Xalatan (latanoprost) 0.005% ophthalmic solution
Xalatan (latanoprost) is widely regarded as a first-line topical prostaglandin analogue for acute intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in dogs because of its rapid onset and strong IOP-reducing effect; its long history and availability as a generic translate into lower cost per dose compared with some newer branded alternatives. Compared with travoprost and bimatoprost, latanoprost often produces faster pressure drops, while it lacks the preservative-free delivery advantage of tafluprost (Zioptan) and the tolerability profile of lower-potency agents like unoprostone (Rescula).
Rapid IOP drop (zippy)
Proven track record (veteran)
Rapid IOP drop (zippy)
Proven track record (veteran)
Review Summary
"Veterinarians and dog owners report rapid, reliable intraocular pressure reduction with latanoprost in dogs, though many note transient ocular irritation, miosis and gradual periocular/pigment changes with long‑term use."
Easy once-daily (one-and-done)
Latanoprost 0.005% provides reliable once‑daily IOP reduction and is widely used off‑label in dogs.
Easy once-daily (one-and-done)
Latanoprost 0.005% provides reliable once‑daily IOP reduction and is widely used off‑label in dogs.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Xalatan (latanoprost) is widely regarded as a first-line topical prostaglandin analogue for acute intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in dogs because of its rapid onset and strong IOP-reducing effect; its long history and availability as a generic translate into lower cost per dose compared with some newer branded alternatives. Compared with travoprost and bimatoprost, latanoprost often produces faster pressure drops, while it lacks the preservative-free delivery advantage of tafluprost (Zioptan) and the tolerability profile of lower-potency agents like unoprostone (Rescula).
Rapid IOP drop (zippy)
Proven track record (veteran)
Easy once-daily (one-and-done)
Latanoprost 0.005% provides reliable once‑daily IOP reduction and is widely used off‑label in dogs.
Available as brand (Xalatan) and cheaper generics, increasing accessibility for long‑term treatment.
Rapid IOP drop (zippy)
Proven track record (veteran)
Easy once-daily (one-and-done)
Latanoprost 0.005% provides reliable once‑daily IOP reduction and is widely used off‑label in dogs.
Available as brand (Xalatan) and cheaper generics, increasing accessibility for long‑term treatment.
$60-120 USD
Fluorescein Sodium Ophthalmic Strips USP
VetFluor is positioned as the market-leading fluorescein strip for veterinary use in dogs because it delivers a consistent, standardized 1 mg dye load per strip with sterile, single-use packaging that minimizes contamination risk and waste. Compared with the other diagnostics in this list, VetFluor offers the quickest and most cost-effective screening for corneal epithelial defects and foreign bodies, making it an economical frontline test that pairs well with Schirmer and Rose Bengal testing for comprehensive ocular assessment.
Highlights corneas
Instant fluorescent glow
Highlights corneas
Instant fluorescent glow
Review Summary
"Users (veterinarians and techs) consistently praise fluorescein strips as simple, reliable, and highly effective for detecting corneal defects and tear-film problems; complaints are rare and usually limited to packaging or individual strip drying."
Single-use convenience
Single-use sterile strips for rapid corneal ulcer and abrasion detection
Single-use convenience
Single-use sterile strips for rapid corneal ulcer and abrasion detection
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
VetFluor is positioned as the market-leading fluorescein strip for veterinary use in dogs because it delivers a consistent, standardized 1 mg dye load per strip with sterile, single-use packaging that minimizes contamination risk and waste. Compared with the other diagnostics in this list, VetFluor offers the quickest and most cost-effective screening for corneal epithelial defects and foreign bodies, making it an economical frontline test that pairs well with Schirmer and Rose Bengal testing for comprehensive ocular assessment.
Highlights corneas
Instant fluorescent glow
Single-use convenience
Single-use sterile strips for rapid corneal ulcer and abrasion detection
Bright green fluorescence under cobalt-blue light enables easy visualization
Highlights corneas
Instant fluorescent glow
Single-use convenience
Single-use sterile strips for rapid corneal ulcer and abrasion detection
Bright green fluorescence under cobalt-blue light enables easy visualization
$10-30 USD
Optixcare Eye Lube Plus
Optixcare Eye Lube Plus is positioned as a veterinary-specific lubricant designed for canine ocular comfort and protection, offering a thicker, ointment-like gel that creates durable surface coating suitable for frequent use in dogs. Compared with the other products on this list, Optixcare's veterinary-focused formulation and tube packaging make it a cost-effective option for long-term management, trading some immediate visual clarity for extended surface retention that many clinicians prefer for maintenance therapy.
Long-lasting moisture
Vet-formulated shield
Long-lasting moisture
Vet-formulated shield
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise Optixcare Eye Lube Plus for its long-lasting, veterinary-grade lubrication that soothes severe dry eye and corneal issues; a minority mention the price and bulky dispenser as downsides."
Overnight snooze-proof
Veterinary-grade lubricant ointment providing long-lasting ocular protection for exposure and lubrication.
Overnight snooze-proof
Veterinary-grade lubricant ointment providing long-lasting ocular protection for exposure and lubrication.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Optixcare Eye Lube Plus is positioned as a veterinary-specific lubricant designed for canine ocular comfort and protection, offering a thicker, ointment-like gel that creates durable surface coating suitable for frequent use in dogs. Compared with the other products on this list, Optixcare's veterinary-focused formulation and tube packaging make it a cost-effective option for long-term management, trading some immediate visual clarity for extended surface retention that many clinicians prefer for maintenance therapy.
Long-lasting moisture
Vet-formulated shield
Overnight snooze-proof
Veterinary-grade lubricant ointment providing long-lasting ocular protection for exposure and lubrication.
Preservative-free and sterile formulation appropriate for dogs, applied as an ointment for extended contact time.
Long-lasting moisture
Vet-formulated shield
Overnight snooze-proof
Veterinary-grade lubricant ointment providing long-lasting ocular protection for exposure and lubrication.
Preservative-free and sterile formulation appropriate for dogs, applied as an ointment for extended contact time.
$20-40 USD
Atropine Sulfate 1% Ophthalmic Solution
Isopto Atropine is the market leader for long‑acting mydriasis and cycloplegia in therapeutic canine cases such as uveitis or severe anterior segment pain, providing prolonged pupil dilation and sustained cycloplegia that reduces ciliary spasm. Although it requires more extended follow‑up and carries higher risk of systemic and ocular side effects than tropicamide or cyclopentolate, its therapeutic value in controlling inflammation often outweighs those costs in chronic cases, positioning it as a clinical and economic choice when longer duration is required.
Long-lasting dilation
Uveitis comfort
Long-lasting dilation
Uveitis comfort
Review Summary
"Atropine Sulfate 1% is widely praised for long-lasting cycloplegia and control of uveitic pain, but many reviewers warn about prolonged dilation, potential systemic effects, and the need for careful dosing and monitoring."
Stubbornly persistent
Produces prolonged mydriasis and cycloplegia useful for uveitis management and pain control
Stubbornly persistent
Produces prolonged mydriasis and cycloplegia useful for uveitis management and pain control
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Isopto Atropine is the market leader for long‑acting mydriasis and cycloplegia in therapeutic canine cases such as uveitis or severe anterior segment pain, providing prolonged pupil dilation and sustained cycloplegia that reduces ciliary spasm. Although it requires more extended follow‑up and carries higher risk of systemic and ocular side effects than tropicamide or cyclopentolate, its therapeutic value in controlling inflammation often outweighs those costs in chronic cases, positioning it as a clinical and economic choice when longer duration is required.
Long-lasting dilation
Uveitis comfort
Stubbornly persistent
Produces prolonged mydriasis and cycloplegia useful for uveitis management and pain control
Effects can persist 24–72 hours or longer in some dogs, requiring infrequent dosing
Long-lasting dilation
Uveitis comfort
Stubbornly persistent
Produces prolonged mydriasis and cycloplegia useful for uveitis management and pain control
Effects can persist 24–72 hours or longer in some dogs, requiring infrequent dosing
$30-90 USD
Tacrolimus 0.02% Ophthalmic Suspension
Tacrolimus 0.02% suspension is a market-leading choice for severe or refractory immune-mediated and allergic ocular disease in dogs due to its higher calcineurin potency and rapid immunosuppressive effect when cyclosporine is insufficient. Technically it often achieves faster control of inflammation than cyclosporine, but because many products are compounded or distributed through specialized suppliers it can be more expensive and variable in formulation, requiring careful sourcing and handling compared with licensed veterinary brands.
Potent inflammation control
Precision low-dose
Potent inflammation control
Precision low-dose
Review Summary
"Owners using tacrolimus 0.02% long‑term often note reduced immune‑mediated or allergic ocular inflammation, especially when cyclosporine failed, though many report transient burning on instillation and the need for refrigeration."
Ninja-level relief
Tacrolimus 0.02% is a potent topical calcineurin inhibitor used when cyclosporine is insufficient.
Ninja-level relief
Tacrolimus 0.02% is a potent topical calcineurin inhibitor used when cyclosporine is insufficient.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Tacrolimus 0.02% suspension is a market-leading choice for severe or refractory immune-mediated and allergic ocular disease in dogs due to its higher calcineurin potency and rapid immunosuppressive effect when cyclosporine is insufficient. Technically it often achieves faster control of inflammation than cyclosporine, but because many products are compounded or distributed through specialized suppliers it can be more expensive and variable in formulation, requiring careful sourcing and handling compared with licensed veterinary brands.
Potent inflammation control
Precision low-dose
Ninja-level relief
Tacrolimus 0.02% is a potent topical calcineurin inhibitor used when cyclosporine is insufficient.
Often compounded for ophthalmic use in dogs and prescribed for refractory allergic or immune-mediated conjunctivitis.
Potent inflammation control
Precision low-dose
Ninja-level relief
Tacrolimus 0.02% is a potent topical calcineurin inhibitor used when cyclosporine is insufficient.
Often compounded for ophthalmic use in dogs and prescribed for refractory allergic or immune-mediated conjunctivitis.
$90-200 USD