Dry Eye Syndrome - Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)
Are crusty, dry eyes tormenting your pet? Just like us, pets can sometimes experience dry eyes simply because they are dehydrated, have been in windy conditions, are sick, or perhaps as a side effect of medications. However, there is also a medical condition called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or more simply dry eye syndrome that causes dry eyes in the absence of any other cause. Is your pet suffering dry eyes for any reason? Check out the natural dry eye remedies from Earth Clinic listed below!
Of course, dry eye in dogs and other pets could be the result of allergies - pets get them too! - and allergy medicine for dogs is available, though we suggest looking for alternative medicine options for pet allergies instead. In the case of KCS, a lack of tears, redness in the eyes, and excessive blinking is the result of an imbalance between the mucus and aqueous layers of the dog's tear ducts. As a consequence, the dog's eyes are moistened by a "tear" that is thicker and more mucous-like than the eye needs.
Home Remedies for Dry Eye in Dogs, Cats, and More
Artificial tear drops and ointments are available to supplement your pet's natural tears. However, home remedies can also help. In the case of KCS, saline drops are not advised but these can help other dogs with dry eye conditions. Improved nutrition and hydration may help your pet, and one natural cure you might try is cod liver oil applied directly to the eye or any sort of omega-3 supplement added to your pet's diet.
