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 CAD
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 CAD
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 CAD
Tropicamide 1% Ophthalmic Solution
Mydriacyl is a fast‑acting, short‑duration tropicamide formulation widely used in veterinary ophthalmology for diagnostic mydriasis in dogs; its rapid onset and relatively brief effect make it the go‑to choice when brief pupil dilation is needed without prolonged cycloplegia. Compared with atropine and cyclopentolate it offers lower monitoring burden and quicker return of vision, and when paired with phenylephrine it provides predictable dilation at a modest cost, making it financially attractive for routine clinic use.
Rapid dilation
Short duration
Rapid dilation
Short duration
Review Summary
"Veterinarians and clinic staff generally find Tropicamide 1% fast-acting and reliable for routine mydriasis with a short, predictable duration; a few users report mild transient irritation or the need for repeat dosing during longer exams."
Examroom magic
Rapid onset within 15–30 minutes for pupil dilation
Examroom magic
Rapid onset within 15–30 minutes for pupil dilation
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Mydriacyl is a fast‑acting, short‑duration tropicamide formulation widely used in veterinary ophthalmology for diagnostic mydriasis in dogs; its rapid onset and relatively brief effect make it the go‑to choice when brief pupil dilation is needed without prolonged cycloplegia. Compared with atropine and cyclopentolate it offers lower monitoring burden and quicker return of vision, and when paired with phenylephrine it provides predictable dilation at a modest cost, making it financially attractive for routine clinic use.
Rapid dilation
Short duration
Examroom magic
Rapid onset within 15–30 minutes for pupil dilation
Short duration (about 4–6 hours) suitable for diagnostic eye exams in dogs
Rapid dilation
Short duration
Examroom magic
Rapid onset within 15–30 minutes for pupil dilation
Short duration (about 4–6 hours) suitable for diagnostic eye exams in dogs
$15-40 CAD
Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment
Optimmune (cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment) is best-in-class for chronic veterinary ophthalmic allergy in dogs because it provides a licensed, veterinary-specific, steroid-sparing immunomodulatory option with a long-acting ointment vehicle that supports less frequent dosing and improved owner compliance. Compared with compounded tacrolimus and short‑term corticosteroid suspensions, Optimmune offers predictable manufacturing and label support for chronic use, which can reduce downstream costs from steroid complications and repeated clinic visits.
Long-lasting comfort
Owner-friendly dosing
Long-lasting comfort
Owner-friendly dosing
Review Summary
"Long‑term users report significant improvement in tear production and comfort for dogs with dry eye or immune‑mediated corneal disease; the ointment is greasy, some dogs resist application, and it is relatively expensive."
Velcro-like cling
Contains cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that modulates ocular immune response to increase tear production.
Velcro-like cling
Contains cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that modulates ocular immune response to increase tear production.
Increased Safety & Security
Optimmune (cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment) is best-in-class for chronic veterinary ophthalmic allergy in dogs because it provides a licensed, veterinary-specific, steroid-sparing immunomodulatory option with a long-acting ointment vehicle that supports less frequent dosing and improved owner compliance. Compared with compounded tacrolimus and short‑term corticosteroid suspensions, Optimmune offers predictable manufacturing and label support for chronic use, which can reduce downstream costs from steroid complications and repeated clinic visits.
Long-lasting comfort
Owner-friendly dosing
Velcro-like cling
Contains cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that modulates ocular immune response to increase tear production.
Veterinary-formulated ointment with prolonged contact time, often prescribed for chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca and immune-mediated ocular disease.
Long-lasting comfort
Owner-friendly dosing
Velcro-like cling
Contains cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that modulates ocular immune response to increase tear production.
Veterinary-formulated ointment with prolonged contact time, often prescribed for chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca and immune-mediated ocular disease.
$60-120 CAD