using a specialized device called a tonometer. 

Veterinarians may use different types of tonometers, including Schiotz, rebound, applanation, or air puff models, depending on the clinic's tools and the dog's comfort. Accurate IOP measurement is essential for confirming glaucoma and guiding timely treatment to protect your dog’s vision.

Gonioscopy is a specialized eye exam used to assess the iridocorneal angle, which is critical for evaluating a dog’s risk of developing primary glaucoma. This test helps detect structural abnormalities that could impair fluid drainage and lead to elevated eye pressure. 

Combined with a thorough medical history and a complete ophthalmic examination, gonioscopy gives veterinarians the insight needed for early detection and effective glaucoma management.

A difference in IOP of more than 10 mmHg between a dog’s eyes can be an early indicator of glaucoma. Monitoring this pressure imbalance helps veterinarians detect the condition before more obvious symptoms appear.

How is Glaucoma in Dogs Conventionally Treated?

The main goals of treating glaucoma in dogs are to lower intraocular pressure, relieve pain, and preserve vision whenever possible. Medical management typically includes eye drops or oral medications that reduce fluid production, improve drainage, and help protect remaining vision.

Topical medications

• Miotics – Help increase fluid drainage from the eye
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors – Reduce the production of intraocular fluid
• Beta-blockers – Lower fluid production and eye pressure
• Osmotic diuretics – Used in acute cases to rapidly reduce IOP

Emergency treatments

• Prostaglandin analogues – Quickly boost fluid outflow to lower pressure fast

Surgical interventions

When medications are not enough to control glaucoma, surgical options may be recommended to preserve vision and manage eye pressure. Procedures may include surgeries to improve fluid drainage, such as gonioimplants or drainage tubes, or to reduce fluid production through laser cyclophotocoagulation or cryotherapy.
  
In cases where the eye is irreversibly blind and causing significant pain, enucleation (surgical eye removal) may be the most humane option to relieve discomfort and improve quality of life. 

For dogs with primary glaucoma, evisceration offers a cosmetic alternative that preserves the appearance of the eye while eliminating internal pain and pressure. In veterinary ophthalmology, evisceration refers to the removal of the internal contents of the eye, including the uvea, lens, and retina.

For secondary glaucoma, addressing the underlying condition, such as inflammation, trauma, or cataracts, is essential for effective long-term control. In contrast, primary glaucoma is a genetic condition that usually requires consistent, lifelong treatment to manage eye pressure and preserve your dog’s comfort and vision.

What’s the Outlook and Long-Term Care for Dogs with Glaucoma?

Glaucoma in dogs is often progressive, and vision loss can be permanent if not detected and treated early. While the long-term outlook for primary glaucoma typically involves ongoing management, the prognosis for secondary glaucoma can improve significantly with the successful treatment of the underlying cause.

Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor intraocular pressure and adjust treatment as needed to manage glaucoma effectively. In cases of primary glaucoma, prophylactic treatment of the unaffected eye is often recommended to delay or prevent disease onset in the second eye.

Is It Possible to Prevent Glaucoma in Dogs?

While hereditary glaucoma in dogs cannot be fully prevented, early screening and responsible breeding practices are essential for reducing the risk, especially in high-risk breeds.

Early detection of glaucoma in dogs—especially in high-risk breeds—through routine eye exams can lead to more effective management and improved long-term outcomes. You can also get in touch with a pet homeopathy expert if you notice possible signs of glaucoma in your pet.

Breeds at higher risk for hereditary glaucoma in dogs should undergo regular eye exams, including gonioscopy, to detect abnormalities before symptoms arise. By prioritizing genetic eye health in breeding programs, we can help protect future generations from this painful and potentially blinding condition.

Preventing secondary glaucoma in dogs starts with protecting their eyes from injury and treating underlying conditions like inflammation, cataracts, or infections without delay. Early intervention helps maintain healthy intraocular pressure and lowers the risk of permanent vision loss.

Regular veterinary check-ups that include thorough eye examinations and intraocular pressure measurement are essential for early glaucoma detection in dogs. This is especially important for older dogs and breeds predisposed to eye conditions, where early intervention can help preserve vision and prevent complications.

What’s the Cost of Treating Canine Glaucoma?

Managing glaucoma in dogs can become costly over time, with expenses including ongoing medications, regular veterinary checkups, specialist consultations, and possible surgical procedures. Understanding these potential costs early on can help pet owners plan and make informed decisions about their dog’s long-term eye care.

Pet owners are encouraged to discuss treatment costs and available options openly with their veterinarian to find a care plan that fits both their dog’s needs and their budget. Pet insurance can also be a valuable resource, helping offset the expenses of glaucoma management, including medications, diagnostics, and surgery.

A Final Word

Glaucoma in dogs can cause significant pain and permanent vision loss if left untreated, making it a medical emergency, not just an eye issue. Recognizing early signs and seeking prompt veterinary attention is essential to safeguarding your dog’s eyesight and overall well-being.

Although glaucoma is a challenging condition, early detection and consistent management can help your dog maintain vision and comfort for as long as possible. Alongside veterinary care, natural products like Zumalka’s EYE PRESSURE SUPPORT can be a gentle, effective addition to your dog’s long-term eye health routine.

FAQs

Can glaucoma in dogs be cured?

Glaucoma in dogs cannot be fully cured, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, including medication, surgery, and natural support, it can be managed effectively to reduce pain, control eye pressure, and slow vision loss.

Can dogs live comfortably with glaucoma?

Yes, dogs can live comfortably with glaucoma when the condition is managed early and effectively. Ongoing treatment, regular veterinary care, and natural support from a qualified pet homeopath can help preserve their comfort, vision, and overall quality of life.

How can I tell if my dog is getting glaucoma?

Watch for signs like eye redness, cloudiness, excessive tearing, squinting, or changes in pupil size. Vision issues or eye discomfort may also appear. Regular vet checkups and consultations with a pet homeopathy expert are key for early glaucoma detection in dogs.

Which dog breeds get glaucoma?

Glaucoma commonly affects Siberian Huskies, Beagles, Chow Chows, Basset Hounds, and Cocker Spaniels. These dogs are genetically predisposed, so routine eye exams are essential for early detection and management.

At what age do dogs get glaucoma?

Dogs can develop glaucoma at any age, but it most often appears in middle-aged to older dogs. Breeds with a genetic predisposition may show signs earlier, making regular eye exams especially important.

Can canine glaucoma repair itself?

Canine glaucoma cannot repair itself and requires prompt veterinary treatment to manage. Appropriate natural support from a pet homeopathy specialist can also be beneficial. Without intervention, eye pressure continues to rise, causing pain and potential blindness. Early diagnosis is key to preserving vision and comfort.

How to check a dog's eye pressure?

A veterinarian checks a dog’s eye pressure using a tool called a tonometer. This quick, painless test measures intraocular pressure and is essential for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma in dogs.

How do they remove a dog's eye due to glaucoma?

When glaucoma causes irreversible damage, a veterinarian may perform enucleation, surgically removing the affected eye. This procedure relieves pain, prevents complications, and helps improve the dog’s overall comfort and quality of life.

How to tell if your dog has cataracts or glaucoma?

To tell if your dog has cataracts or glaucoma, watch for cloudiness, redness, vision loss, or eye discomfort. 

Cataracts typically cause a painless, white or opaque appearance in the eye, accompanied by gradual vision loss. In contrast, glaucoma often develops suddenly, giving the eye a bluish appearance, leading to redness, pain, bulging, or excessive tearing. Because glaucoma can progress rapidly and be painful, any changes in your dog's eyes should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.

A veterinary exam with pressure testing is needed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Should I remove my dog's blind eye?

If your dog’s blind eye is painful or affected by glaucoma, removal (enucleation) may be recommended. This surgery can relieve discomfort, prevent complications, and significantly improve your dog’s quality of life.

What is end-stage glaucoma in dogs?

End-stage glaucoma in dogs refers to the final, irreversible phase of the disease, where vision is completely lost and the eye may be enlarged or painful. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and improving comfort.

About the author

Dr. Iuliana Mihai, DVM, MSc, PhD

Iuliana Mihai, DVM, MSc, PhD, is a Bucharest-based veterinary expert specializing in internal medicine and oncology.

Her work has been published in reputable publications such as Veterinary Medicine Journal, Catster.com, Dogster.com, Hepper.com, Meowiz.com, Springnaturals.com, Petkeen.com, and Wilderharrier.com.

She is a malpractice and negligence veterinary consultant and a graduate of The University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine and The Romanian Academy.

Read the complete profile of Dr. Iuliana Mihai, DVM, MSc, PhD (Veterinarian) here.