Can I Use Refresh Eye Drops On My Dog?

Refresh eye drops are artificial tear solutions used on humans as well as dogs and cats in the treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eyes to soothe irritated and inflamed eyes, protect exposed eyes, and replenish aqueous tear production. When there is a decline in tear production, KCS develops. This can result in persistent inflammation of the eye, which can eventually lead to visual loss.

Refresh tears for dogs instantly lubricate and moisturize the eyes, resulting in temporary relief from mild symptoms of eye dryness.

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Preservatives are present in most artificial tear solutions, but there are others that are preservative-free. Preservative-free solutions are thought to be milder and produce less corneal irritation, especially when used for a long time. Some Refresh eye drops contain no preservatives making them one of the best eye solutions in the world today. They are usually branded as “preservative-free”.

Artificial tear treatments like Refresh Tears solutions are available over-the-counter. They don’t require a prescription, but they should only be used under the direction and care of a veterinarian. Although artificial tear solutions have not been approved for usage in animals, they can be used off-label and have proven to be effective on dogs and cats.

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Refresh tears for dogs solutions are available in a variety of forms that aim to replicate the normal corneal tear film and replace components of the natural tear film.

Precautions and Side Effects Of Refresh Eye Drops For Dogs And Cats

Refresh eye drops, while generally safe and effective, might still induce negative effects in some dogs and cats even when administered under the guidance of a veterinarian. Therefore, animals with a known reactivity or allergy to the medication or any of its components should not be given Refresh eye drops.

If the solution causes eye irritation and redness, eye pain, or a worsening of the volume of ocular discharge or persists for more than 72 hours., it should be stopped and your veterinarian should be contacted immediately.

To avoid contamination of the container, avoid touching the dropper tip to the surface of the eyelids or eye of your pet.

This solution is for external use only. If the solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use it.

Other water-soluble eye medicines are generally compatible with most artificial tear solutions. There are no known pharmacological interactions between them and other medications.

The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

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Refresh Eye Drops Dosage For Dogs And Cats

Because the contact period of Refresh eye drops and other artificial tear solutions with the surface of the eye is so short (just a few minutes), severe dry eye may require administration of the eye drops every 1 to 4 hours. In fact, Refresh eye solutions are traditionally given as needed to reduce mucus production and keep the dog or cat comfortable.

The length and frequency of application are determined by the severity of the ailment, the desired level of lubrication, and the emergence of any negative effects. Never commence any form of medication on your dog or cat without first consulting your veterinarian.

Dry eyes in dogs can also be treated with Refresh eye drops
Dry eyes in dogs can also be treated with Refresh eye drops

Why Refresh Eye Drops?

The best thing about Refresh eye drops is that they are very effective and fast in action. The second one is that they are very gentle on the eye and very easy to use. They are generally considered safe for humans, dogs, cats, and similar pets. Lastly, they can be gotten over-the-counter (that is, without a prescription). Refresh eye drops are also very affordable!

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Different Brands Of Refresh Eye Drops (Preservative-free)

There are different brands of refresh eye drops but for the purpose of this article, we will limit it to only the ones that are preservative-free and are artificial tears solutions. They are:

Refresh Plus

Refresh Plus Preservative-free formula lubricates eyes for temporary relief from mild symptoms of eye dryness.

Refresh Classic

Refresh Classic Preservative-free formula lubricates eyes for temporary relief from mild symptoms of eye dryness.

Refresh Digital PF

Refresh Digital PF Preservative-free formula acts fast to relieve mild to moderate symptoms of eye dryness from digital device use. Protects tears from evaporating due to incomplete blinking.

Refresh Relieva PF

Refresh Relieva PF is an Innovative preservative-free formula with HydroCell™ technology. Designed not only to relieve mild to moderate symptoms of eye dryness but also to prevent further irritation.

Refresh Relieva PF Multidose

Refresh Relieva PF Multidose is an Innovative preservative-free formula with HydroCell™ technology in a patented multidose bottle. Designed not only to relieve mild to moderate symptoms of eye dryness but also to prevent further irritation.

Refresh Optive Mega-3

Refresh Optive Mega-3 is a Preservative-free formula with Flaxseed Oil (inactive ingredient) and HydroCell™ technology. Provides extended relief and comfort for moderate symptoms of eye dryness due to lipid layer deficiency.

Refresh Optive PF

Refresh Optive PF is a Preservative-free dual-action formula that lubricates and hydrates eyes for temporary relief from mild symptoms of eye dryness.

Refresh Optive Advanced PF

Refresh Optive Advanced PF is a Triple-action relief preservative-free drops with HydroCell™ technology that lubricate, hydrate, and protect eyes from mild to moderate symptoms of eye dryness.

There are other brands of Refresh eye drops which you can find on their official website.

Other Brands Of Artificial Tear Solutions

Asides from Refresh tears eye drops, there are other artificial tear solutions that are equally good for soothing irritated and inflamed eyes, protecting exposed eyes, and replenishing aqueous tear production. However, you need to be sure they do not contain any preservatives. They are:

  • Murocel (Bausch & Lomb)
  • Refresh Plus (Allergan)
  • Celluvisc
  • GenTeal Lubricant Eye Gel and many others.

Various generic formulations are also available.

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Are Lubricating Eye Drops Safe For Dogs?

Lubricating eye drops are normally safe for dogs too but some lubricating eye drops contain preservatives that might not be suitable for your pet. Therefore, it is paramount you use preservative-free lubricating eye drops for your dog and cat too. They are very safe. An example of a lubricating eye drop that does not contain any preservative is Refresh eye drops.

Are Refresh Eye Drops Safe?

Refresh eye drops are safe for humans, dogs, and cats too. It is an artificial tear solution that mimics natural tears. It is used on humans, dogs, and cats for the treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) to soothe irritated and inflamed eyes, protect exposed eyes, and replenish aqueous tear production.

Do You Need a Prescription For Refresh Eye Drops?

No, you don’t need a prescription for Refresh eye drops. Refresh eye drops are over-the-counter eye drops that you can easily use to keep the eye moist and comfortable. It is fast in action, gentle on the eye, easy to use, and very affordable.

Can I Use Refresh Eye Drops Everyday On My Dog?

Yes, Refresh eye drops can be used every day on your dog for as long as needed.

Is Refresh Eye Drop Preservative-free?

Yes. Refresh eye drops are gentle enough for sensitive eyes and can be used even after eye surgery because it is preservative-free.

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Conclusion

Can I use Refresh eye drops on my dog? The simplest answer is YES. There’s nothing wrong with giving your dog human artificial tears eye drops, such as Refresh eye drops. These are well-made, approved, and ideal eye solutions to treat minor eye issues (especially dry eyes) in your dog.

It’s still crucial to read the directions on the leaflet and apply the eye drops correctly, so keep that in mind. And it is always a very good idea to consult your veterinarian first.

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