You’re probably annoyed by your pet’s tear stains if you’re reading this [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]. You may have changed your pet’s diet, tried every over-the-counter remedy, and been diligent about cleaning, but to no avail. What can you do, then? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text]Tear staining is more frequently seen on white pets, though it can happen to any color pet. It changes the coat’s color to a brown, red, or copper hue around the eyes. Although it has long been assumed that excessive tear production, or epiphora, is the cause of tear staining, that isn’t always the case. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text].
The Dogs Journal is owned by dog lover and ardent blogger Sahir Farid. The Dogs Journal was founded in 2018 with the intention of promoting love and understanding for dogs.
Examine the quality of your water
After taking my own dogs on a few trips without their regular water and providing them with my own bottled water instead, I’ve noticed that they will stain fairly quickly in response to too many minerals. Use purified, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water sources.
How to Get Rid of Tear Stains on Dogs
You can begin treating the tear stains at home after your veterinarian has ruled out any serious issues. One essential point to remember is that not every dog will respond the same way to a particular product.
“Over the years, I have seen a hundred different ways to remove stains work and fail,” The specific pet and the degree of the staining must be considered, according to Stalcoskie. It takes a lot of trial and error to get rid of tear stains on dogs.
Over the years, Stalcoskie has observed a variety of methods working on various dogs, including the following:
The best OTC product advice I can offer is to do extensive research on the product and test out various options to see what works for the particular pet, says Stalcoskie.
One dog tear stain remover that seems to do a good job is Angel Eyes, says Dr. Satchu.
They produce wipes to remove stains already on surfaces as well as supplements to help prevent the emergence of new stains. In addition to a mild detergent made from coconut oil and other natural ingredients like juniper berry oil and aloe leaf extract, these pre-moistened wipes don’t require rinsing.
Another brand veterinarians recommend is the Optixcare line of cleaners and wipes.
A word of caution: When applying these (or any other) OTC products, keep in mind that you should never, ever put anything in your eyes. Avoid using over-the-counter dog tear stain removers because they could harm your dog, and consult your veterinarian before using any new products on your dog.
There’s currently not a whole lot of evidence showing that oral supplements can decrease tear stains on dogs, says Dr. Clara Williams, DVM, DACVO, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Waltham, Massachusetts. However, “Some oral antioxidants may improve the tear film quality.” The tear film is the liquid mixture on the surface of the eye that does things like maintain lubrication between the eyelids and eye surface and provide nutrients to the cornea.
Even then, results can vary. According to Stalcoskie, “I have observed the same supplement (as the only variation) cause tear staining on one dog and stop tear staining on another dog.”
Avoid products containing antibiotics, veterinarians recommend. “Oral antibiotic administration, such as tylosin, must be avoided.” Personally, I wouldn’t administer a potent, long-lasting antibiotic to my dog just to improve his or her appearance,” Dr Williams says. (Long-term use of any antibiotic can result in bacterial resistance in the future. ).
FAQ
Do dogs outgrow tear stains?
Almost always, this will simply disappear as your puppy gets older. On the other hand, a puppy older than five months old who continues to have tear staining and a persistently wet area under their eyes is a problem.
How long does it take for tear stains to disappear?
Although powder can be a little messy, using a brush makes applying it much simpler. Best results if used daily. When used daily, this may take up to 7 days to remove stains, similar to the majority of tear-stain removers.
How do I get rid of my dogs eye stains?
Use a suitable canine eye-wash to clean your dog’s eyes, such as Terra Septic eye drops or saline eye-wash solutions. Rub the area around and underneath your eyes with an eye wash wipe.
Why won’t my dogs tear stains go away?
An ingrown eyelash, an inverted eyelid, or hair growing too close to the eye can irritate the area and cause it. Alternatively, it might be that your dog’s tear ducts aren’t properly draining. Several medical conditions, including glaucoma and persistent eye infections, also cause people to cry excessively.