Artificial Tears for Pets: Dry Eye Relief, Treatment & Protection

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Most all over the counter ocular lubricants are safe for dogs. I would not recommend using anything that is supposed to reduce redness because this could mask an underlying problem. If your dog seems irritated by the drops, he may be sensitive to one of the ingredients in the drops, and I would not continue use. If your dog has been diagnosed with an eye problem (dry eye, corneal ulcer), always check with your veterinarian regarding any additional ocular lubricants that you may be giving. There may be a better alternative that your vet can provide!

Hello again. Yes, human artificial tears are fine, that is what I use in the office. You can place a few drops into the eye every hour, or every few hours. It totally depends on your schedule. I would want to instill the drops at least 3-4 times a day. You can not over apply. Any concerns, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

You can use artificial tears in her eye three times a day to keep the eye lubricated. This is made to help with dry eyes. It's a sterile ointment that you can get at a human pharmacy. They may think she has an infection that is contributing to her problem so it may improve with the antibiotic injection. If it continues there is a prescription eye medication specifically for dry eyes. Please have them check the eye again in two weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lilly.

Tacrolimus is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug that works to stimulate Panda's tear glands and prevent further destruction of tissue in dogs with dry eye. The OTC drops will only prevent drying and do nothing to treat the underlying cause. It would be best to discuss alternative treatments that may be more affordable with your vet or veterinary ophthalmologist before switching any medications.

Oasis Tears is a product used to lubricate dry eyes. If there is something in your dog's eye, you need an ordinary saline rinse to flush them. If symptoms persist or worsen, see your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist.

You can safely use OTC tear gel lubricant for keeping the cornea moist, but it won't cure uveitis or an ulcer or any kind of inflammatory process going on. Sometimes a warm water compress with a clean washcloth is helpful when the eye is painful as well. Angel may have a very painful process like glaucoma going on, so if she continues to be squinty you really need a diagnosis by a vet. Any pharamacist can help you find a gel lubricant for eyes that is sold over-the-counter.

The brand I recommend is called Genteal Eye Lubricating Gel. I'm not sure if Jax has had confirmation of dry eye with a Schirmer Tear Test but there are other medications needed to treat this condition. If you are only suspecting dry eye, make an appointment with his vet to have this test to confirm if he needs the medications or not. There are other conditions that can look the same. Thank you for using Pet Coach.