Our eyes provide us with crucial information in almost everything that we do. That’s why it’s important to take the time to have our eyes regularly checked and to take steps to protect our eyesight, such as wearing sunglasses. A dog’s eyes are just as important as a human’s eyes, so they should get the same kind of care.
Unfortunately, even if we do all that we can to protect our dog’s eyes, eye infections and other problems can occur. Sometimes, even eye surgery becomes necessary. Here is what you should know about the cost of such veterinary services this year.
The Importance of Eye Care for Dogs
The Importance of Eye Care for DogsJust because a dog’s eyes look normal does not mean they are performing normally. It is important to make sure your pet’s eyes are checked during all veterinary check-ups to ensure good eye health. If your dog’s eyes do develop a problem it can affect your dog’s overall health and happiness.
Common problems include infections, pink eye, entropion, corneal damage, and cataract development. Making eye care a priority will help minimize the chance that your pooch will ever have to worry about developing eye problems or losing their eyesight when they get older.
How Much Does Dog Eye Infection Treatment and Eye Surgery Cost?
The cost of an eye infection treatment is much less than the cost of cataract eye surgery for dogs. Treating an eye infection can be as easy as giving your pup antibiotic drops that your veterinarian prescribes. If the infection is due to a foreign body lodged in the eye, it must be removed while your dog is under anesthesia. Sometimes, other medications must be prescribed to stimulate tear production or correct anatomical problems. So, as you can see, costs will vary greatly depending on what is needed. Ask your vet to provide a tailored estimate for your pet’s treatment, as this will be the most accurate.
The cost of a bottle of antibiotics for an eye infection can cost as little as $15–$25, but this cost does not include the vet visit fees and other services that may be rendered at the time of checkup. You can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to treat your dog’s eye infection with the help of your vet. If this cost is prohibitive for you, contact your vet to see if they can offer other solutions; they are there to help.
When it comes to cataract eye surgery, the cost is significantly more as it is performed by a specialist. The cost of the surgery itself could be between $2,600 and $3,800, depending on the method needed and whether an intraocular lens will be utilized. Keep in mind that eye surgery costs can vary depending on what part of the country you live in.
It is important to note that cataract eye surgery is elective. However, some lifestyle adjustments may be required due to vision impairments. Your veterinarian can help you determine whether cataract surgery is a good idea for your pooch based on various factors, including your budget, your payment flexibility, and your dog’s overall health.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Whether your dog needs an eye infection treatment or cataract eye surgery, there are additional costs to be aware of, for example, an initial consultation fee and follow-ups. This can cost anywhere from $60 to $200. If special tools are necessary to evaluate your dog’s cataract problem, extra fees will probably come into play.
Ask your veterinarian for a complete list of services that will be associated with the eye infection treatment or cataract surgery that you are planning for your pooch so you can properly budget.
How Often Should I Have My Dog’s Eyes Checked?
You should check your dog’s eyes daily as part of their routine care. Look for redness, puffiness, and cloudiness. Pay attention to whether your pooch is squinting or looks like they have a sore eye. Make sure no discharge is coming out of one or both eyes. You can even perform a vision test by dropping a couple of cotton balls on the floor in front of your dog without touching their whiskers.
If you notice any inconsistencies in your dog’s eye health, it is important to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if you don’t notice any inconsistencies, it’s a good idea to have your vet check your pooch’s eye health during their yearly checkups.
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Does Pet Insurance Cover Eye Infection Treatments and Cataract Surgery?
Whether an insurance policy will cover eye infection treatments or cataract eye surgeries depends on the policy itself. Since cataract surgery is considered elective, many policies won’t cover the procedure. Some will, but require a high premium and a co-pay. The only way to know whether a pet insurance policy will cover either of these services is to thoroughly read the terms and conditions and to request a complete list of covered and uncovered vet services.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Eyes Healthy
Taking steps to keep your dog’s eyes healthy can help you avoid having to face the prospect of spending thousands of dollars on surgery. However, it is important to note that sometimes, cataracts and other eye problems cannot be avoided because they are hereditary. Still, taking the following steps can help your dog avoid eye problems overall:
- Clean your dog’s eyes with a damp cloth a few times a week to keep the gunk away.
- Don’t let your dog ride with their head out the car window; it dries out their eyes and risks damage caused by flying debris.
- Find out if your dog’s breed is susceptible to any hereditary eye problems so you can start monitoring for them early.
- Be diligent in applying medications or lubrication drops as advised by your veterinarian.
You can also find foods to support eye and brain health. You can supplement your dog’s diet with nutrient-packed foods and supplements that will support healthy eyes, too. Foods to consider offering as snacks or as part of your pooch’s diet include:
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Eggs
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potatoes
- Kale
Conclusion
ConclusionYour dog’s eye health is important for a high quality of life. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help keep your pooch’s eye health in tip-top shape. If your dog does end up needing an eye infection treatment or cataract eye surgery, you now have a clearer idea of how much money such services will set you back. This should make it easier to budget for your dog’s care.
Featured Image Credit: Shine Nucha, Shutterstock
The Importance of Eye Care for Dogs
