Just like humans, dogs can develop a medical condition known as dry eye. A veterinarian can diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options, including eye drops to lubricate the eyes.
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Dry Eye
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Dry eye in dogs, also known as KCS, occurs when a dog does not produce enough tears to keep its eyes lubricated and protected, according to "The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook."
Symptoms
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A dog with dry eye will have eyes that appear inflamed and irritated. The eyes might produce a thick, mucus-like discharge.
Eye Drops
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To treat dry eye in dogs, artificial tears are applied through eye drops to the affected eye. The eye drops are often used in combination with a lubricating gel.
Complications
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Some dogs resist having eye drops administered. A veterinarian can teach the owner how to tilt the dog's head back to be sure the drops land squarely on the eye so they will be effective.
Considerations
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At first, eye drops might need to be administered as often as six times a day. As the dog's dry eye improves, that rate could decrease to two times a day.
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