There are home remedies that may ease the symptoms of your dog's dry eyes and alleviate your pet's discomfort. Many of these home remedies will require that you treat your pet several times per day in order for the therapies to be effective.
It is best if you take your pet to a veterinarian. A serious eye illness that can lead to blindness in dogs may be causing your pet's discomfort. The illness is Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca and is treated by veterinarians using Cyclosporine, pilocarpine, tacrolimus and occasionally surgery.
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Eyewash
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Eyewashes may help to alleviate some of your pet's discomfort from dry eyes. Soak a clean cloth in sterilized saline and apply the cloth to your pet's eyes. You can do both eyes at once if your dog will tolerate it, but some dogs object to having both eyes covered at the same time. The eyewash should be applied several times a day.
Artificial Tears
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Artificial tears, which are eye drops that may be purchased over the counter at drugstores and other retail outlets, may provide some comfort to your pet. If your pet is treated for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, the veterinarian may recommend the use of artificial tears as part of other prescription therapies. The downside to using artificial tears is that they need to be applied four to six times per day and it may be difficult to treat some dogs with the drops.
Ointments
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An eye ointment may also be helpful in alleviating your dog's discomfort. Terramycin is an ophthalmic ointment that is often recommended by veterinarians and is available over the counter at many animal supply stores, such as Tractor Supply. Terramycin is also available to order from pet supply retailers online. The ointment is an antibiotic and uses the ingredients oxytetracycline and polymyxin B.
Herbs
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Certain herbs may also be helpful in treating your dog's dry eyes. Chamomile is one of the most commonly used herbs for dog's eyes. To use chamomile to treat your pet's dry eyes, steep a chamomile tea bag and let the tea cool. Soak a clean cloth in the tea and then apply the cloth to the dog's eyes. The application should be administered several times a day. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to chamomile, so use the herb sparingly in the beginning and watch your dog for signs of allergies. Other commonly used herbs for eye conditions in dogs, including dry eyes, are burdock, rosemary, greater celandine and meadowsweet.
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