Dry Eye in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and How to Help Your Pooch

Our dogs’ peepers reveal a whole lot about their overall health. If you spot redness, funky discharge, or excessive squinting, it is completely natural to worry. We understand as pet parents need to learn the warning signs and the root causes. Here is everything you need to keep an eye out for.

What is dry eye in dogs?

Known in the vet world as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dry eye happens when your dog doesn't produce enough tears to keep things comfortably lubricated.

Tears do much more than show emotion! They wash away debris and protect the surface of the eye from irritation and bad bacteria. When tear production drops, the eye may become dry, irritated and inflamed. Over time, untreated dry eye can often lead to complications.

What are the signs of dry eye in dogs?

The signs vary depending on the severity of the condition. Keep a close watch for these common clues:

• Red or angry-looking eyes
• Squinting or keeping the eyes partially closed
• Excessive blinking
  
• Thick, sticky, or yellow/green discharge
• A dull, dry, or cloudy appearance to the eye
• Obvious signs of discomfort

Remember, these symptoms are not exclusive to dry eye. Allergies, conjunctivitis, or a simple scratch easily produce similar signs. Always speak to your vet rather than trying to play doggy doctor yourself!

What causes dry eye in dogs?

There is no single culprit behind dry eye. Immune-mediated disease affecting the tear-producing glands takes the top spot for causing KCS, though several other factors play a part.

Other potential causes include:

• Certain medications: Specific meds affect tear production in dogs. If your pooch takes medication and develops symptoms, your vet may advise if there is a connection.
• Neurological problems: Issues affecting the nerves involved in tear production sometimes result in reduced tears.
• Other health conditions: Underlying health conditions frequently link to KCS. This is exactly why a proper veterinary examination is so important!
• Genetics and breed: KCS affects any pup, but some breeds are more predisposed to developing the condition. UK primary veterinary care records show breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Westies often have a higher risk.

Is food the culprit behind dry eye?

Currently, there is absolutely no established evidence that a specific dog food ingredient may cause dry eye in dogs.

If you ever worry about your dog's food or notice changes to their health, speak to your vet before making significant dietary swaps. A complete and balanced diet provides the nutrients your dog needs as part of their everyday nutrition, playing a massive role in supporting their overall health. 

What to do if you suspect dry eye

Notice persistent redness, discharge, squinting, or cloudiness? Book a trip to your vet!

They will examine your dog's eyes and perform tests to determine exactly what is going on. One of the key tests used to diagnose dry eye is the Schirmer Tear Test, which measures tear production. Your vet might also carry out other examinations using a special dye to check the surface of the eye for complications like corneal ulcers.

Getting a diagnosis is vital because several different eye conditions look similar but require very different treatments.

How is dry eye treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the cause and severity of the condition. Your vet will likely recommend treatments such as:

• Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears
• Medication to stimulate tear production
• Medication to help manage inflammation
• Treatment for an underlying health condition
• Treatment for secondary infections or corneal damage

Some dogs with KCS require ongoing treatment and monitoring to keep their eyes comfortable and healthy. Treatment is often long-term, particularly where the underlying cause is immune-mediated. And a quick reminder: never use human eye drops or medication on your dog unless your vet explicitly tells you to do so!

Will dry eye cause blindness?

Severe, untreated dry eye often causes significant damage to the surface of the eye. Without adequate tears, the cornea becomes irritated and inflamed, which sometimes leads to ulcers, scarring, and secondary infections. In the most serious of cases, this may affect a dog's vision.

The reassuring news is that dry eye is highly manageable with appropriate veterinary treatment! That is exactly why seeking veterinary advice the moment you notice persistent changes to your dog's eyes is important.

How to look after your dog's eyes

While we are unable to prevent every single cause of dry eye, regularly checking your dog's eyes helps you spot changes early. As part of your normal grooming routine, look for:

• Clear, bright eyes
• No unusual redness or swelling
• Normal, clear discharge (if any)
• No squinting or excessive blinking
• A clear, glossy surface to the eye

If something looks a bit off, do not wait for it to get worse. The PDSA recommends contacting your vet the moment you notice anything wrong with your dog's eyes, as some eye conditions quickly become more serious if treatment is delayed.

FAQs: Dry Eye in Dogs

Is dry eye painful for my dog?
Yes, it certainly is! Reduced tear production leaves the eye dry and scratchy, which hurts. If your pup squints, blinks a lot, or rubs their face, they are likely feeling the pinch.

Are human eye drops safe for dogs?
Absolutely not. Never share your own eye drops with your dog unless your vet specifically tells you to do so. Some human ingredients are harmful to dogs.

Should I change my dog's food if their eyes look red?
Always chat with your vet before making a menu swap! Red eyes happen for many reasons, from seasonal allergies to simple scratches. Your vet may diagnose and advise if a diet change is right for your dog.

Will dry eye just go away on its own?
Unfortunately, no. Dry eye requires proper veterinary care and often needs long-term management to keep your dog comfortable and protect their vision.