Dry eye in dogs, which vets call keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a lack of tear production in one or both eyes, leaving them dry, inflamed and painful. It cannot be cured, but the PDSA says it can usually be well managed, especially if caught early, so speak to your vet if your dog’s eyes look sore.
At a glance
- What it is: too few tears, leaving the eye surface dry and inflamed.
- Who it affects: any dog, though some breeds are more prone.
- Urgency: soon. The PDSA says to contact your vet straight away and book an appointment as soon as possible.
- Vet needed? Yes, for diagnosis and lifelong management.
Signs to look for
The PDSA lists a thick, sticky discharge, red and painful-looking eyes, blinking a lot or rubbing the face, dull or cloudy eyes that lack shine, frequent eye infections and eye ulcers. It usually affects both eyes, often one worse than the other, and tends to develop gradually and get worse over time.
Red, sore eyes have other causes too, so see our guides on conjunctivitis, cherry eye and glaucoma. A vet needs to tell them apart.
Causes and risk factors
The PDSA says dry eye is nearly always immune-mediated, and most cases are inherited. Immune-mediated means the immune system damages the glands that make tears. Rarer causes include hypothyroidism, diabetes, nerve problems affecting the tear glands and certain medicines.
On breeds, the PDSA names the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu. That is a list of breeds seen more often, not a prediction for any one dog, and a dog of any breed can have sore, dry eyes.
When to call your vet
The PDSA says to contact your vet straight away if your dog shows signs of dry eye, and to book an appointment as soon as possible. If the eye looks suddenly worse or your dog seems to be in pain, speak to your vet. Our vets guide helps you find a practice, and sick dog symptoms covers wider warning signs.
- 1. Notice
Sticky discharge, red or sore-looking eyes, lots of blinking - 2. Speak to your vet
Contact your vet straight away and book an appointment as soon as possible - 3. Vet examines
Signs plus a Schirmer tear test of how much tear fluid the eye makes - 4. Options
Treatment options your vet may discuss: eye ointment, artificial tears - 5. Ongoing care
Follow the medication plan and keep to regular check-ups
How vets diagnose it
The PDSA says your vet can diagnose dry eye from your dog’s signs and a Schirmer tear test. This measures how much tear fluid the eye makes. The PDSA gives a normal result as above 15 mm per minute, with lower results suggesting dry eye. Your vet will decide which checks your dog needs.
What vets generally do about it
Treatment is decided by your vet and is usually lifelong. According to the PDSA, the usual approach is an immunosuppressant eye ointment that helps calm the immune system, alongside artificial tears. The ointment can take 2 to 12 weeks to work, and damaged tear gland tissue cannot be repaired, which is why starting early matters. Antibiotic drops are used only if an infection develops, and a buster collar (a cone worn around the head) may be needed to stop eye rubbing.
For severe cases, the PDSA describes an operation called parotid duct transposition, which redirects saliva into the eye and is usually a last resort. It says removing the eye is considered only for severe, untreatable or very painful cases.
Living with it and prevention
The PDSA says that, with early diagnosis and treatment, dry eye can stay under control for many years and dogs can live happy, pain-free lives. Day to day, that means following the medication plan and keeping to regular check-ups. Once your vet has shown you how, the PDSA suggests gently cleaning discharge from the eyes with cotton wool pads soaked in warm water. It also says not all human lubricant eye drops are safe for dogs, so check with your vet first.
Costs are ongoing, so the PDSA recommends considering pet insurance before illness begins; our pet insurance guide explains the options. The PDSA also strongly recommends against breeding from dogs diagnosed with dry eye. Browse more conditions in our dog illnesses A to Z.
Related conditions
- Conjunctivitis in dogs
- Cherry eye in dogs
- Glaucoma in dogs
- Cataracts in dogs
- Hypothyroidism in dogs
- Diabetes in dogs
Sources
- PDSA, Dry eye in dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry eye in dogs?
The PDSA says most cases are immune-mediated and inherited, meaning the immune system damages the tear glands. Rarer causes include hypothyroidism, diabetes, nerve damage and certain medicines. Your vet can look for the cause.
Can dry eye in dogs be cured?
No, but the PDSA says it can usually be well managed, especially if caught early. Treatment is usually lifelong with regular check-ups, so speak to your vet about a plan.
Which breeds get dry eye?
The PDSA names the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu. Any dog can be affected, so speak to your vet about any sore or discharging eyes.
Can I use human eye drops on my dog?
Not without your vet’s approval. The PDSA says some human lubricant eye drops are unsafe for dogs. Your vet can advise on what to use.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.
