How to Handle Dry Eye in Dogs

Have you ever struggled with tear production or dry eyes? You likely reached for a bottle of artificial tears to relieve the irritation, or maybe you went to an ophthalmologist if it became a common occurrence.

Your dog (and other pets!) can suffer from the same condition, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye. It occurs when the eyes fail to produce tears – the mixture of mucus, water, and fatty liquid – that normally help keep the cornea moisturized and clear the eyes of dust and debris.

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, including secondary to other conditions like hyperthyroidism, but the most common cause is rather mysterious. For some reason – veterinarians aren’t sure why, but suspect it may be inherited – the animal’s immune system attacks the cells that produce the watery component of tears, resulting in decreased production.

The result is reddened, irritated, and painful eyes. Affected dogs, cats, and other species may blink a lot, keep their eyes closed, or appear squinty. Sometimes, a yellowish discharge will come from the eyes, as they try to produce tears but can’t adequately do so.

One reason veterinarians think there may be a genetic predisposition is that certain dog breeds come down with dry eye far more commonly than others. These include Cavalier King Charles, American Cocker, and English Spaniels, Yorkshire and West Highland White Terriers, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, and Shih Tzus.

Curicyn’s Eye Care Solution is an excellent option for dogs dealing with dry eye. Specially formulated using our Original Formula, our Eye Care Solution helps remove bacteria and reduce inflammation, providing soothing relief for red, irritated eyes. It’s also useful to have handy as an eyewash if your dog’s eyes are ever injured or dust or dirt gets into them.

If you think a gel-based product would be better for your pet, Curicyn Pink Eye Solution would be your best choice. The thicker consistency means it will stay in place better, while still providing the same relief as our Eye Care Solution. Both products are non-toxic and will not sting or burn on application. They’re also safe for all of the animals in your family, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, horses, livestock, and more.

Dry eye is an incredibly common ailment in dogs, and dogs dealing with it require lifelong eye care to keep symptoms at bay. But with the proper care and the right products, your dog can get back to doing what they love, with clear vision and comfortable, healthy eyes.

Monitoring your pets’ eyes, to make sure symptoms do not worsen is important. If necessary, contact your veterinarian, for diagnostic testing. If left untreated, extensive damage can be done to the eye, including loss of vision, so early detection is key. Your dog’s veterinarian can easily diagnose dry eye and start a treatment plan, which often includes a combination of prescription topical medications and over-the-counter artificial tears, like Curicyn Eye Care Solution, Curicyn Pink Eye Solution, and Curicyn Original Formula.