What's the Best Way to Treat Dry Eyes in Dogs?

Dry eye in dogs, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when your dog’s eyes don’t produce enough tears, leading to irritation, redness, and discharge. Left untreated, dry eye can lead to more severe complications, but with a combination of home care and veterinary treatment, it’s a manageable condition.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to treat your dog’s dry eye both at home and through veterinary care.

Recognising the Signs of Dry Eye in Dogs

Early detection of dry eyes is essential for effective treatment. If your dog shows any of these signs, it’s best to consult your vet promptly.

• Redness and inflammation 
• Thick, mucous-like discharge 
• Excessive blinking or squinting 
• Rubbing or pawing at the eyes 

Treating Dry Eye at Home

While veterinary treatment is essential for addressing the underlying causes of dry eye, several home remedies can support your dog’s comfort and eye health. 

1. Clean Your Dog’s Eyes Regularly

Keeping your dog’s eye area clean can help prevent further irritation from dried discharge or debris.

• Gently wipe away discharge: Use a warm, damp cloth to clean around the eyes, taking care not to touch the eyeball directly.
• Saline solution rinse: Use only sterile, vet-approved saline solution to flush out minor debris or discharge from the eyes. Avoid human saline solutions, which may contain preservatives that can irritate a dog’s eyes.

2. Use a Lubricating Eye Gel or Artificial Tears

Lubricating eye gels or artificial tears can relieve dryness temporarily by mimicking natural tears. Consult your veterinarian on the best product for your pet. 

• Preservative-free options: These are less likely to irritate sensitive eyes.
• Apply multiple times a day if needed: Depending on the severity of your dog's condition, you may need to administer the drops multiple times daily for effective relief, or follow your veterinarian's specific instructions.

3. Support Eye Health with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet may support tear production and reduce inflammation. High-quality fish oils are rich in omega-3s and may help improve your dog’s overall eye health. Always consult your vet for the appropriate dosage to ensure safety and avoid any potential digestive side effects.

Veterinary Treatments for Dry Eye

While home remedies can provide temporary relief, dogs with dry eyes usually require veterinary-prescribed treatments for effective long-term management. Here are some common treatments your vet may recommend:

1. Prescription Eye Medications

Prescription eye medications are often the cornerstone of dry eye treatment, as they target the cause of dryness and inflammation.

• Tear stimulants: These medications, such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus, help increase tear production, which can help relieve symptoms over time.
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops: Anti-inflammatory drops or ointments may be prescribed to reduce swelling and irritation. These should only be used under veterinary supervision to prevent potential side effects.

2. Antibiotic Drops or Ointments

Dogs with dry eyes are prone to bacterial infections due to reduced natural eye cleansing. If your dog has a secondary infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointments to clear it up.

3. Immunosuppressive Medications

If dry eye is caused by an autoimmune response in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the tear glands, immunosuppressive medications can help reduce immune system activity, allowing the tear glands to produce more tears. This treatment may require ongoing use to keep symptoms under control.

4. Surgical Options

For severe or unresponsive cases, your vet may suggest surgery to help maintain moisture in your dog’s eyes. Surgery is generally a last-resort option but can be effective when other treatments don’t provide adequate relief.

• Punctal occlusion: This procedure involves partially blocking the tear ducts to conserve natural tears in the eyes.
• Parotid duct transposition: In this advanced procedure, a duct from the salivary gland is rerouted to the eyes to provide moisture. This is only recommended for severe cases and requires specialist care.

Managing Your Dog’s Dry Eye Long-Term

Since dry eye is usually a chronic condition, your dog will likely need ongoing management and regular veterinary check-ups. Here are a few tips to help your dog maintain healthy eyes:

• Stick to the treatment plan: Consistency with eye drops and other prescribed medications is key to preventing flare-ups and discomfort.
• Regularly check for changes: Watch for any worsening symptoms, such as increased discharge, redness, or signs of pain, and report these to your vet promptly.
• Attend follow-up visits: Routine check-ups are essential to monitor your dog’s condition and adjust treatment if needed.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Help

Dry eyes can usually be managed with proper care, but some symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. Seek urgent care if you notice:

• Swelling or bulging in the eye
• Sudden cloudiness or a blue haze over the eye
• Thick discharge that has worsened
• Signs of intense pain, such as excessive pawing or keeping the eye shut
• Any sudden loss of vision or apparent blindness

These symptoms could indicate an ulcer, a severe infection, or another serious complication requiring prompt treatment.

Conclusion

Dry eye is a manageable condition with the right combination of home care and veterinary treatment. Early detection and consistent care can help your dog stay comfortable and avoid long-term complications. Remember to consult your vet for the best treatment plan and follow their advice to ensure your dog’s eye health remains optimal.