Dry eye, medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is one of the most common eye conditions in dogs. It is caused by tear production that is too low, or by a decline in tear film quality. The tear film lubricates, moisturizes, and protects the surface of the eye. Tears are not just water, but a complex mixture that moisturizes and lubricates the eye surface and protects it from bacteria and impurities. If this natural protection is insufficient, the eyes become irritated and are easily exposed to inflammation and even painful corneal damage.
Symptoms often begin gradually. The eyes become red, watery, and produce discharge, and the consistency of the discharge often becomes thick and sticky. The dog may squint, rub its eyes with its paws, and seem uncomfortable overall. The hair at the corners of the eyes may darken. Over time, the cornea may lose its normal shine and become cloudy, which can impair vision. If prolonged and left untreated, dry eye can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring, which is both painful and dangerous for the dog’s eyesight.
Most often, the underlying cause of dry eye is the dog’s own immune system. In an autoimmune reaction, the body gradually begins to destroy the tear gland, and its secretory capacity declines. In certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, and Bulldogs, susceptibility is clearly higher than average, and the issue is linked to heredity. Certain medications, nerve damage, or previous eye diseases can also predispose the dog to the condition.
Diagnosis and treatment
A diagnosis of dry eye is confirmed by a veterinary examination, where tear production is measured using the Schirmer tear test. Treatment is based primarily on medicated eye drops that either stimulate tear production or replace what is missing in the form of artificial tears. Treatment is usually lifelong, but when carried out correctly, it can keep the eyes in good condition and prevent serious damage.
A dog can also show dry-eye-like symptoms without an actual disease, especially in winter. One of the most common reasons is dry indoor air. During the heating season, indoor humidity drops, which dries out both the airways and the mucous membranes of the eyes. Outdoor activity in cold weather also exposes the eyes: freezing air evaporates tears faster than usual, and if wind picks up, the eye surface dries and becomes even more irritated. Snow and ice reflect bright light, which can increase the sensation of irritation and accelerate the evaporation of the tear film that protects the surface of the eye.
Dryness can also be aggravated by long car rides, because the dry air circulated by heating and air conditioning dries the eyes in much the same way as it does in humans. In addition, age plays a role: in older dogs, tear production naturally decreases, so winter environmental conditions can make dry-eye symptoms more pronounced.
Nutrition has an important supportive role in the management and prevention of dry eye. Sea buckthorn oil and other oils that contain omega fatty acids can help moisturize the mucous membranes of the eyes and reduce inflammation, which makes them a natural part of supporting and preventing dry eye in dogs. Sea buckthorn oil in particular is an interesting and researched supplement to support dry eye. It contains high levels of omega-7 fatty acids and antioxidants, which have been found to support mucosal moisture balance and tear film quality.
Sea buckthorn oil has been used in humans for dry eye with promising results, and its benefits may also extend to canine wellbeing. In addition, vitamin E and other natural antioxidants complement the overall approach by protecting the eyes’ sensitive tissues from oxidative stress.
Dry eye is therefore not merely a cosmetic issue. It affects a dog’s everyday comfort and, in the worst case, can lead to permanent eye damage. Correct treatment, combined with nutritional support, can nevertheless restore a clear, bright gaze and significantly improve a dog’s quality of life.
If left untreated, dry eye is painful for the dog and can even threaten vision. However, its symptoms are easy to recognize: red, discharge-producing, and irritated eyes.
Sources:
Dodi, P. L. (2015). Immune-mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs: current perspectives on management.
Williams, D. L. (2008). Immunopathogenesis of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in the Dog
Diagnosis & Treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in Dogs, Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Bouras, K. et al. (2017). Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Seed Oil on an Experimental Model of Hypertensive Retinopathy in Wistar Rats
Chan, L. P. et al. (2024). Efficacy of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Oil vis-a-vis Other Standard Drugs for Management of Gastric Ulceration and Erosions in Dogs
Dogra, R. et al. (2013). Efficacy of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Oil vis-a-vis Other Standard Drugs for Management of Gastric Ulceration and Erosions in Dogs
