By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A dog with dry eye often looks like it has a stubborn eye infection: thick yellow or green discharge, red eyes, and owners wiping goop away several times a day. The discharge comes back because the real problem is not infection but a lack of tears. Without that protective film, the cornea becomes inflamed, scarred and prone to painful ulcers. Treated early and consistently, most dogs keep comfortable, functional eyes.
Key takeaways
- Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), means the eyes produce too little of the watery part of tears.
- Thick, sticky, recurring discharge is the classic sign, along with redness and a dull cornea.
- The most common cause is the immune system attacking the tear glands.
- Breeds at higher risk include West Highland White Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pugs and Bulldogs.
- A quick, painless tear test confirms it, and lifelong treatment is usually needed.
Why dogs get dry eye
- Immune-mediated: the most common cause. The immune system gradually destroys the tear-producing glands.
- Certain medicines: some medicines, including some antibiotics, can reduce tear production in some dogs.
- Nerve damage: damage to the nerve supplying the tear gland can cause a dry eye, often with a dry nostril on the same side.
- Cherry eye surgery: removing the third eyelid gland, an older approach to cherry eye, raises the risk. Modern surgery repositions it instead. See our article on cherry eye in dogs.
- Infections, hormonal conditions and ageing can also contribute.
Signs to watch for
- Thick, sticky, yellow or green discharge that keeps returning
- Red, inflamed eyes and eyelids
- A dull, dry-looking or cloudy cornea instead of a glossy surface
- Brown pigment or blood vessels growing across the cornea in long-standing cases
- Squinting, blinking a lot or rubbing the eyes
- Recurrent eye infections or ulcers
- Reduced vision in advanced cases
Dry eye is often mistaken for conjunctivitis. If discharge keeps coming back after treatment, ask your vet about a tear test. Our article on conjunctivitis in dogs explains the difference.
When to see a vet
Same day: squinting, a cloudy area on the eye, sudden pain, or an eye held shut. These can mean a corneal ulcer, which can worsen quickly.
Within a few days: recurring sticky discharge, red eyes, or a dull-looking cornea.
Regular reviews: dogs with diagnosed dry eye need rechecks to monitor tear production and the cornea, as your vet advises.
How vets diagnose dry eye
The Schirmer tear test is the key test. A small strip of paper is placed under the lower eyelid for one minute to measure tear production. It is quick and painless. Your vet will also stain the eye with a fluorescent dye to look for ulcers, and examine the cornea and eyelids. Tests for underlying causes may be suggested if needed.
Treatment overview
Treatment usually combines:
- Tear-stimulating medication: prescription eye ointments or drops that dampen the immune attack on the tear glands and help them produce tears again. These often take several weeks to show their full effect.
- Tear replacements: lubricating drops or gels to protect the eye while tear production improves, often used several times daily.
- Treating infection and inflammation: your vet may prescribe medicated drops when needed.
- Surgery: in severe cases that do not respond to medication, a specialist may offer a procedure that redirects a salivary duct to moisten the eye.
Most dogs need treatment for life. Stopping drops usually lets the problem return.
Caring for your dog's eyes at home
- Give eye medications exactly as directed, and try to keep a consistent routine.
- Gently clean discharge away with a soft cloth or cotton pad moistened with sterile saline before applying medication.
- Wash your hands before and after.
- Leave a few minutes between different eye products, unless your vet says otherwise.
- Avoid using leftover eye medications, especially ones containing steroids, which can worsen an ulcer.
Prevention
Immune-mediated dry eye cannot be prevented, but early detection helps preserve the cornea. If your dog is a higher-risk breed, mention any discharge or redness at check-ups and ask about tear testing. If your dog starts a new medication and develops sticky eyes, call your vet.
FAQ
Is dry eye painful?
It can be uncomfortable to very painful, particularly when ulcers develop. Treatment usually brings significant relief.
Can dry eye cause blindness?
Untreated, scarring and pigment can spread across the cornea and reduce vision. Consistent treatment helps prevent this.
Can I use human eye drops?
Some lubricating drops may be used under vet guidance, but always check first. Medicated human drops can harm dogs' eyes.
How long until treatment works?
Many dogs improve within a few weeks, but it can take longer. Your vet will recheck tear production.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has sticky discharge that keeps coming back, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk through what you are seeing and help you plan an eye check with your clinic. Chat with Dial A Vet. A painful, cloudy or injured eye needs an in-person vet the same day, and emergencies need an emergency clinic.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO): Dry eye owner information
- Gelatt, Veterinary Ophthalmology (textbook)
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Canine eye health resources
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
