An unhappy side effect of canine diabetes is the fact that most diabetic dogs will develop cataracts within a year, and become blind. However, some herbalists believe that cataracts in dogs can be prevented or even reversed by using natural remedies for dogs.
Why Does a Diabetic Canine Develop Cataracts?
A cataract forms when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque, which causes blindness in dogs. Normally the lens is transparent. When diabetes in dogs strikes, the levels of glucose in the blood become too high. Sugar levels in the eyeball fluid rise, too. Since the lens gets all its nutrients from the eyeball fluid, the excess sugar finds its way into the lens, too.
The lens then absorbs more moisture from the eyeball fluid in an attempt to dilute the glucose. Unfortunately, the extra moisture causes the characteristic cloudiness seen in the eyes of a dog with cataracts. When the lens becomes opaque, the pet can no longer see.
This process can happen very quickly, even within a few weeks.
How can Natural Remedies for Dogs Help?
Many dog owners wonder if there are any herbs that help prevent or even reverse cataracts in dogs. Many herbalists recommend bilberry for this purpose.
This herb is closely related to the common blueberry everyone is familiar with. The berry has a long history of use for eye problems in humans. During World War II, Royal Air Force pilots even used jam made from these berries to improve their night vision.
Research over the years has shown that people who consume them regularly have a lower incidence of eye problems, including cataracts.
How Does Bilberry Work?
These berries contain anthocyanins, which are very potent antioxidants. It's been shown that free radicals, normally produced by the body, are implicated in the formation of cataracts. The antioxidants in bilberries act to neutralize these free radicals, preventing damage to the eyes.
Studies have shown that this herb can slow down the progression of cataracts. Some herbalists go so far as to say that it can reverse cataracts that have already formed.
Other Natural Sources Of Antioxidants
Vitamins E and C have been recognized as antioxidants that stop damage from free radicals. Try giving a dog 50 IU of vitamin E per 10 pounds of weight once a day. For vitamin C, the dosage is 100 mgs twice a day per 10 pounds. A side effect of high dosages of vitamin C is diarrhea, so it may be necessary to adjust the pet's dosage.
Italian researchers found that treatment with a combination of bilberry and vitamin E was effective for stopping cataract formation in 97 percent of the people it was given to. This safe treatment could be very effective for pets, too.
Consider adding vegetables high in antioxidants to the diabetic canine's diet. Vegetables of this type include carrots, kale, and other green and yellow vegetables.
Cineraria Eyedrops May Prevent Cataracts
Cineraria is another herb known to stop or reverse cataracts in dogs. Your vet can prescribe these eyedrops.
Although cataracts can be removed surgically, the operation is quite expensive, and not everyone can afford it. Some pet owners would prefer to try natural remedies to help their diabetic dogs. These remedies have been proven to be a safe, effective, affordable alternative to cataract surgery.
References
How to Prevent Cataracts in Dogs
How Does Bilberry Help Cataracts?
Darlene Norris - Darlene Norris is a cat-lover who has been owned by many kitties over the years. She was employed as an assistant manager at an animal ...
