If you’ve noticed reddish-brown stains beneath your dog’s eyes, then there’s no need to worry. Tear staining in dogs is a common cosmetic issue that many pet owners encounter. These stains, often seen on lighter-colored breeds, appear as streaks or discoloration under the eyes and can sometimes extend down to the muzzle.

Causes of Tear Staining in Dogs

A dog’s tear stains come from a couple of factors, mainly its genetics and anatomy. Here are the common causes of tear staining in dogs:

Overproduction of Tears

Epiphora, or the excessive production of tears, is a leading cause of tear staining in dogs. This condition can result from several health issues. Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, or irritations caused by foreign particles like dust or debris often increase tear production. 

Allergies to environmental irritants, including pollen, mold, or smoke, can also trigger inflammation and excessive tearing. Structural abnormalities in the eyelids, such as ingrown eyelashes or inward-rolling lids, can cause irritation in your dog’s eyes, leading to tearing.

Facial Structure

A dog’s facial structure can play a significant role in tear staining. Breeds with shallow eye sockets or prominent eyes often experience poor tear drainage because their natural anatomy prevents tears from flowing efficiently into the tear ducts. Flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds are particularly prone to tear staining due to compressed tear ducts, which make proper drainage difficult.

Porphyrins

Tears naturally contain porphyrins, compounds produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. Dogs with excessive tear overflow are more susceptible to noticeable staining, resulting in the reddish-brown discoloration characteristic of tear stains.

Blocked Tear Ducts

Tear ducts are responsible for carrying tears into the nasal passages for proper drainage. When these ducts become blocked or are too narrow, tears spill onto the fur instead of draining properly. 

Poor Hygiene and Grooming

Improper grooming can worsen tear staining, as moisture, dirt, and debris around a dog’s eyes accumulate over time. Long-haired breeds are particularly vulnerable, as the dense facial fur can trap tears and cause tear staining.

Diet and Environmental Factors

Diet and environment can significantly impact tear staining. Low-quality dog food that contains artificial additives or high levels of fillers may lead to sensitivities or increased tear production. Water quality is another factor, as hard water with a high mineral content can cause staining as well. Smoke, dust, harsh cleaning chemicals, and other environmental irritants can cause increased tear production and staining.

Health Issues

In some cases, tear staining may be a sign of another health condition. Ear infections, dental problems, and other systemic illnesses can cause increased tear production. Eye injuries and inflammation are also possible causes of tear staining in dogs.

Types of Dogs Prone to Tear Staining

While tear staining can happen in any dog, certain breeds are more vulnerable to this issue due to their unique physical traits and genetic characteristics. These breeds often have structures and anatomies that make tear stains more noticeable or likely to develop.

Brachycephalic Dog Breeds

Known for their flat faces, brachycephalic breeds are particularly prone to tear staining. Their compressed tear ducts and shallow eye sockets often lead to very poor tear drainage, which leads tears to overflow onto the fur. Common brachycephalic breeds affected include Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers.

Dogs with Large Eyes

Some breeds have large, prominent eyes that are more exposed and susceptible to excessive tearing. The shape of their eyes can make it difficult for tears to drain effectively, contributing to tear staining. Some dog breeds with large eyes include Boston Terriers and Pugs.

Dogs with Light-Colored Coats

Tear staining is most noticeable on dogs with white or light-colored coats, as the reddish-brown discoloration stands out against their fur. Breeds like Maltese, Bichon Frisé, and Poodles are well-known for having visible tear stains, even if their tearing is mild.

Long-Haired Dog Breeds

Dogs with long or dense facial fur can trap moisture from tears, creating an environment where staining becomes more pronounced. Breeds such as Poodles, West Highland Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels often experience tear staining that is worsened by their fur length.

Small Dog Breeds

Tear staining is common in small breeds due to their delicate tear drainage systems, which can easily become overwhelmed or blocked. Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Toy Poodles are among the small breeds frequently affected by tear staining.

Dogs with Eye Abnormalities

Certain breeds are prone to eye or eyelid abnormalities that lead to excessive tearing. Entropion, ectropion, and ingrown eyelashes are common issues in breeds like the Great Danes and Saint Bernards. These conditions cause irritation, which results in increased tear production and staining.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Tear Stains?

Cleaning your dog’s tear stains is an important part of grooming, especially for breeds prone to this issue. Regular cleaning prevents skin infection and irritation. Here’s a guide on how to clean your dog’s tear stains:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Here are the supplies you’ll need when cleaning your dog’s tear stains:

• A soft, clean cloth

• Clean water or a pet-safe eyewash solution

• Clean towel

• Grooming scissors

• Treats for positive reinforcement

Step 2: Trim Excess Fur

If your dog has long hair around its eyes, carefully trim the fur using blunt-tipped scissors. By trimming your dog’s fur, you can keep its eyes free from dirt, debris, dust, and particles that can cause tear staining in dogs. You can also enlist the help of a professional dog groomer.

Step 3: Keep Your Dog Calm and Comfortable

Keep your dog in a comfortable position. This can be on your lap or an elevated surface. Speak to them gently to keep them calm and relaxed. Be gentle when you hold your dog, and be gentle when you start cleaning the tear stains.

Step 4: Clean the Area Around the Eyes

Dip your clean cloth in the water or the pet-safe tear stain remover. Gently squeeze out any excess liquid. Carefully wipe the tear stains under each eye. Make sure to use a separate cloth for each of your dog’s eyes.

Step 5: Dry the Area Thoroughly

After cleaning, use the soft, clean towel to gently pat the area around your dog’s eyes dry. Keeping the fur dry helps prevent any tear stains and irritation from happening.

Step 6: Reward Your Dog

Give your dog a treat as a reward for keeping a straight face. Positive reinforcement makes the experience more enjoyable for both you and your pet and helps them cooperate in future grooming sessions.

How to Prevent Tear Staining in Dogs?

Preventing tear staining in dogs involves maintaining proper hygiene, addressing underlying causes, and making lifestyle adjustments. 

Groom Your Dog Regularly

Regular cleaning of your dog’s face is essential to prevent tear stains. A step-by-step guide is created above to help you clean your dog’s eyes. Make sure to regularly clean your dog’s eyes to prevent tear staining and other eye issues in dogs. For long-haired breeds, keep the fur around the eyes neatly trimmed. Overgrown hair can trap tears, dirt, and debris, worsening tear stains. Consult with professional groomers to keep your dog’s fur trimmed and neat.

Provide a High-Quality Diet

Feeding your dog a high-quality diet can reduce tear staining. Low-quality foods with artificial additives, fillers, or excessive grains may contribute to excessive tearing. Opt for premium dog food made from natural, wholesome ingredients. Choosing the right food is also good for managing food allergies.

Offer Filtered Water

Switching to filtered or distilled water instead of tap water can help prevent tear stains. Tap water contains minerals that can cause tear staining in dogs. Providing clean, filtered water reduces this risk over time.

Manage Allergies

If your dog is prone to allergies, it’s helpful to work with our pet allergists. We’ll be able to help you manage your dog’s allergies and take steps to prevent exposure to pollen, dust, and other allergens. By doing so, you can protect your dog’s eye from irritation and excessive tearing, helping prevent tear stains.

Maintain a Clean Environment

Environmental irritants like smoke, dust, or strong cleaning chemicals can cause tearing. Keep your dog’s living area clean and free from irritants. Regularly wash their bedding to prevent the buildup of dirt and allergens that could irritate their eyes.

Schedule Regular Checkups

Routine checkups are important for dogs prone to tear staining. Our vets can check your dog’s eyes for any signs of eye issues or tear staining. Early detection and treatment of problems like infections or blockages can prevent long-term tear staining. If your dog is suffering from excessive tearing, we’ll take steps to get your dog right to recovery. This may involve treating infections, correcting eyelid structures, or managing blocked tear ducts.

Conclusion

While tear staining might seem like just a cosmetic issue, it’s an issue that can signal significant health issues. Because of this, it’s important to maintain your dog’s eyes and protect them. With consistent care and the right preventative measures, you can manage tear staining effectively and help keep your dog smiling for days.