Home Remedies for a Dog's Dry Eyes

Dogs can get dry eyes for a variety of reasons, including a genetic defect in the eyes, an injury to the eyes, allergies or a tear-duct condition called "dry eye" (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). According to Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, dog breeds most affected with dry eye include West Highland White Terriers, Boston terriers, cocker spaniels, bulldogs and Lhasa apsos. You will need to see a vet to determine why the dog has dry eyes.

Although they sound harsh, over-the-counter eye scrubs for people are gentler on pet eyes than water. They are usually located in the section of the store with contact lens products. The Doctors Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats says that the directions written for humans on the eye scrub bottle or box work just as well for dogs. Use as needed, which can be up to several times a day.

Take a soft, clean cloth and soak it in lukewarm water, then wring out and hold across your dog's eyes for 5 minutes. Or do one eye at a time, if the dog does not like to be temporarily blinded. You can also use a cooled, wet, chamomile teabag over one eye at a time. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. However, it's also related to ragweed, so only use on dogs that do not have ragweed allergies. If you prefer, add a few drops of cooled chamomile tea to a regular water compress.

Artificial tears for humans also work for dogs, according to The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats. This can help not only keep the eye moist, but also clean off the surface of the eye, which may remove anything further irritating your dog. There are artificial tears made just for dogs, but they tend to be more expensive. Use several times a day.

In order to help keep the eyes as moist as possible, have your dog wear goggles for dogs ("doggles"). Doggles keep material from going into the eye and causing further irritation. If your dog likes to ride in the car, keep the windows rolled up so the wind doesn't dry his eyes and fling grit into them. Dog goggles are available at all pet stores, but some people have improvised children's goggles for their dogs.

Treating dry eyes in dogs usually lasts the rest of the dog's life. If the dry eyes are caused by allergies, treating your dog's eyes will only be necessary when there is a flare-up. But if your dog has a defect of the eyes, eyelids or tear ducts, there may be no option but to have your dog undergo surgery to correct the problem.