Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment
Optimmune is a prescription cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that stands out as the tear-stimulant option on this list because it addresses underlying immune-mediated lacrimal dysfunction rather than only replacing tears. For canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) it is often costlier up front than over-the-counter lubricants here, but its disease-modifying effect can reduce long‑term medication needs and visits compared with purely palliative drops or gels.
Boosts tear production
Ointment longevity
Boosts tear production
Ointment longevity
Review Summary
"Owners report consistent improvement in tear production and corneal health with long-term Optimmune use; it’s effective for KCS but can be costly and sometimes causes transient irritation."
Tail-wagging relief
Contains cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that has been shown to stimulate tear production in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
Tail-wagging relief
Contains cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that has been shown to stimulate tear production in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Optimmune is a prescription cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that stands out as the tear-stimulant option on this list because it addresses underlying immune-mediated lacrimal dysfunction rather than only replacing tears. For canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) it is often costlier up front than over-the-counter lubricants here, but its disease-modifying effect can reduce long‑term medication needs and visits compared with purely palliative drops or gels.
Boosts tear production
Ointment longevity
Tail-wagging relief
Contains cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that has been shown to stimulate tear production in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
Ointment base provides prolonged ocular contact time, often used once or twice daily as directed by a veterinarian.
Boosts tear production
Ointment longevity
Tail-wagging relief
Contains cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment that has been shown to stimulate tear production in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).
Ointment base provides prolonged ocular contact time, often used once or twice daily as directed by a veterinarian.
$50-90 CAD
I-Drop Vet Plus
I-Drop Vet Plus is a veterinary-formulated, preservative-free lubricating drop designed for frequent use in dogs; its single-use vials reduce preservative-related irritation and make it a strong economical choice for chronic, high-frequency dosing. Compared with Optimmune it does not stimulate tear production but offers a safer, low-cost option for ongoing lubrication with fewer toxicity concerns than some multi-dose products.
Hyaluronic cushion
Quick soothing
Hyaluronic cushion
Quick soothing
Review Summary
"Users find I-Drop Vet Plus a gentle, preservative-free tear substitute that provides reliable lubrication for chronic dry eye, though frequent dosing and small bottle size are common complaints."
Paw-approved slick
Sterile, preservative-free ophthalmic lubricant formulated for animals to reduce irritation and contamination risk with frequent use.
Paw-approved slick
Sterile, preservative-free ophthalmic lubricant formulated for animals to reduce irritation and contamination risk with frequent use.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
I-Drop Vet Plus is a veterinary-formulated, preservative-free lubricating drop designed for frequent use in dogs; its single-use vials reduce preservative-related irritation and make it a strong economical choice for chronic, high-frequency dosing. Compared with Optimmune it does not stimulate tear production but offers a safer, low-cost option for ongoing lubrication with fewer toxicity concerns than some multi-dose products.
Hyaluronic cushion
Quick soothing
Paw-approved slick
Sterile, preservative-free ophthalmic lubricant formulated for animals to reduce irritation and contamination risk with frequent use.
Designed to provide immediate lubrication and comfort as an adjunct to tear-stimulant therapy.
Hyaluronic cushion
Quick soothing
Paw-approved slick
Sterile, preservative-free ophthalmic lubricant formulated for animals to reduce irritation and contamination risk with frequent use.
Designed to provide immediate lubrication and comfort as an adjunct to tear-stimulant therapy.
Remend Lubricating Eye Drops
Remend provides a thicker, longer-retaining lubricating formulation intended to bridge the performance gap between drops and ointments, offering extended surface protection for dogs with moderate tear deficiency. Technically it delivers longer contact time than standard aqueous drops like I-Drop Vet Plus and is a lower-cost alternative to prescription immunomodulators like Optimmune for symptomatic management.
Long-lasting relief
Preservative-free formula
Long-lasting relief
Preservative-free formula
Review Summary
"Many owners report Remend offers adequate, affordable short-term lubrication, but several users need more frequent applications and find it less long-lasting than gel formulations."
Snout-friendly calm
Formulated for symptomatic relief of chronic dry eye, helping to protect and hydrate the corneal surface.
Snout-friendly calm
Formulated for symptomatic relief of chronic dry eye, helping to protect and hydrate the corneal surface.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Remend provides a thicker, longer-retaining lubricating formulation intended to bridge the performance gap between drops and ointments, offering extended surface protection for dogs with moderate tear deficiency. Technically it delivers longer contact time than standard aqueous drops like I-Drop Vet Plus and is a lower-cost alternative to prescription immunomodulators like Optimmune for symptomatic management.
Long-lasting relief
Preservative-free formula
Snout-friendly calm
Formulated for symptomatic relief of chronic dry eye, helping to protect and hydrate the corneal surface.
Supports reduced friction and promotes a more stable tear film when used regularly alongside tear stimulants.
Long-lasting relief
Preservative-free formula
Snout-friendly calm
Formulated for symptomatic relief of chronic dry eye, helping to protect and hydrate the corneal surface.
Supports reduced friction and promotes a more stable tear film when used regularly alongside tear stimulants.
$25-40 CAD
Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops
Systane Ultra uses a proprietary polymer technology to create a longer-lasting tear film substitute that is widely available and backed by large-scale clinical use; this makes it a market-leader in retention time among drops and a practical choice when improved comfort and lower dosing frequency are desired. While not veterinary‑specific like I-Drop Vet Plus, its advanced formulation often provides superior symptomatic relief compared with basic aqueous lubricants and at a mid-range price point versus prescription agents.
Ultra hydration
Rapid comfort
Ultra hydration
Rapid comfort
Review Summary
"Systane Ultra is frequently praised for rapid relief and relatively long-lasting comfort when used off-label in dogs, though some report initial stinging and note it’s a human product."
Blink-friendly bounce
Dual-action lubricant drops that provide fast symptomatic relief for moderate dry eye through demulcent ingredients.
Blink-friendly bounce
Dual-action lubricant drops that provide fast symptomatic relief for moderate dry eye through demulcent ingredients.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Systane Ultra uses a proprietary polymer technology to create a longer-lasting tear film substitute that is widely available and backed by large-scale clinical use; this makes it a market-leader in retention time among drops and a practical choice when improved comfort and lower dosing frequency are desired. While not veterinary‑specific like I-Drop Vet Plus, its advanced formulation often provides superior symptomatic relief compared with basic aqueous lubricants and at a mid-range price point versus prescription agents.
Ultra hydration
Rapid comfort
Blink-friendly bounce
Dual-action lubricant drops that provide fast symptomatic relief for moderate dry eye through demulcent ingredients.
Widely available over the counter and inexpensive, making it useful for interim or adjunctive relief in dogs (veterinary approval recommended).
Ultra hydration
Rapid comfort
Blink-friendly bounce
Dual-action lubricant drops that provide fast symptomatic relief for moderate dry eye through demulcent ingredients.
Widely available over the counter and inexpensive, making it useful for interim or adjunctive relief in dogs (veterinary approval recommended).
Viscotears Liquid Gel
Viscotears Liquid Gel is a high-viscosity, gel-forming product intended for sustained lubrication and is particularly useful for nighttime or severe dry-eye episodes in dogs, offering the longest residence time of the non-prescription options. Financially it is attractive for pet owners needing intermittent but powerful relief because a small dose achieves prolonged effect, though it does not stimulate tear production like Optimmune and can be blurring immediately after application compared with thinner drops.
Gel coating
Overnight protection
Gel coating
Overnight protection
Review Summary
"Viscotears Liquid Gel is liked for its long-lasting, overnight lubrication and reduced dosing frequency, but some users experience temporary blurriness and stickiness after application."
Snooze-safe comfort
Thicker liquid-gel formulation designed for prolonged ocular retention and good nighttime protection for dry eyes.
Snooze-safe comfort
Thicker liquid-gel formulation designed for prolonged ocular retention and good nighttime protection for dry eyes.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Viscotears Liquid Gel is a high-viscosity, gel-forming product intended for sustained lubrication and is particularly useful for nighttime or severe dry-eye episodes in dogs, offering the longest residence time of the non-prescription options. Financially it is attractive for pet owners needing intermittent but powerful relief because a small dose achieves prolonged effect, though it does not stimulate tear production like Optimmune and can be blurring immediately after application compared with thinner drops.
Gel coating
Overnight protection
Snooze-safe comfort
Thicker liquid-gel formulation designed for prolonged ocular retention and good nighttime protection for dry eyes.
Provides extended lubrication for severe dryness, reducing the need for very frequent dosing during the day or overnight.
Gel coating
Overnight protection
Snooze-safe comfort
Thicker liquid-gel formulation designed for prolonged ocular retention and good nighttime protection for dry eyes.
Provides extended lubrication for severe dryness, reducing the need for very frequent dosing during the day or overnight.
$18-30 CAD