How to Treat Classic Dry Eye in Dogs

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as "dry eye," results when a dog's tear glands stop producing the tears necessary to keep the animal's corneas clean and lubricated. Symptoms include recurrent infections, corneal ulcers, incessant blinking or an inability to fully open the eye, and a greenish, mucoid discharge, states veterinarian Alleice Summers in "Common Diseases of Companion Animals." After a diagnosis of KCS, veterinarians typically recommend daily applications of cyclosporine to increase tear production, topical artificial tears and ophthalmic antibiotics to decrease the chances of infection. Learning how to apply these medications at home makes your pet more comfortable and saves you money on vet clinic bills.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm, wet rag or washcloth
  • Prescribed medication
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the dog's eyes with a warm, wet rag or washcloth before applying any medications.

    • 2

      Hold the dog or allow a helper to hold it for you, keeping the dog's head still.

    • 3

      Open the medicine and place it in your dominant hand.

    • 4

      Rest your non-dominant hand on the dog's cheek, just under the eye. Gently pry open the eyelid and expose as much of the cornea as possible.

    • 5

      Lay your hand with the medication next to your dog's ear, holding the tube or bottle tip above the eyeball. Do not allow the tip of the container to touch the dog's cornea.

    • 6

      Squeeze the prescribed dosage down onto the cornea. With liquid cyclosporine or tear replacement, vets typically recommend dosing only one drop. With an ointment, you need to dispense approximately ½-inch of medication.

    • 7

      Continue this treatment daily.