Naturally Healthy Dogs
Supplements for K9 Eye Health

June, 2012

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In this issue:

• Dog Eye Problems
• Natural Supplements for Canine Eye Health
• Product Pick - Eye Easy Herbal Eye Drop
• Recipe - B-Good Muffin

Although dogs have a much better sense of hearing and smell, they do rely on their vision heavily. It is therefore important that we take good care of our dogs' eyes.

Check your dog's eyes regularly for any signs of problems. Healthy dog eyes should have a clear "coating" over them. The pupils should be of equal size. They should constrict with light, and dilate when the light is removed.

The sclera (the white of the eye) should be pinkish white. If it is all white, it signals anemia. Yellow means serious liver problem (jaundice), red means possible fever, overexertion or poisoning. If it is murky and oddly colored, it shows infection.

If your dog's eye appears cloudy but he is not in pain, it may indicate cataracts. Cloudiness accompanied by pain indicates glaucoma, inflammation of the cornea (keratitis or cloudy eye), or inflammation of the iris (uveitis).

Inner eye problems can alter your dog's eye pressure, causing the eye to change its hardness. A hard eye with a dilated pupil is typical of glaucoma, whereas a soft eye with a small pupil may indicate that your dog has uveitis.

It is normal to have eye discharge which should be clear and thin and not excessive. An excessive clear discharge means there is a problem with the eye's tearing mechanism. A thick yellow or greenish discharge may indicate an infection or foreign object in the eye. A white, opaque discharge can also mean infection or a reaction to a blow. Blood in the eye is an emergency - immediate veterinary care is necessary.

Want to learn more about different eye problems? Visit these pages:

• Dog Eye Problems
• Dog Eye Discharge

As always, prevention is better than cure. Here are some natural supplements that are useful for preventing eye problems in dogs:

Vitamins

• Vitamin A: Used by the body to maintain and rebuild tissues, especially in the eyes, sinuses, and throat. Found in fish, fish oils, carrots, eggs, alfalfa, spinach, and other brightly colored veggies.
• B Vitamins: Essential to eyesight, especially B1, B2, and B12. Deficiencies may lead to eye movement disorders, uveitis, vision loss. Found in many foods, such as alfalfa, bananas, dairy products, eggs, fish, liver, spirulina (blue-green algae), etc.
• Vitamin C: Can strengthen capillary walls and helps fight eye infections. May prevent or delay onset of cataracts. Found in, among others, parsley, peas, berries, and broccoli.

Herbs

• Bilberry: Helps with the eye's ability to focus (aids with night vision).
• Eyebright: A common "eye" herb, it is anti-inflammatory and is frequently used in eye wash and herbal eye medicine. Some holistic vets also use this herb on dogs to prevent cataracts.
• Blueberry: Helps to keep pressures normal in the eyes.
• Gotu kola: Heals and strenthens the brain, including the optical centers and receivers.

Minerals

• Magnesium: Essential for nerve functions which control, among other things, eye focusing. Found in apples, bananas, and green leafy veggies.
• Zinc: Essential to eyesight. Supports B vitamins. Found in seeds, lentils, and green veggies.
• Selenium: Essential to eyesight. Maintains tissue elasticity. Found in pumpkin seeds, whole grains, yeast, and kale.

Amino Acids

• Lysine and Tryptophan: Help prevent cataract formation. Found in meats, healthy oils (fish and flaxseed), and dairy products.

This herbal eye drop contains the herbs eyebright, chamomile, golden seal, and rosemary, and is effective in soothing irritations such as itchiness and pain, as well as reducing discharge and swelling of the eye. Effective for eye infections. A must-have for your dog's first aid kit!

This muffin is rich in B vitamins which are essential for eye health.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups organic whole grain flour (e.g. oat, barley)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup liver broth
• 1/4 cup pureed chicken or beef liver
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Whirl all other ingredients in a food processor or blender.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry, and mix thoroughly.
5. Spoon into lightly greased mini muffin tins and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and turn out onto baking rack to cool completely.
7. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
8. Keep a few in the refrigerator and freeze the rest.