As pet owners we often don't pay much attention to the health of our dog or cat's eyes until there is discharge present or until we see them vigorously rubbing at them.  Yet the eyes are a very important organ.  Some people even say they are the "windows of the soul".  It is vital that we take good care of the eyes.

Caring for the eyes

Healthy eyes should look clear and moist, with no discharge, redness, swelling or squinting.

Trim the hair around your pet's eyes with blunt scissors if it is long and irritating to the eyes.  Hairs can scratch the cornea.

Wipe the eyes daily with a sterile eye wipe or eye wash, especially if there is discharge or crust present.  Not only does this help to prevent eye infections, it can also feel refreshing to the pet.

Use only mild shampoos when bathing and be careful not get any in your pet's eyes.

There are many eye conditions that can affect our pets including cataracts, conjunctivitis, viral infections, cherry eye, scleritis, uveitis, corneal ulcers and glaucoma. 

There are many nutritional supplements and other natural treatments available to help maintain and improve eye health.

Antioxidants

Certain vitamins and minerals work to reduce oxidation in the body. The process of oxidation releases harmful by-products into the body, which are toxic to the cells and surrounding tissues. The most beneficial antioxidant for the eyes is vitamin A. It is required for the proper functioning of the retina, helps the eyes to adjust to light changes, moistens the eyes, and may help to prevent cataracts and blindness.

Cod Liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin A, as well as having many other health benefits.

Vitamin C and E, and the minerals selenium and zinc can be of benefit. Feeding a natural diet and green vegetables can help provide antioxidants to the body.

Bilberry, a wild relative to the blueberry, is one of the most commonly taken antioxidants for eye health. It has been shown to be extremely beneficial in cases of macular degeneration, corneal ulcers, cataract formation and other eye diseases. Bilberry is available in capsules, and as teas and tinctures.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is another antioxidant beneficial to the eyes. It has been linked to the improvement of cataracts. ALA helps vitamin C and E work better, fights free radicals, and helps protect the lens and retina of the eyes from degeneration and glaucoma. Food sources include fresh raw red meat, spinach, broccoli, brewer's yeast, kidney and heart.

Eyebright is a wonderful antioxidant herb, which has been used for centuries to treat eye irritation, and was given its name due to its valuable properties as an eye medicine. It is known to strengthen the eye and improve circulation. It is rich in vitamins A and C, and is beneficial for the reduction of inflammation making it ideal for cases of conjunctivitis. It can be used externally as a soothing eye wash or given orally in its homeopathic form, Euphrasia officinalis.

Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid linked to eye health and can be found in red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables so offer your dogs and cats well pureed or steamed carrots, pumpkin, squash and capsicum as part of their regular diet.

Chinese medicine practitioners consider the liver when presented with eye problems so make sure liver support is part of your pet's eye treatment regime.

Eye Washes

Goldenseal is a traditional eye wash. Place a few drops of herbal goldenseal tincture into a little fresh water and use to bath the eye as needed. You can also use cooled goldenseal tea to wash the eyes. For chronic eye discharges alternate goldenseal with an infusion of eyebright and sea salt.

Neem leaf tea is specifically recommended for conjunctivitis and eye infections. It is gentle making it ideal as a cooled eye wash.

Homeopathy

Besides homeopathic Euphrasia (eyebright) for eye health, the following remedies can be of benefit:

Aconite - for when foreign matter gets into the eye and causes irritation, there may be eye pain, watering and sensitivity to light

Apis - for when the areas around the eyes are puffy and tender as a result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or associated with conjunctivitis

Argentum nit - swelling with pus like discharge, and redness and inflammation; the eyes seems better when cold compresses are applied or when washed with cool water

Arnica - when the eye or the area around it has had a direct injury, also seek vet attention

Hepar sulph - brown or yellow discharge that has a foul smell; sticks the eyelids closed, especially in the mornings; the eyes seem better when warm compresses are applied or when washed with warm water

Pulsatilla - conjunctivitis with thick, yellow, itchy discharge

A general rule to dosing: give one dose (3-7 drops or pilules) and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If there is no improvement or the noted improvement has clearly stopped, another dose may be given. The frequency of dosing varies with the condition and the animal.

Please note that the above recommendations are a guide only and are not a substitute for veterinary care. Before giving your animals any of the recommended supplements or remedies please seek advice from a qualified natural animal therapist or practitioner.

by Eileen McLean Pet Industry News Winter 2008 http://naturalanimalcare.com/

Reference:

Hamilton , D., Homeopathic Care for Cats & Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals, North Atlantic Books: USA Messonnier, S. 2001, The Natural Vet Series: Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, The Three Rivers Press: New York

Puotinen, CJ., 1999, Natural Remedies for Dogs & Cats, McGraw-Hill Professional Publishers: USA

Puotinen, CJ., 2000, The Encyclopaedia of Natural Pet Care, McGraw-Hill Professional Publishers: USA

Sorensen, O., 2008, 17 Nutrients Medical Research has shown to support your vision and the health of your eyes,Rebuild Your Vision: Woodinville, USA

Smith, B., 2007, Dog Eye Care, Healthier Dogs online source: http://healthierdogs.com/dog_care/dog-eye-care

This article was published on Monday 15 September, 2008