Youre probably a bit frustrated if your dog is prone to tear stains. These stains not only seem uncomfortable for your precious canine companion but they also look like a big mess. You might not need your precious pup to be “Best in Show” by any means, but you likely dont want to see them with a tear-stained face either. And the truth is, this isnt just a cosmetic issue, as we must treat the condition to eradicate it. Read on to learn more about the misinformation that you can find about tear stains on dogs online, why they get it, and how to properly treat this condition.
Have you ever looked at your adorable white fluffball and noticed those unsightly reddish-brown streaks running from their eyes? If you’re wondering whether dog tear stains go away, you’re not alone! As a dog parent myself, I’ve battled these stubborn marks on my Maltese for years, and I’m happy to share everything I’ve learned about tackling this common issue.
The short answer is Yes dog tear stains can go away with proper treatment and consistent care. But the process isn’t always quick or simple. Let’s dive into the world of canine tear stains and discover how to get your pup’s face looking clean and fresh again!
What Exactly Are Dog Tear Stains?
Those reddish-brown streaks beneath your dog’s eyes aren’t just regular dirt. They’re actually stains caused by a molecule called porphyrin. When your dog’s body breaks down red blood cells porphyrin is released and excreted in tears saliva, urine, and bile. When excessive tears run down your dog’s face instead of draining properly, the porphyrin in those tears stains the fur.
These stains are most noticeable on dogs with white or light-colored fur but they can affect dogs of any color. You just might not see them as clearly on darker-coated pups.
Why Do Some Dogs Get Tear Stains?
Several factors can contribute to tear staining in dogs:
Eye Shape and Facial Structure
Breeds with flat faces (brachycephalic) or shallow eye sockets like Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, and Pugs are more prone to tear staining. Their facial structure often prevents tears from draining properly.
Blocked Tear Ducts
Just like humans, dogs have ducts that should carry tears from their eyes to their nose (nasolacrimal ducts). If these get blocked by debris or don’t develop properly, tears will spill onto the face instead.
Allergies
Environmental or food allergies can cause excessive tearing in dogs. Seasonal allergies or sensitivity to certain ingredients in their food might be the culprit behind those persistent stains.
Health Issues
Sometimes tear stains can signal an underlying health problem. Infections, eye irritation, or other medical conditions might cause increased tearing or changes in tear composition.
Water Quality
Believe it or not, minerals in your dog’s drinking water can contribute to tear staining! Some dogs are sensitive to the additives and minerals in tap water.
Breeds Most Prone to Tear Staining
While any dog can develop tear stains, these breeds are particularly susceptible:
- Maltese
- Bichon Frises
- Poodles (all sizes)
- Shih Tzus
- Pekingese
- Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- West Highland White Terriers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Lhasa Apsos
- Samoyeds
- Boxers
- Bullmastiffs
Will Tear Stains Go Away on Their Own?
In most cases, tear stains won’t disappear without intervention. If the underlying cause isn’t addressed, the staining will likely continue or even worsen over time. The good news is that with proper care and treatment, these stains can be significantly reduced or eliminated!
How to Remove Existing Tear Stains
1. Regular Cleaning is Key
The most effective approach to removing tear stains is consistent cleaning. Here’s how:
- Clean your dog’s face daily with a gentle, pet-safe cleanser
- Use a soft washcloth, cotton ball, or specialized eye wipes
- Always wipe away from the eye to avoid irritation
- Keep the area dry after cleaning
2. Try These Effective Cleaning Solutions
- Saline Solution: A mild eye wash can help flush away irritants
- Specialized Wipes: Products like Optixcare Eye Cleaning Wipes or Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes
- DIY Cleaner: Mix one tablespoon of boric acid powder in one cup of distilled boiled water (refrigerate and remake weekly)
- Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel (never directly in the eye!)
3. Trim the Hair Around the Eyes
For long-haired breeds, keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed can make a huge difference. Shorter hair is less likely to trap tears and debris, which can reduce staining.
4. Be Patient!
Existing stains won’t disappear overnight. As your dog’s fur grows out, the stained fur will gradually be replaced by clean, new fur. This process can take weeks or even months, so consistency is crucial.
Preventing Future Tear Stains
Once you’ve managed to clean up existing stains, you’ll want to prevent them from coming back!
1. Address Dietary Factors
What your dog eats can significantly impact tear production and staining:
- Consider Food Allergies: Common allergens include chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, soy, lamb, and wheat
- Try Different Dog Foods: Some premium foods contain fewer fillers and artificial ingredients that might contribute to tearing
- Food Additives: Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or buttermilk powder to meals can help reduce tearing in some dogs
2. Improve Water Quality
- Use purified, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water instead of tap water
- Change water frequently and keep bowls clean
- Consider a water bowl with a narrow flare to prevent excess water from soaking your dog’s face
3. Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine
- Establish a daily face-cleaning ritual
- Keep the fur around eyes dry
- Use cornstarch under the eyes to absorb excess moisture
4. Consider Supplements
Some supplements claim to reduce porphyrin levels in tears:
- Angels’ Eyes Natural supplements
- NaturVet Tear Stain Plus
- VetClassics Tear Stain Soft Chews
I’ve tried these with my own dog and saw some improvement after about 3-4 weeks of consistent use.
When to See a Veterinarian
While tear stains are often cosmetic, they can sometimes indicate a more serious problem. Consult your vet if:
- Tear staining appears suddenly in a dog that never had it before
- There’s increased tearing or discharge
- The discharge is yellow, green, or bloody
- Your dog is pawing at their eyes or seems uncomfortable
- The eyes appear red, swollen, or irritated
- Home remedies don’t improve the condition after several weeks
Your vet might recommend:
- Flushing the tear ducts
- Antibiotics for infections
- Allergy testing
- Specialized treatments for underlying conditions
My Personal Experience with Tear Stains
My Maltese, Snowball, had terrible tear stains when he was younger. We tried everything from expensive cleaners to changing his food multiple times. What finally worked for us was a combination approach:
- Switching to distilled water
- Daily cleaning with specialized wipes
- Adding a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar to his food
- Regular face trims to keep hair away from his eyes
It took about two months to see significant improvement, but now his face stays mostly clean with just maintenance care.
FAQ About Dog Tear Stains
How long does it take for tear stains to go away?
With consistent treatment, you should start seeing improvement in 2-4 weeks, but complete removal of existing stains might take 2-3 months as stained fur grows out and is replaced.
Are tear stains harmful to my dog?
In most cases, tear stains themselves aren’t harmful, but excessive moisture around the eyes can lead to skin irritation or infection if not kept clean.
Can I use human eye drops for my dog’s tear stains?
No! Never use human eye products on your dog without veterinary approval. Dogs have different pH levels and sensitivities than humans.
Can tear stains be permanently prevented?
For some dogs, especially breeds with structural issues, tear stains may be a lifelong battle. However, with proper management, they can be significantly minimized.
Will my puppy outgrow tear stains?
Some puppies do experience more tearing during teething, which may improve as they mature. However, if your puppy’s breed is prone to tear stains, they likely won’t disappear completely without intervention.
The Bottom Line
Dog tear stains CAN go away with proper care and attention! While they might be stubborn and require ongoing management, consistent cleaning and addressing the underlying causes can make a huge difference in your dog’s appearance.
Remember that what works for one dog might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find what works best for your furry friend. And if you’re concerned about excessive tearing or irritation, always consult your veterinarian.
Have you battled tear stains with your dog? What worked for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Why Do Some Dogs Get Tear Stains?
Some dogs produce excessive tears, primarily because when humans turned wild dogs into Poodles, Bichons, Maltese, Boxers, Bulldogs, and more, selective breeding created short noses and protruding eyes that contribute to abnormally narrow and often crooked tear ducts. Excessive tears, then, is a problem we cant fix in most of these dogs (because we bred it into them in the first place), but we can manage the effects of too many tears.
What About the Role of Yeast in Dog Tear Stains?
One of the pieces of misinformation floating around online about this condition is the role of red yeast, or whats been referred to as “Ptyrosporin.” Without going too far down the rabbit hole, this was actually a misspelled word! And over time, the organism that causes dandruff, which is called pityrosporum Malassezia (the correct spelling!), became generally accepted as what we now refer to as fungus.
Suppose your dog develops a yeast infection aside from their nose because the fur under the eyes is chronically wet with tears because youre not cleaning the dogs face and keeping the fur trimmed. In that case, thats a medical condition you can easily treat with proper grooming and upkeep.
Brown staining from yeast infection secondary to poor grooming maintenance and red staining from porphyrins are two different problems. This is why oral supplements aimed at reducing porphyrin production will not work in all dogs.