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Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, KCS) in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.

The “dry eye” or Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition in dogs where the tear glands do not produce enough tear fluid, leading to a dry and inflamed eye surface.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Tear fluid is crucial for the health of the eye surface. It consists of three layers: an oilier outer layer, a watery middle layer, and a mucous inner layer. Each of these layers has a specific function and provides the eye with necessary nutrients, protects against infections, and keeps the eye surface smooth.

A disturbance in the production or composition of this tear fluid can lead to the development of KCS. Often, the watery component is reduced, leading to inadequate moistening of the eye surface.

The causes of KCS can be diverse. A common cause is an autoimmune reaction, in which the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. attacks and damages its own tear glands. This form of KCS is particularly common in certain dog breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, and Shih Tzus.

Other causes can include infections, certain medications, systemic diseases, or surgical procedures that affect the nerve supply to the tear glands. Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism can also play a role.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Redness of the eyes: The eyes appear red and irritated due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea.
Eye discharge: There may be viscous, slimy, or purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. discharge, often seen in the corners of the eyes.
Forced blinking: Dogs blink more frequently or squint because the eye surface is irritated and dry.
Corneal opacity: The cornea may appear milky or cloudy, indicating damage from dryness.
Crusted eyelids: Especially in the morning, the eyelids may be stuck together or crusted.
Pain sensitivity: Dogs may react sensitively to touch and generally show painful behavior in the area of the eyes.

When to visit the vet?

A visit to the veterinarian is necessary as soon as symptoms of dry eye are noticed, as early treatment is crucial to avoid permanent damage to the cornea. Untreated, KCS can lead to serious complications such as ulcers or even loss of vision.

If the dog shows signs of pain such as frequent blinking, rubbing of the eyes, or light sensitivity, the veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Also, a sudden loss of vision or significant clouding of the cornea requires immediate veterinary assistance.

Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures

A pet owner can recognize symptoms such as redness, discharge, and frequent blinking. However, the exact diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by the veterinarian, who performs specific tests to assess tear production. The Schirmer tear test is a simple and effective method in which a special paper strip is hung in the eyelids to measure the amount of tear fluid produced.

In addition, the veterinarian can use a fluorescent solution to visualize possible damage or ulcers on the cornea. A comprehensive eye examination helps to rule out other eye diseases that could cause similar symptoms.

In some cases, blood tests or further diagnostic procedures may be necessary to identify systemic causes or underlying diseases that may contribute to KCS.

What can pet owners do and professional therapy options

As a first measure, the pet owner can use artificial tear substitutes, which help to moisten the eye surface. However, these should only be considered as a short-term solution and do not replace the need for veterinary intervention.

It is important to keep the dog’s eyes clean by gently removing excess discharge with a soft, damp cloth. This can help prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Some environmental adjustments can also be helpful, such as avoiding drafts or dry air in the dog’s environment. A humidifier can help increase humidity indoors.

Long-term treatment and management of KCS requires collaboration with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate medication and treatment strategy. Anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. and immunomodulatorsImmunomodulators are substances that affect the immune system by increasing or decreasing its activity. They are used in dogs and cats to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, or as cancer therapy. are often prescribed to stimulate tear production and reduce inflammation.

Outlook on current research

Current research on Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs focuses on improving diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches to treat this disease. One of the innovative developments in diagnostics is the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as high-resolution optical coherence tomography, which allows a detailed representation of the tear film structure. These techniques offer a more precise diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of the severity of the disease and can help to better tailor individual treatment.

In the treatment of KCS, research focuses on the development of new drugs that can stimulate tear production. A promising approach is the use of immunomodulatorsImmunomodulators are substances that affect the immune system by increasing or decreasing its activity. They are used in dogs and cats to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, or as cancer therapy., which not only relieve the symptoms but also act on the inflammatory processes that cause KCS. These drugs are designed to improve the function of the tear glands and reduce inflammation, leading to better control of the disease in the long term.

Another exciting research approach is the use of stem cell therapies, which have the potential to regenerate damaged glandular tissue. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. studies show promising results, with a significant improvement in tear production observed in treated dogs. This therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. could represent a long-term solution for dogs suffering from severe KCS who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Research in the field of genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. of KCS also provides valuable insights. By identifying genetic markers associated with a higher risk of developing KCS, preventive measures could be developed. This could be particularly important for breeding dogs to reduce the spread of the disease in certain breeds.

In summary, current research on KCS in dogs is progressing on several fronts, with the aim of providing better diagnostic tools and more effective treatments. These advances could lead to significant improvements in the quality of life of dogs with KCS in the near future.

Frequently asked questions

What is dry eye in dogs? Dry eye, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a condition in which tear production is reduced, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the eye surface.
How do I know if my dog has dry eye? Symptoms of dry eye in dogs include redness of the eyes, frequent blinking, eye discharge, eyelid edemaAn edema is a buildup of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to Swelling. Edema can be localized or generalized and is often a sign of an underlying condition., and visible discomfort or rubbing of the eyes.
What causes dry eye in dogs? Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases., autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus., infections, or as a side effectA side effect is an unwanted reaction to a medication or treatment. In animals, side effects can range from mild and temporary to severe and potentially life-threatening. of certain medications.
Which dogs are most often affected by dry eye? Certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, are genetically more susceptible to developing KCS. Older dogs are also at higher risk.
How is dry eye diagnosed in dogs? The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by a Schirmer tear test, in which the production of tear fluid is measured using a special test strip, as well as by a thorough eye examination by a veterinarian.
What treatment options are there for dry eye in dogs? Treatment often includes the regular use of eye drops or gels that stimulate tear production or moisturize the eyes, as well as, in some cases, the administration of anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain..
Can dry eye be cured in dogs? Dry eye can be effectively treated in many cases, but not always cured. Most dogs require continuous treatment to control symptoms and avoid complications.
Are there natural remedies for dry eye in dogs? Some owners use natural approaches such as giving omega-3 fatty acids to support tear production. However, it is important to discuss such approaches with a veterinarian to ensure that they are safe and effective.
What complications can occur with untreated dry eye? Untreated dry eye can lead to serious complications, including chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. ocular inflammation, ulcers on the cornea, and in extreme cases, blindness.
How can I help my dog with dry eye? In addition to medical treatment, you can help your dog by regularly cleaning his eyes, watching for signs of deterioration, and making sure he lives in an environment that is free of irritants such as smoke or dust.