Viscous solutions or gels containing carboxymethylcellulose, hyaluronic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, or petrolatum that supplement or replace the precorneal tear film, providing lubrication and protection to the ocular surface.
At a glance
Class
Ophthalmic Lubricant
Storage
Store at room temperature; most single-use vials — discard after use; multi-dose discard per label (usually 28 days)
Dosing
First-line treatment for mild KCS, corneal dryness, and exposure keratitis
Frequency
As needed (q4–12h)
Used for KCS, chronic herpesvirus keratitis supportive care, and post-anesthetic
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Schirmer Tear Test (STT) monthly in KCS patientsCorneal surface integrity
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Artificial Tears?
Artificial Tears is a ophthalmic lubricant used in pets. Viscous solutions or gels containing carboxymethylcellulose, hyaluronic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, or petrolatum that supplement or replace the precorneal tear film, providing lubrication and protection to the ocular surface.
›What is Artificial Tears used for in pets?
Artificial Tears is used in veterinary medicine for: First-line treatment for mild KCS, corneal dryness, and exposure keratitis; Used for KCS, chronic herpesvirus keratitis supportive care, and post-anesthetic.
›What is the Artificial Tears dose for dogs?
For dogs, Artificial Tears is typically dosed as follows — First-line treatment for mild KCS, corneal dryness, and exposure keratitis: undefined undefined Ophthalmic As needed (q4–12h). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Artificial Tears dose for cats?
For cats, Artificial Tears is typically dosed as follows — Used for KCS, chronic herpesvirus keratitis supportive care, and post-anesthetic: undefined undefined Ophthalmic As needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Artificial Tears need a prescription?
Artificial Tears is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database