A friends westy has dry eye and allthough her vet has given her eye drops to use twice a day, she is finding it impossible to use it on her as her dog wont hold still for her and she is finding it hard to hold her and do the drops. I got a call last night asking if i could go up and help as she hadent been able to do it and her eye was bad, so i went up and the fur around her eye had got all stuck tougher so i had to remove that first and gave it a quick trim and gave her the drops, vet also says she has an ear infection so i also did the ear drops as well. Ill now be stopping by on my way home from afternoon work so she can at least get one of the doses a day. The poor dog was so stressed after and wouldnt come anywhere near me after, she just doesnt want anyone near her eye. He owner is going to get some tasty treats for next time.

Can anyone suggest anything else to help the with the dry eye?

Surgery can help. They redirect salivary glands so they keep the eyes moist. Apparently the only drawback is that if the dog drools, the eyes will really water. Sounds like it would be the easier option. Obviously if the eye gets too dry the dog could end up losing it so it is very important to keep up with the drops.

If right handed...cocktail sausage in left hand - in right hand drops poised over head near the eye.
The dogs looks up when sausage or any treat  is raised above head level - and is taught to 'Wait for it' ( this will be an ongoing treatment so teaching a non stressful way of delivery is essential) - as the drop is administered from a few inches above the eye.
The drug container should never come into contact with the eye to avoid cross contamination and/or injury.

Works for all drops except thick ointments which need to be run along the eye rim.

thank you, went around yesterday and it all went much better, the westy sat on her owners lap and i got they eye drops and ear drops done in seconds with no fuss :) , looks like the fur being stuck around her eye the last time was what had realy stressed her out. I will suggest the saussage training and say about the surgery allthough the dog is about 14years so she may not want to put her through surgery, but ill let her know it is possible.

To help keep the eyes clean, try Euphrasia. 4/5 drops in a cup of cooled boiled water and wipe the eyes three times a day.