Tear stains are a common issue many dog owners face, especially with light-colored dogs. These brown or reddish marks under a dog’s eyes can look bad and signal other health problems.
But what causes tear stains, and how can you stop or treat them? In this post, we’ll explain some of the main reasons, like porphyrins, allergies, and blocked tear ducts, and share simple ways to keep your dog’s face clean. Let’s get started!
What Are Tear Stains?
Tear stains are dark, reddish-brown marks under the dog’s eyes. They happen when too many tears run down a dog’s face and stain their fur. This is more visible in dogs with light-colored coats, but it can happen to any breed. Tear stains are often just a cosmetic issue, but they can sometimes be related to health problems, like eye irritation, allergies, or blocked tear ducts. If your dog has tear stains, it’s important to understand the causes and how to treat them to keep your dog healthy and looking their best.
Common Causes of Tear Stains
Tear stains can be caused by many things, from natural tear production to specific health or environmental issues. Understanding these causes can help you better manage and prevent tear stains in your dog. Below are some of the most common reasons why tear stains develop:
1. Excessive Tear Production (Epiphora)
Epiphora is when a dog’s eyes produce too many tears, which can overflow and cause tear stains. This can happen for several reasons, like irritation from dust, hair around the eyes, or even eye infections. Sometimes, a dog’s tear ducts don’t drain tears properly, which leads to extra moisture that stains the fur. If your dog’s eyes are constantly watery, it’s important to figure out the cause so you can prevent tear stains and keep their eyes healthy.
2. Porphyrins in Tears
Porphyrins are natural compounds found in a dog’s tears, saliva, and urine. They contain iron, and when they come into contact with light, they can cause reddish-brown stains on a dog’s fur, especially under the eyes. Tear stains become more visible because of these porphyrins. Even though all dogs have porphyrins, those with lighter fur or excessive tearing may show the stains more clearly.
3. Breed Susceptibility
Some dog breeds are more likely to develop tear stains because of the shape of their eyes and faces. Breeds with shorter noses and flat faces, like Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Bulldogs, often have shallow eye sockets or misaligned tear ducts, which can lead to excessive tearing. Breeds with long hair around the eyes, like Maltese and Bichon Frise, are also more prone to tear stains because the hair can trap moisture.
4. Diet and Water Quality
What your dog eats and drinks can also play a role in tear staining. Poor-quality dog food, especially those with a lot of additives, fillers, or artificial colors, can cause allergic reactions or inflammation that leads to excessive tearing. Also, the quality of your dog’s water matters. Tap water, which can contain minerals like iron, can contribute to tear stains.
Pathological Causes of Tear Stains
Tear stains can also be related to various health problems. If your dog has persistent tear stains even after good grooming and care, it could be because of some medical issues that need attention. Here are some pathological causes that can lead to tear staining:
1. Eye Issues
Different eye problems can cause excessive tearing, which leads to tear stains. Conditions such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye’s outer membrane) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) can irritate the eyes, making them water more than usual. Other issues, like infections or injuries, can also cause increased tear production. If your dog shows signs of redness, swelling, or discomfort around the eyes, it’s important to talk to a vet. Early diagnosis and treatment can help solve these issues and reduce tear staining.
2. Entropion or Distichiasis
Entropion and distichiasis are two eye conditions that can lead to excessive tearing and tear stains. Entropion happens when a dog’s eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This irritation can result in increased tear production because the eye tries to flush out the discomfort.
Distichiasis is when extra eyelashes grow from the eyelid margin, also rubbing against the eye and causing irritation.
Both conditions can lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort for your dog. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to see a vet. They can diagnose the issue and recommend treatment, which may include surgery to correct the eyelid position or remove the extra eyelashes, which would help to reduce tear staining and improve your dog’s comfort.
How to Prevent and Treat Tear Stains
Preventing and treating tear stains is important for keeping your dog looking and feeling healthy. With a few simple steps, you can help reduce the appearance of tear stains and address any underlying issues. Here are some effective ways to treat tear stains:
1. Daily Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your dog’s face is one of the most effective ways to prevent tear stains. Use a soft, damp cloth or a cotton ball to gently wipe away any tears and moisture around the eyes. This will help remove the porphyrins that cause staining before they have a chance to set in. Make it a part of your daily grooming routine to keep the area clean and dry. You can also use warm water or specially formulated pet-safe eye wipes to help with the cleaning. Consistency is key because daily cleaning can significantly reduce the appearance of tear stains over time.
2. Trimming Hair Around Eyes
Keeping the hair around your dog’s eyes trimmed can also help reduce tear stains. Long hair can trap moisture and irritate the eyes, leading to increased tearing. By trimming this hair regularly, you allow for better airflow and less buildup of tears. Make sure to use scissors designed for pet grooming and be very careful not to cut too close to the skin or the eye itself. If you’re not sure how to trim, you can take your dog to a professional groomer.
3. Dietary Adjustments
As we mentioned above, making changes to your dog’s diet can help reduce tear stains. Feeding your dog high-quality, nutritious food can improve their overall health and minimize allergic reactions that can lead to excessive tearing. Look for dog food that has natural ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or fillers. Additionally, think about switching to filtered or distilled water instead of tap water, because this can reduce the minerals that contribute to staining. If you think your dog has food allergies, talk to your vet about trying an elimination diet to find any specific triggers. A balanced diet can play a significant role in managing tear stains and supporting your dog’s well-being.
4. Use of Tear Stain Removers
There are many tear stain removers available specifically designed to help reduce or eliminate stains on your dog’s fur. These products come in various forms, including wipes, gels, and powders. When choosing a tear stain remover, look for safe, pet-friendly options that don’t have any harsh chemicals.
Before applying any product, it’s a good idea to read the instructions carefully and do a patch test on a small area of your dog’s skin to ensure there’s no irritation. Using tear stain removers regularly, along with other preventive measures, can help keep your dog’s face clean and stain-free. If you don’t see improvement after using these products, talk to your vet for further advice and potential treatments.
When to See a Vet
If your dog has persistent tear stains despite your best efforts to manage them, it’s important to consult a vet. You should also seek vet advice if you notice any of the following signs:
- Redness or Swelling: If the area around your dog’s eyes appears red, swollen, or irritated, this could mean your dog has an infection or other eye issues that need treatment.
- Excessive Tearing: If your dog’s eyes are constantly watering, this could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a blocked tear duct or eye disease.
- Discomfort or Pain: If your dog seems to be in pain, is rubbing their eyes often, or squinting, it’s crucial to get them checked by a vet.
- Changes in Behavior: Any changes in your dog’s behavior, like not wanting to play or becoming more tired, might indicate a health issue.
FAQs Section
If you have more questions about tear stains in dogs, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you understand tear stains better:
1. Do tear stains smell?
Tear stains themselves don’t usually smell, but if they are not cleaned regularly, they can get dirty and may start to smell. It’s a good idea to keep the area around your dog’s eyes clean to prevent any odors.
2. Can tear stains affect my dog’s vision?
Tear stains usually don’t affect your dog’s vision but if the stains come from problems like eye irritation or blocked tear ducts, those issues could affect their sight. If you see any changes in your dog’s eyes or how they act, it’s best to check with your vet to be safe.
3. Are dog tear stains permanent?
Dog tear stains are not necessarily permanent. With proper care, such as regular cleaning and dietary changes, you can significantly reduce their appearance. However, if the main reason for the extra tearing isn’t treated, the stains might keep coming back. If you’re worried about ongoing tear stains, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet for help.
Conclusion
Tear stains in dogs can be a common worry for pet owners, but knowing what causes them and taking steps to prevent them can make a big difference. Tear stains can happen for many reasons, such as too much tearing, the presence of porphyrins in tears, certain breeds being more prone to stains, or health problems.
Regular cleaning and grooming, changing their diet, and using safe tear stain removers are all good ways to manage and reduce tear stains. If you see ongoing issues or any signs that your dog is uncomfortable, it’s important to talk to your vet for advice.
If you’re also dealing with other types of stains on your dog’s fur, check out our guide How to Remove Brown Stains from White Dog Fur. It offers helpful tips on keeping your dog’s coat looking bright and clean.
