If you have a light-colored dog or one with a short nose or flat face, you’ve likely seen tear stains around their eyes. They occur on dogs with darker coats as well but are generally less noticeable. These reddish-brown marks are very common and affect a wide range of breeds. Tear stains can be due to underlying eye problems, but many times it is due to the shape of the dog’s eyelid or tear ducts, allergies, or excessive tear production. In many cases, it is not something to be overly concerned about, but you should check with your veterinarian.
The tears leave a reddish-brown streak due to an iron-containing particle called porphyrin. When the body breaks down red blood cells, it releases porphyrin in the saliva, urine, and tears. Normally tears drain through a duct inside the nose, but sometimes they’re released out of the tear ducts as well and leave these dark marks behind.
Cleaning Tear Stains
Your dog can’t see that it has tear stains, but you may find it aesthetically unappealing. There are a few different things you can try to remove these stains, and results vary from one dog to the next:
- Keep fur around their eyes and sides of their nose trimmed short.
- Gently wipe their fur using a warm washcloth and a dab of baby shampoo or dog shampoo. Make sure you wipe away from their eye and dry their fur afterward.
- Use a cleanser or wet wipe designed especially for tear stains.
- Clean and dry the folds and wrinkles near your dog’s eyes to remove bacteria and prevent skin infections.
- Talk to your veterinarian about medications or treatments to reduce excessive tear production or tear staining.
Preventing Tear Stains
Eliminating tear staining permanently is unrealistic in many cases, but there are ways you can reduce stains and lessen their appearance.
- If your dog has allergies, minimize exposure to any triggers. Using air filters in your home and switching from plastic to metal or ceramic bowls may help.
- Give your dog filtered or distilled water to drink instead of tap water. Tap water may contain a variety of minerals that can contribute to tear staining.
- Feed your dog a well-balanced diet. Check the ingredients in their food to make sure it doesn’t contain common allergens. Adding probiotics to their diet may help as well and can also boost their immune system.
Remember that stains are very common in a variety of breeds such as the Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Dachshunds, Bulldog, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and many Terriers and Retrievers. If your dog suddenly develops tear stains or excessive tearing and did not have this issue before, talk to their veterinarian.
Keep your dog looking and feeling their best with regular grooming appointments at Lake Wylie Pet Resort. Your dog will be bathed, groomed, styled, and pampered with care. Schedule an appointment for your pet by contacting us today! Don’t forget that you can add grooming when you board your dog so they look and smell great when you pick them up.