Jerusalem, 15 February, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Extra body weight in dogs may do more than affect mobility — it could also put their vision at risk, Israeli scientists warned on Sunday.
A new study from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has found that overweight and obese dogs have significantly higher eye pressure than leaner dogs, potentially increasing the risk of glaucoma, a painful condition that can lead to blindness.
The research, led by Dr. Oren Pe’er from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, measured intraocular pressure in 40 healthy dogs, ranging from lean to obese. Using the 9-point body condition score and a canine version of body mass index, the team tracked how weight correlated with pressure inside the eye.
Results showed that overweight and obese dogs had an average eye pressure of 20.3 mmHg, compared with 13.7 mmHg in lean dogs. While both readings fall within the normal safe range of 10 to 25 mmHg, the heavier dogs were considerably closer to the upper limit, where ocular problems typically begin.
The study also revealed a steady rise in pressure with increasing weight. “For every single point increase on the 9-point body condition scale, eye pressure climbed nearly 2 mmHg,” Pe’er explained. “Similarly, every 10% increase in a dog’s body mass index corresponded to an almost 3 mmHg jump in eye pressure.”
Scientists believe several mechanisms could be responsible. Physical changes, such as fat accumulation around the eye or elevated venous pressure, may hinder the eye’s fluid drainage. Metabolic changes triggered by obesity, including higher levels of triglycerides and leptin — a hormone linked to body fat — also appear to play a role.
“Higher body condition in normal dogs is significantly associated with higher intraocular pressure,” said Pe’er. “Obesity might be a modifiable risk factor in dogs predisposed to glaucoma.”
The implications are particularly important for breeds already at higher risk of ocular disease. Even moderate increases in eye pressure can contribute to long-term damage over time, researchers say.
“Helping dogs maintain a healthy weight may be one of the most effective and controllable ways to support their overall health—and their eyesight,” Pe’er said.
The findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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