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Dry Eye in Dogs
Dry eye in dogs occurs when your dog does not make enough tears to keep the eye lubricated. The condition is mostly caused by an immune problem.
Dry eye in dogs, medically known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), occurs when there is insufficient tear production to keep the eye lubricated.
Tears are made up of 3 parts:
- a superficial oily layer
- a watery layer
- an inner mucoid layer
With dry eye, the watery part of the tear is not being produced. However, since the mucoid part is still being made, a thick discharge collects in the eyes.
Because of this discharge, you may think that your dog has an eye infection; but actually dry eye does not start out as an infectious process. Instead, infections can be
the result of dry eye because there is insufficient tears to flush dirt and bacteria from the eye.
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The Functions of Tears
The watery layer of tears transports oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, flushes dust, and protects the eye from bacteria.
The cornea has no blood vessels, therefore it relies entirely on tears for oxygen and waste removal.
The superficial oily layer allows tears to slide smoothly over the eye, and prevents tears (made up mostly of water) from evaporating.
The inner mucoid layer allows tears to flow smoothly; it also traps and binds material together making it easier to clear from the eye.
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Causes of Dry Eye in Dogs
There are quite a few possible causes of canine dry eye. One common cause is due to an autoimmune problem. The dog's immune T cells attack the tear-producing cells and
prevent them from producing tears.
Other causes of dry eye in dogs include:
- Injuries to the tear glands, such as infections or trauma
- Chronic eye infection (herpes virus or chlamydia infection)
- Reaction to drugs (e.g. sulfonamides)
- Surgical removal of the gland of the third eyelid by mistake
- Viruses, such as distemper
Dog breeds that are predisposed to dry eye include:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Bulldogs
- Westies
- Lhaso Apsos
- Shih Tzus
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Symptoms of Dry Eye in Dogs
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog, he may have dry eye. Be sure to go to your veterinarian for an eye exam. Failing to treat dry eye may lead
to partial or complete blindness.
- Thick, yellowish discharge that may stick to the hair around the eye
- Eyes may look dry and dull
- Recurrent eye infections
- Repeated and excessive blinking and/or winking
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Natural Remedies for Dry Eye in Dogs
Natural remedies include the use of herbs, homeopathy, and nutritional supplements to treat this eye condition. Many dog parents have reported positive results using
homeopathic remedies. However, since canine dry eye is a chronic eye problem, homeopathic remedies is best used under the supervision of a holistic vet.
The following remedies can be safely used in conjunction with other treatments to help speed up recovery of this eye condition.
One simple way to help lubricate your dog's eyes is to use cod liver oil. Place one to two drops directly in the eye daily. Also, feed orally about one-eighth
teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight daily. Cod liver oil is rich in vitamins A and D as well as essential omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
To help prevent eye infections caused by bacteria and to flush dirt from the eyes, you can make an herbal eyewash. You need:
- One cup of boiled distilled water
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 10 drops of a tincture of any of these herbs:
- Calendula
- Echinacea
- Eyebright
- St.-John's Wort
To make the eyewash, add the salt to the boiled water. Allow to cool. Add the herbal tincture to the cup of water and use it as an eyewash for your dog.
Natural Herbal Products for Dry Eye in Dogs
If you do not want to make your own eyewash, consider getting this excellent product:
Ark Naturals Eyes So Bright for Dogs and Cats
Eyes So Bright is a gentle natural eyewash formulated to cleanse pet eyes by safely removing debris and encrustations. In addition, it promotes healing of sore,
inflamed, and infected eyes. It contains anti-inflammatory and immune-strengthening herbs such as aloe vera, goldenseal, echinacea, and gotu kola.
Internally, you can also use herbs to help treat eye conditions such as dry eye and eye infections. Take a look at this herbal product:
Nature's Herbs for Pets Clear Vision
This herbal formula contains a lot of herbs (such as Polygonatum, Lycium, Chrysanthemum, Rehmannia, White peony) that have been used for many years in China to
treat numerous eye conditions. It is beneficial for such eye conditions as dry eye, eye infections/inflammation, conjunctivitis, etc.
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Related Topics
Dog Eye Problems
References
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
TOP of Dry Eye in Dogs
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