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Cataracts in Small Dogs 

Originally written by Adam Conrad
Medically reviewed and updated by Janice Jones, former veterinary technician
Last updated: January 2026

Cataracts are a common cause of vision changes in aging dogs, particularly small breeds. While cataracts themselves are not painful, they can significantly affect vision and quality of life if they progress.

Some dogs adapt remarkably well to vision loss, while others may struggle depending on the severity, underlying cause, and whether additional eye conditions are present.

This article explains what cataracts are, how they differ from normal age-related eye changes, what causes them in small dogs, and which treatment options may be appropriate.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a cloudiness that forms on the lens of the eye, obstructing vision. Think of the lens on a camera and how your pictures look if the lens has a smudge on it; only this smudge isn’t easy to just wipe away.

If the cataract is small, it might not affect your dog’s vision much or at all. Even if it is medium-sized, dogs are able to adapt quickly, so you might not even be aware that he is having difficulty seeing.

As dogs grow old, they go through something called nuclear sclerosis, which is a perfectly natural hardening of the lens of the eye. When they are experiencing nuclear sclerosis, their eyes may develop a blue or grayish tint that can look very similar to a cataract.

Because cataracts and nuclear sclerosis can look similar, a veterinary examination is often needed to determine the cause of lens cloudiness.

What Causes Cataracts in Small Dogs?

There are several things that can cause cataracts, but there are two causes that are particularly prevalent. The one factor that causes cataracts more than any other is genetics.

Genetics

Many cataracts have a hereditary component, meaning certain breeds are genetically predisposed. The exact inheritance pattern varies by breed.

Diabetes is Often the Cause of Cataracts in Small Dogs

Diabetes is the second factor that causes almost as many cataracts as genetics.

Diabetes is a common cause of rapidly developing cataracts in dogs. In diabetic dogs, cataracts may progress more quickly than age-related cataracts.

Trauma

Other factors that can cause cataracts are trauma, such as a cat scratching near the eye. Cataracts in small dogs can also be a symptom of a much larger health or vision issue, such as a degenerative eye condition. This is why it is so vital to diagnose and treat cataracts as quickly as possible.

Trauma-related cataracts are less common and usually affect only one eye.

How are Cataracts in Small Dogs Diagnosed?

Cataracts in small dogs will most likely need to be diagnosed by a veterinarian ophthalmologist because they have specialized equipment and training in diagnosing cataracts and other eye conditions.

If you begin to notice changes in your dog’s eye or behavior, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will run some tests and either rule out the possibility of cataracts if there is something else going on, or they will refer you to the ophthalmologist.

As a dog owner, you should check your dog’s eyes regularly so that you know what they usually look like. You won’t be able to tell if something is different about your dog’s eyes if you don’t know what they look like all the time. Establish a baseline and check your dog’s eyes regularly.

You should also monitor your dog’s behavior, especially if they are doing something out of the ordinary. Some actions you might notice are the result of your dog trying to adapt to the loss of vision.

Think of a human who has blurry vision, touching the wall to guide themselves. Your dog will attempt to do the same thing, in their own way.

Early diagnosis helps determine whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate and whether other eye or systemic conditions are involved.

Related:  Your Dog's Five Senses:  Sense of Sight

How are Cataracts in Small Dogs Treated?

There is no cure for cataracts, but they can be treated, and there are things that you can do to preserve as much of your dog’s vision as possible, especially if the cataracts are a symptom of diabetes or another medical condition.

Some veterinarians may recommend nutritional support as part of overall eye health, depending on the underlying cause.

Surgery is the most common way to treat cataracts because it is the only way to remove the cloudiness once it has obstructed the lens. But it might not be the best option for some dogs.

If the cataract is small enough that your dog can still see around it, the surgery risks will outweigh their benefits. If the cataract is caused by health issues, the dog might not be healthy enough for the surgery, or there may be better treatment options that treat the root cause instead of just the symptom.

If you and your ophthalmologist decide that surgery is not necessary, it will be essential to monitor your dog’s eyes even more closely, because the cataract could cause other health issues, like glaucoma.

In addition to regular eye exams for your pup, you will most likely have to use eye drops to help him, or her see better if you are not getting the surgery. You will also need to give your dog antioxidants to support his overall eye health.

In advanced cases, cataracts can contribute to secondary eye conditions such as inflammation or glaucoma, which require veterinary management.

If you do decide to have surgery to remove the cataract, your dog’s vision will most likely be almost completely restored. However, the replacement lens that is used in the operation is not the same as your dog was born with, so it won’t ever see perfectly again.

Many owners say that their dogs were able to see much better after the surgery, but that there were still some small signs of difficulty seeing certain things. Cataracts in small dogs can not come back once an operation has been performed, but scar tissue from the surgery could impact your dog’s vision over time.

Cataract surgery is an expensive procedure because it requires specialized equipment and training. The small size of the eye makes it a very delicate process.

Coverage for cataract surgery varies by insurance provider and policy. Owners should review their plan details or speak directly with their insurer.

The operation is considered elective because it is not lifesaving, but it does substantially increase your dog’s quality of life.

If you are concerned about the cost, check with your vet’s or ophthalmologist’s office to see if they accept payment or can adjust the price.

Preventing Cataracts in Small Dogs

Not all cataracts can be prevented, especially those with a genetic cause. Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and scheduling regular veterinary eye exams may help reduce the risk of complications.

Conclusion

Cataracts are a common eye condition in small dogs and do not automatically mean a poor quality of life. Many dogs adapt well, especially when the condition is monitored and managed appropriately.

If you notice changes in your dog’s eyes or behavior, a veterinary examination can help determine the cause and guide next steps.

Other Eye Disorders in Dogs:

Eyelid Disorders in Small-Breed Dogs

Cherry Eye in Dogs

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

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