Understanding and Cleaning Dog Tear Stains

What Are Dog Tear Stains & How to Get Rid of Them?

Ever noticed reddish-brown streaks beneath your dog’s eyes? Tear stains are a common issue, especially in small or light-colored dogs like Maltese, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises.

While they’re usually harmless, excessive tear staining can be a sign of an underlying health issue—or just a grooming challenge.

Let’s dive into:
✅ What causes tear stains?
✅ How to safely clean them
✅ Ways to prevent tear stains in the future

Enjoy Our Premium Grooming Collection Here. Shop Now!

🐶✨ Let’s help your pup look fresh and stain-free!

1. What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs?

Tear stains form when excess tears overflow and react with bacteria and yeast, leaving behind reddish-brown discoloration.

🐶 Common Causes of Tear Stains:

✔️ Tear Overproduction (Epiphora) – Some dogs naturally produce more tears.
✔️ Blocked Tear Ducts – Tears can’t drain properly, leading to overflow.
✔️ Shallow Eye Sockets – Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are prone to this.
✔️ Teething (in Puppies) – Temporary increase in tear production.
✔️ Allergies & Irritants – Dust, pollen, smoke, or even certain foods.
✔️ Poor Diet & Water Quality – Minerals in tap water may contribute to staining.
✔️ Ear Infections or Dental Issues – Can increase tear production.

💡 Did You Know? The reddish color comes from porphyrins, compounds found in tears that oxidize when exposed to air.

🚨 When to See a Vet:
If your dog’s tear stains are accompanied by swelling, redness, excessive blinking, or a bad odor, it could indicate an eye infection or underlying health issue.

2. How to Safely Clean Tear Stains

Regular cleaning is key to keeping your dog’s face stain-free.

🛁 Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine:

✔️ Step 1: Gather Supplies
🔹 Soft, lint-free cloth or cotton pad
🔹 Dog-safe tear stain remover (or homemade solutions)
🔹 Small comb or toothbrush (for stubborn stains)

✔️ Step 2: Gently Wipe the Stains
🔹 Dampen a cotton pad with warm water or a tear stain remover.
🔹 Gently wipe the stained fur, moving outward from the eye.
🔹 Avoid rubbing too hard—this can irritate the skin.

✔️ Step 3: Comb Out Stubborn Stains
🔹 If needed, use a fine-tooth comb or baby toothbrush to remove buildup.

✔️ Step 4: Dry the Area Completely
🔹 Moisture promotes bacteria growth—always dry thoroughly!

🚨 Avoid: Hydrogen peroxide, harsh chemicals, or human eye drops—they can irritate your dog’s eyes!

3. The Best Products for Cleaning Tear Stains

Looking for effective tear stain removers? Here are some top choices:

✔️ Natural & Safe Tear Stain Removers

✅ Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover (Gentle & non-toxic)
✅ Burt’s Bees Tear Stain Remover for Dogs (Natural ingredients)
✅ Vet’s Best Eye Wipes (Convenient & easy to use)

✔️ DIY Home Remedies

🐶 Warm Water & Saline Solution – Safe for daily cleaning.
🐶 Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted in Water) – May help reduce bacteria (1 tsp per water bowl).
🐶 Coconut Oil – Natural antibacterial properties, apply a thin layer under the eyes.

4. How to Prevent Tear Stains in Dogs

Cleaning alone won’t stop new stains from forming. Try these prevention tips:

💧 Improve Water Quality

✔️ Use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water (reduces mineral buildup).
✔️ Stainless steel or ceramic bowls (avoid plastic, which traps bacteria).

🍗 Switch to a High-Quality Diet

✔️ Avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and fillers in dog food.
✔️ Some dogs improve on a grain-free or limited-ingredient diet.

🦠 Check for Allergies

✔️ If your dog has itchy eyes or frequent ear infections, allergies might be the culprit.
✔️ Talk to your vet about an elimination diet or allergy testing.

🩺 Keep Up with Grooming & Vet Care

✔️ Trim fur around the eyes to prevent irritation.
✔️ Regular vet checkups to rule out infections or tear duct issues.

💡 Bonus Tip: A teaspoon of plain Greek yogurt in your dog’s diet can help balance gut bacteria and reduce yeast-related staining!