I have a pug puppy with extremely dry eyes. Is it ok to use over the counter "Artificial Tears" for dogs?

Question

The vet gave me some gel to use but it is very hard to get her to stay still long enough to apply it. Someone told me that "Artificial Tears" would be ok to use and would be much easier. Is this true? It does not say anything about being ok for animals.

Answer 1

Yes I have a Peke with dry eye and we use them all the time. It was my vet that recommended them. They dont last as long as the gel but are easier to use. You will have to use it at least twice a day and on some days up to five times. I increase it if I see her rubbing her face a lot.

Answer 2

I agree with happy camper. The ointment is very hard to use on a dog with dry sensitive eyes(my dobes tear ducts dont work either). Eye drops from a chemist is basically saline solution and a few other things added that not only wet the eyes, but help produce tears to flush out whatever is irritating the eye. There is also a product avail from the vet but it is very expensive and they make it specially for the dog in question to avoid bad reactions. Keep trying with the gel tho because it has anti bacterial and antibiotic properties to help keep the tear duct working and it may prevent dry eyes becoming a permanent problem. Unfortunately there is no way to make it easier to use the gel as the more you restrain the dog to put it in the more they will hate it and fight you.

Answer 3

Yes you absolutely can use artificial tears for dry eye. Doing that is fine, you will have to do it very often as your dog isn't producing its own. I know the cyclosporine that the vet gave you is very expensive, it does stimulate tear formation but they can become a bit acclimated to it and it will not work as well, (that has been my experience anyway).

Answer 4

It should be fine, but whenever you have a question like this just call a vet and ask.