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2025 Canadian Guide: Top 5 Veterinary Mydriatics & Miotics for Dogs — Evidence-Based Picks for Exams, Surgery and Glaucoma (Which One Is Right?)

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Mydriatics and miotics for dogs are prescription ophthalmic agents used to dilate or constrict the pupil for examination, surgery preparation, or treatment of specific ocular conditions. This category covers both adrenergic and cholinergic drugs commonly selected by veterinarians according to diagnostic and therapeutic goals. In Canada these products appeal to veterinary clinics and informed pet owners because they enable clearer retinal and anterior segment evaluation, safer surgical preparation, and targeted management of conditions such as uveitis and glaucoma. Consumers and clinics favor formulations that deliver predictable onset and duration, canine-appropriate tolerability, availability through licensed veterinary pharmacies or compounding services, and clear guidance from a veterinarian to balance efficacy with systemic safety.

Quick Menu

1. Best Short-Acting Mydriatic

2. Best Long-Acting Cycloplegic

3. Best Cycloplegic for Refraction

4. Best Miotic for Glaucoma Management

5. Best Mydriatic Vasoconstrictor

1
BEST SHORT-ACTING MYDRIATIC

Tropicamide 1% Ophthalmic Solution

Mydriacyl (Tropicamide 1%)

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.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Rapid dilation

  • Short duration

  • Rapid dilation

  • Short duration

Review Summary

88%

"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

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$15-40 CAD

2
BEST LONG-ACTING CYCLOPLEGIC

Atropine Sulfate 1% Ophthalmic Solution

Isopto Atropine (Atropine Sulfate 1%)

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.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Long-lasting dilation

  • Uveitis comfort

  • Long-lasting dilation

  • Uveitis comfort

Review Summary

85%

"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

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$30-90 CAD

3
BEST CYCLOPLEGIC FOR REFRACTION

Cyclopentolate HCl 1% Ophthalmic Solution

Cyclogyl (Cyclopentolate 1%)

Cyclogyl provides intermediate‑duration cycloplegia and mydriasis that balances the rapid but short effect of tropicamide with the prolonged action of atropine, making it a preferred option for procedures or diagnostics that need more than a short dilation but less than days of cycloplegia. For canine patients it minimizes repeated dosing and clinic time compared with tropicamide while avoiding the extended monitoring and potential systemic exposure associated with atropine, offering a cost‑effective middle ground for many practices.

4
★★★★☆

  • Moderate dilation

  • Quick cycloplegia

  • Moderate dilation

  • Quick cycloplegia

Review Summary

78%

"Cyclopentolate HCl 1% is viewed as an effective intermediate-duration mydriatic with a reasonably rapid onset; users note occasional ocular discomfort and that it is less commonly stocked than tropicamide or atropine."

  • Focus-free moment

  • Provides strong cycloplegia for accurate refraction and detailed anterior segment examination

  • Focus-free moment

  • Provides strong cycloplegia for accurate refraction and detailed anterior segment examination

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

Cyclogyl provides intermediate‑duration cycloplegia and mydriasis that balances the rapid but short effect of tropicamide with the prolonged action of atropine, making it a preferred option for procedures or diagnostics that need more than a short dilation but less than days of cycloplegia. For canine patients it minimizes repeated dosing and clinic time compared with tropicamide while avoiding the extended monitoring and potential systemic exposure associated with atropine, offering a cost‑effective middle ground for many practices.

  • Moderate dilation

  • Quick cycloplegia

  • Focus-free moment

  • Provides strong cycloplegia for accurate refraction and detailed anterior segment examination

  • Onset typically within 30–45 minutes with several hours of effect

  • Moderate dilation

  • Quick cycloplegia

  • Focus-free moment

  • Provides strong cycloplegia for accurate refraction and detailed anterior segment examination

  • Onset typically within 30–45 minutes with several hours of effect

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$20-50 CAD

4
BEST MIOTIC FOR GLAUCOMA MANAGEMENT

Pilocarpine HCl 2% Ophthalmic Solution

Pilocar (Pilocarpine HCl 2%)

Pilocar is a veterinary‑formulated pilocarpine miotic used primarily for constriction of the pupil and adjunct management of certain aspects of canine glaucoma or lens subluxation, delivering predictable miosis and improved aqueous outflow in selected cases. As the only primary miotic on this list it serves an opposite therapeutic role to the mydriatics (tropicamide, atropine, cyclopentolate, phenylephrine); its lower unit price and generic availability can reduce long‑term treatment costs, although it requires attentive monitoring for cholinergic side effects in dogs.

3.7
★★★☆☆

  • Pupil constriction

  • Reduces IOP

  • Pupil constriction

  • Reduces IOP

Review Summary

72%

"Pilocarpine HCl 2% is considered effective as a miotic for selected glaucoma cases, but many reviewers report frequent dosing requirements, potential ocular irritation, and limited utility compared with newer therapies."

  • Glaucoma workhorse

  • Direct-acting muscarinic agonist that produces miosis and can improve aqueous outflow in certain glaucomas

  • Glaucoma workhorse

  • Direct-acting muscarinic agonist that produces miosis and can improve aqueous outflow in certain glaucomas

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

Pilocar is a veterinary‑formulated pilocarpine miotic used primarily for constriction of the pupil and adjunct management of certain aspects of canine glaucoma or lens subluxation, delivering predictable miosis and improved aqueous outflow in selected cases. As the only primary miotic on this list it serves an opposite therapeutic role to the mydriatics (tropicamide, atropine, cyclopentolate, phenylephrine); its lower unit price and generic availability can reduce long‑term treatment costs, although it requires attentive monitoring for cholinergic side effects in dogs.

  • Pupil constriction

  • Reduces IOP

  • Glaucoma workhorse

  • Direct-acting muscarinic agonist that produces miosis and can improve aqueous outflow in certain glaucomas

  • Used to manage some types of glaucoma and lens-related issues in dogs

  • Pupil constriction

  • Reduces IOP

  • Glaucoma workhorse

  • Direct-acting muscarinic agonist that produces miosis and can improve aqueous outflow in certain glaucomas

  • Used to manage some types of glaucoma and lens-related issues in dogs

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$25-80 CAD

5
BEST MYDRIATIC VASOCONSTRICTOR

Phenylephrine HCl 2.5% Ophthalmic Solution

Neo‑Synephrine Ophthalmic (Phenylephrine HCl 2.5%)

Neo‑Synephrine Ophthalmic is a selective alpha‑adrenergic mydriatic that produces robust pupil dilation without significant cycloplegia, making it especially useful in combination protocols (for example with tropicamide) or when dilation is needed but accommodation should be preserved. For canine use it offers a targeted pharmacologic profile with often faster recovery of accommodation than atropine, and its low per‑dose cost plus wide availability make it an economical adjunct to diagnostic and surgical dilation strategies.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Sympathetic dilation

  • Diagnostic clarity

  • Sympathetic dilation

  • Diagnostic clarity

Review Summary

80%

"Phenylephrine HCl 2.5% is appreciated for producing pupil dilation without cycloplegia and as an adjunct in some exams, though reviewers frequently caution about transient ocular sting and possible systemic cardiovascular effects."

  • Pupil perk-up

  • Alpha-adrenergic agonist that induces mydriasis without significant cycloplegia

  • Pupil perk-up

  • Alpha-adrenergic agonist that induces mydriasis without significant cycloplegia

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

Neo‑Synephrine Ophthalmic is a selective alpha‑adrenergic mydriatic that produces robust pupil dilation without significant cycloplegia, making it especially useful in combination protocols (for example with tropicamide) or when dilation is needed but accommodation should be preserved. For canine use it offers a targeted pharmacologic profile with often faster recovery of accommodation than atropine, and its low per‑dose cost plus wide availability make it an economical adjunct to diagnostic and surgical dilation strategies.

  • Sympathetic dilation

  • Diagnostic clarity

  • Pupil perk-up

  • Alpha-adrenergic agonist that induces mydriasis without significant cycloplegia

  • Useful for diagnostic dilation and to reduce conjunctival hyperemia during exams

  • Sympathetic dilation

  • Diagnostic clarity

  • Pupil perk-up

  • Alpha-adrenergic agonist that induces mydriasis without significant cycloplegia

  • Useful for diagnostic dilation and to reduce conjunctival hyperemia during exams

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$15-45 CAD

What the Research and Clinical Guidance Say

Veterinary ophthalmology literature and clinical practice guidelines emphasize selecting mydriatics or miotics based on the underlying indication, the desired duration of effect, and species-specific pharmacology. Evidence supports using short-acting agents for routine diagnostics and longer-acting agents for therapeutic cycloplegia or pain control. Canine pharmacodynamics differ from humans, so veterinary-specific studies and textbooks are the primary references for safe use. Research also highlights the importance of monitoring for ocular pressure changes and systemic effects, especially in small or medically fragile patients.

Short-acting mydriatics (for example, tropicamide) provide rapid dilation with limited duration, making them preferred for diagnostic exams where quick recovery is desirable.

Longer-acting antimuscarinics (for example, atropine) are supported by clinical reports for therapeutic cycloplegia and pain control in uveitis but require careful dosing and follow-up due to prolonged effect.

Miotics such as pilocarpine are effective in selected cases of glaucoma or to influence pupil size therapeutically, but they can alter intraocular pressure and require close veterinary supervision.

Adrenergic agents (for example, phenylephrine) can dilate pupils and constrict superficial vessels; they are useful for specific diagnostic or perioperative roles, with attention to systemic cardiovascular risk.

Comparative studies and veterinary ophthalmology consensus emphasize tailoring the agent to the procedure (diagnostic exam vs surgery vs chronic management) and the patient’s overall health.

In Canada the five primary prescription options to consider are Tropicamide 1% Ophthalmic Solution, Atropine Sulfate 1% Ophthalmic Solution, Cyclopentolate HCl 1% Ophthalmic Solution, Pilocarpine HCl 2% Ophthalmic Solution, and Phenylephrine HCl 2.5% Ophthalmic Solution. For most routine diagnostic examinations the best overall choice is Tropicamide 1% because of its fast onset and shorter duration that balances effectiveness with quicker recovery. Atropine Sulfate 1% is often preferred when prolonged cycloplegia or therapeutic control is required; Cyclopentolate HCl 1% offers an intermediate profile; Pilocarpine HCl 2% is used when a miotic approach is indicated (for example, select glaucoma cases); and Phenylephrine HCl 2.5% serves targeted dilation and vasoconstriction roles. We hope you found what you were looking for — if you need to refine or expand your search in Canada, use the search to filter by indication, duration, or veterinary pharmacy availability.

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