Dry Eye in Dogs: 3 Natural Remedies

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my channel! If you’re new here, don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications. Today, we’re diving into a common canine issue known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), or dry eye. This condition results from decreased tear production, leading to symptoms like mucoid discharge and inflammation on the surface of the eye. If untreated, it can cause severe damage, including complete vision loss due to corneal scarring. You might notice your dog waking up with mucoid debris around their eyes, which remains sticky even after wiping.

Diagnosing Dry Eye in Dogs

If your dog shows signs of dry eye, visiting your veterinarian is crucial. They will perform a simple and quick test known as the Schirmer Tear Test (STT) to measure tear production. This involves placing a strip of paper in the corner of your dog’s eye and measuring the moisture absorbed by the paper. Once diagnosed, treatment becomes the next step, but that’s often where challenges arise.

Conventional Treatments for Canine Dry Eye

The standard treatment for dry eye in dogs usually involves replacing the tears with artificial teardrops and trying to suppress the immune-mediated response that is often at the root of the problem. The immune system, mistakenly attacking the tear-producing lacrimal glands, leads to reduced tear production and various secondary symptoms. This condition is incredibly common, and I used to see it regularly in my veterinary practice.

Exploring Natural Remedies for Dry Eye in Dogs

Castor Oil: A Natural Soother

First up on our list of natural remedies is castor oil. Known for its lubricating properties, castor oil also acts as a natural topical anti-inflammatory. Many people find it effective for dry eyes because it is thicker and more viscous than artificial tears, providing longer-lasting relief. It’s derived from the castor bean and covers multiple bases—it’s anti-inflammatory and soothing. Before using it on your dog, make sure it’s sterile to avoid introducing any infection.

CBD Oil: Modulating the Immune Response

Next, we have CBD or cannabidiol, known for its immune-modulating properties. Since dry eye in dogs often has an autoimmune component, CBD could help by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system that attacks the tear ducts. I recommend trying CBD for at least a month to assess its effectiveness. It’s also a dog-friendly option as most pets tend to like it.

N-Acetylcysteine: Breaking Down Mucous

Our third remedy is N-acetylcysteine, an amino acid that acts as a mucolytic agent. It helps break up mucous secretions, which can be beneficial for dogs with dry eye, who often have thick mucoid secretions on the surface of their eyes. By breaking down these secretions, it can significantly improve symptoms and comfort.

Final Thoughts and Veterinary Advice

Dry eye is a tough condition to treat, with conventional medications like cyclosporine often being costly and only sometimes fully effective. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider discussing these natural remedies with your veterinarian. They might offer a more affordable and equally effective solution.

Thanks for joining me today as we explored new remedies for dry eyes in dogs. Remember to subscribe for more veterinary secrets and click the link below if you’d like a copy of my free book on dry eyes in dogs. Your feedback on these remedies is invaluable, so let me know if they’ve helped your pet!

Dosage: 200mg/20lbs daily

For a trial on Dr. Jones’ CBD Oil, check out the link below!