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
Safety
Schirmer Tear Test (STT) monthly in KCS patientsCorneal surface integrity
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.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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