Symptoms of Cataracts in Dogs

A cataract is a very common condition to affect dogs. This is why pet owners should be very conscious of their dog’s vision when it comes to this disease. To guide you, here are the checklists that can help you determine if your dog has cataracts or not.
The known symptoms of this disease are:

1. Change in eye color

You should know the original color of your pet’s eye. If its color changes from normal to grayish, whitish, or bluish, there are high chances that it is suffering from cataract. The change in color is caused by the protein and water build-up inside the eyes, which is the precursor of cataracts. The change of color also signifies your dog’s weakening vision.
2. Constant bumping into things

Dogs have a strong sense of smell. However, if their eyes get blurry, they can’t help running into things. Dogs can’t differentiate between most colors, but they can see everything clearly if they don’t have eye problems. If they have cataracts, everything they see is reduced to a shadow. In the worst cases, they can’t see anything at all.

3. Reduced jumping and similar activities

If your dog is very fond of jumping but has recently become less active, check its eyes. Try to determine the presence of other symptoms as well. If the lenses are graying, then your dog’s reluctance to jump, come up the stairs, or go down a high platform may be caused by the fact that it can no longer see what’s below or above it. In this case, you will have to guide your dog around.

4. Hesitant to explore new places

Dogs are naturally curious animals. However, if your pet refuses to go anywhere except around its regular abode, then it may have eye problems. This is especially true if the other symptoms above are evident as well. Take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis.

5. Blindness

Dogs with cataract will certainly become blind as time goes by. Blindness in dogs has a reason. If you know your pet’s eyes are not damaged by any object or trauma, then cataracts are the most likely culprit.

6. Redness, pain, and inflammation in and around the eye area

Cataracts affect the lens of the eye. While the most common symptom is the graying or whitening of that part of the eye, some dogs will first experience reddening, inflammation, and swelling in the area. When this particular symptom is observed in your pet, be sure that you provide it with the necessary medical attention as it may also be a symptom of other diseases as well.

7. Too much squinting

Dogs should be able to focus on an object easily. However, dogs with cataracts can’t do that. They need to squint or look at an object long and hard before they can recognize what it is. If you suspect that your dog is suffer from this condition, take time in observing it while playing, eating, or doing anything else. Look for the other signs of cataracts and provide the necessary care for your pet.