Usually, it is the result of the porphyrin pigment in a dog's tears that cause these red/brown stains. In this case, your dog won't feel any pain, and it isn't harmful to your dog's health. Tear stains can become uncomfortable when the excessive moisture on the face leads to bacteria growth and infection.
Tear stains are problematic for many reasons: They can signal an underlying health condition, they can lead to infection if they aren't cleaned, and they can be unsightly for pet parents.
Don't worry, tear staining, isn't a sign that your dog is unhappy. The most common cause is the fact that selective breeding has altered the physical structure of many dog breeds, especially smaller animals. As a result, tear ducts can be crooked, spilling their contents onto your animal's face.
You may be able to remove some of the discolorations from the fur around your dog's eyes, but there is no guarantee that it will not come back. Professional groomers have years of experience and training in removing tear stains and other pet-related stains and odors.
English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shar Peis are just some of the dog breeds that are prone to tear stains. But they're not the only ones! Dogs with white or light-colored fur can also be vulnerable to developing tear stains, including Maltese, Shih-Tzus, and Poodles, to name just a few.
Daily eye- and mouth-hair hygiene
A quick daily “face grooming” will go a long way in keeping those stains at bay. Some tips: Flush eyes with an appropriate canine eye-wash, such as saline eye-wash solutions or Terra Septic eye drops. Use an eye wash wipe and rub underneath and around the eye area.
Mix a tablespoon of peroxide with an 8 ounce glass of water and dip a cotton ball into the solution for a homemade daily removal concoction, then dab solution on the fur around the eyes before rinsing it off with warm water. Be careful not to get any in your dog's eyes!
Tears that contain a normal amount of porphyrin should not leave behind large, dark stains, even if there is an excess amount of tears. But if the amount of porphyrin is even slightly elevated, those extra tears will cause stains to form quicker than they would in a dog that sheds fewer tears.
Angel Eyes for dogs and cats has been used in Australia for many years now by dog & cat breeders and within the dog show community. It is by far the most effective tear stain treatment available.
Because there are so many causes of tear stains on dogs, any pup can get them. But you won't always notice them. Tear stains on white dogs are the most obvious, but not every white dog is going to get them. Some dog breeds are more prone to tear stains than others, regardless of their color.
Believe it or not, certain materials contained in water and food bowls may cause irritation to your dog's eyes. Stick to stainless steel when possible, and be sure to clean them regularly. Similarly, corn- and wheat-based foods may be inciting an allergic reaction that leads to epiphora and staining.
Yes, chicken can cause tear stains in dogs. This is because chicken meat contains a pigment called porphyrin, which can build up in the dog's tears and cause staining. Other foods that contain porphyrin include liver, beef, and pork.
High mineral content in your dog's drinking water can also contribute to tear stains—staining around the mouth can tip you off. If that's the case, give your pup fresh, filtered water instead of tap. Low-quality ingredients in your dog's food like fillers can cause allergic reactions that result in excess tearing, too.
Good pet care involves cleaning the stains from around your dog's eyes with pre-moistened wipes on a daily basis to get rid of the dust, dirt and gunk that contribute to the brown stains around their eyes in the first place.
One of the best-known porphyrins is heme, the pigment in red blood cells. If you have ever noticed a white dog that has been licking or chewing on his leg, the hair in that area will turn iron-brown in color. The actual cause of stains is the porphyrin in the tears and saliva.
Stinky eyes
Excessive tearing is one cause of a stinky face in a dog, gooey eye boogers, or crusty eye build-up can make matters worse. If left uncleaned, bacteria can accumulate in the fur by the eyes and can cause an unpleasant smell. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to teary eyes than others (see below.)
Blueberry facials, or shampoos, are beneficial to a dog's health and wellbeing. Pup parents can add blueberry facials for dogs to their treatment plans. Blueberries help remove tear stains, clean the fur, and condition the skin. Itching, hotspots, and dandruff are temporarily relieved after a blueberry facial.
If your dog has severe epiphora and tear staining, especially if it's accompanied by odor and/or some underlying skin irritation, perhaps your veterinarian will prescribe tetracycline or tylosin to get the current problem under control.
area clean and maintain the area stain free. additional underlying issues like hair in the eyes, a scratch, etc. removed within 1 to 2 days vs. dogs tear stains can take consecutive days and even weeks.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Soak a cotton pad in a water-diluted hydrogen peroxide mixture (one part hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts water) and apply carefully to clean the stained area.
Probiotics sometimes help prevent tear staining. Try an oral veterinary probiotic such as FortiFlora, Prostora Max or Proviable. Don't give Cosette tylosin, tetracycline or any other antibiotic for her tear staining.
As your puppy grows, this will almost always just go away. The other side to this is a puppy over the age of 5 months who is still experiencing tear staining and a constantly wet area under their eyes.
Water- Using warm water and cotton wool, clean your pet's eyes as often as is necessary to prevent the tears from staining. Vaseline- Once your pet's tears have been cleaned, apply a small amount of Vaseline to the area just under the eye to prevent the tears from sitting in the same area and staining.
Believe it or not, your dog's diet can be a big factor in whether they develop tear stains or not. Apple cider vinegar has many uses with humans and pets. As a food additive (about 1 teaspoon in food), apple cider vinegar can be a good way to clear up those pesky tear stains.
one of the most common reasons for tear stains that appear on mature dogs which haven't previously had a problem. This is an inflammation of the eye lining which causes discharge. It can be the result of an allergy or injury and in summer it's often a result of a scratched eyeball from pollen or a grass seed.