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Can I safely use over-the-counter human lubricant eye drops on my dog?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 50 lbs

Can you use lubricant eye drops on dogs. polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Meredith L. Voyles, DVM, DAVCO

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist

Published on July 14th, 2018

Most all over the counter ocular lubricants are safe for dogs. I would not recommend using anything that is supposed to reduce redness because this could mask an underlying problem.
If your dog seems irritated by the drops, he may be sensitive to one of the ingredients in the drops, and I would not continue use.
If your dog has been diagnosed with an eye problem (dry eye, corneal ulcer), always check with your veterinarian regarding any additional ocular lubricants that you may be giving. There may be a better alternative that your vet can provide!

21Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 15th, 2018
No do not put visine in your dog's eye. The active ingredient in visine has not been approved for use in dogs. Furthermore it works by constricting blood vessels to reduce redness and will do little for dry eye. If you have a diagnosis of dry eye from your vet you should use their treatment recconendation which will likely be remind dry eye drops or optimune. If you are yet to go to the vet you could use a product such as visco tears to lubricate the eyes in the mean time but a thorough ophthalmic exam is imperative in case there is a serious ocular condition present.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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