As pet owners, we do everything we can to keep our family pets happy and healthy. From choosing the best food to regular vet visits, their well-being is always a top priority, but when was the last time you thought about your pet’s eye health? Vision plays a vital role in your pet’s daily life, and regular eye exams are key to keeping their eyes sharp and clear. Here are three compelling reasons why scheduling routine eye check-ups are essential for your pet’s overall health and well-being.
1. Identifying Common Eye Conditions Early
Just like humans, pets can experience a variety of eye issues that may affect their vision and quality of life. Some of the most common include:
- Clouding of the lens is a problem often seen in pets. This can be the result of aging or more serious eye problems.
- Sometimes, a pet’s eyes may not produce enough tears, leading to irritation and discomfort.
- Many serious eye issues often go undetected because there are no visible signs that can be noticed without an eye exam.
Routine eye exams help detect problems early, allowing for better management and support to maintain your pet’s vision. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your pet’s comfort and long-term eye health.
2. How Often Should Your Pet Have an Eye Exam?
You may be wondering how frequently your pet needs an eye check-up. While general wellness exams with your veterinarian include a basic eye assessment, a more thorough eye exam by Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist is recommended, especially if you pet is a breed that is prone to ocular conditions.
Recommendations for Ocular Visits:
- Annually for pets, especially as they age.
- Every 6 months for breeds prone to eye issues (such as the Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, and many small breed dogs such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu) or pets who have shown signs of vision changes.
- Immediately if you notice any changes in their eyes or behavior that could indicate a vision issue.
Regular eye exams not only help detect issues early, but also ensure your pet maintains optimal vision for years to come.
3. The Role of Supplementation in Eye Health
A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins plays a crucial role in maintaining your pet’s vision. Antioxidants, in particular, help protect eye cells from oxidative stress and support long-term eye health.
Because dogs and cats typically lack diets consisting of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, providing them with proper supplementation is crucial for their overall well-being. Ancestral dogs obtained their antioxidants from hunting and eating animals that consumed plant-based diets rich in antioxidants. Wild cats obtain antioxidants from their prey and the predigested plant matter in their prey’s stomachs. Therefore, dogs and cats would indirectly ingest these nutrients found in fruits and vegetables.
Key antioxidants and vitamins that support eye health include:
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Grape Seed Extract: Grape seed extract is rich in antioxidants and proanthocyanidins that support the normal inflammatory response and are powerful free radical scavengers.
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Lutein: Lutein is a carotenoid antioxidant necessary for protection against free radical damage in the cornea, lens, and retina, providing a natural “sunscreen” for the eyes and skin.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids contain essential fatty acids EPA and DHA that cannot be made by the body and supports retinal health.
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Vitamins C: Vitamin C is known to support the fragile capillaries in the retina, helps to protect against damage from UV light and supports lens health.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in different forms. The form, D-alpha-tocopherol, has been selected as studies show this form to be more beneficial to the body. This antioxidant supports vision, reproduction, blood, brain, and skin health!
One of the best ways to ensure your pet’s long-term ocular health is through high-quality supplements like Ocu-GLO®. Backed by science & research, Ocu-GLO® is the first and only patented blend formulated by veterinary ophthalmologists to meet the unique ocular needs of dogs and cats. According to a recent study, Ocu-GLO® was named the #1 vision supplement by veterinary ophthalmologists around the world for its vision supporting benefits. Ocu-GLO® is a powerful blend of antioxidants designed to support and maintain healthy eyes in pets. The GLO® proprietary blend includes grape seed extract, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids that work synergistically to support ocular health. Adding a trusted supplement to your pet’s daily routine can make a significant difference in supporting their ocular health and vision development.
