Have you ever owned a dog before? Even if you have not, you've probably seen those cute pups with tear stains on their faces. Our lovely furry friends are full of energy and always bring us lots of joy, but those tear stains often make us want to grab a tissue and wipe them!

Tear stains are not just a cosmetic issue, but can also cause health issues like eye infections, itchy skin and dandruff. So, we dog owners should take this issue seriously. In this blog, we’ll share some tips to help your furry friend get rid of those unpleasant tear stains and live a healthy and happy life.

Tear stains are the brown secretions that appear around a dog's eyes, usually in breeds with light-coloured or white fur. The main cause of tear stains is excessive tear production. When the iron and bacteria in the tears get oxidised, brown stains will form around the eyes.

What are the main causes of tear stains?

Hair irritating the eyes

Some dogs have hair growth that constantly irritates their eyes, leading to excessive tear production and tear stains.

Bacterial infection of the eyes

Eye infections can trigger excessive tear production. The tear may mix with bacteria and other substances, leading to tear stains. Bacterial eye infections are one of the main causes of tear stains in dogs.

Diet

Diet can be the cause of tear stains in some dogs. For example, a dog may be allergic to certain foods or may not be getting the necessary nutrients from their diet, leading to tear stains.

Genetics

Some dogs are more likely to get tear stains due to genetics.

How can I get rid of tear stains in my dog?

Clean the area around the eyes regularly

Regular cleaning can help reduce tear stains. You can use warm water or a cleaning solution (be careful to avoid getting any liquid into the eyes) to gently wipe the area around your dog's eyes and remove dirt and tear stains from under the eye corners.

Comb your dog’s hair regularly

If your dog's tear stains are caused by hair irritation, you can regularly brush their hair to prevent it from getting into their eyes. Trimming their hair can also help keep the eye area clean and refreshed.

Manage your dog’s diet

If your dog’s tear stains are related to what they eat, you can adjust their diet to reduce excessive tear production. It's a good idea to consult a vet or a pet nutritionist to develop a diet plan that's suitable for your dog.

Seek veterinary care

If your dog's tear stains are caused by an eye infection, seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. The vet will prescribe appropriate medication based on your dog’s condition to treat the eye infection and reduce excessive tear production.

How can I prevent tear stains in my dog?

Bath your dog regularly

Regular bathing can help remove bacteria and dirt from your dog's body, reducing the chances of eye infections.

Check your dog’s eyes regularly

You should check if there’s any infection in your dog’s eyes regularly and get it treated if necessary.

Pay attention to diet

You should prepare a balanced diet without too many additives and artificial colouring for your pooch.

Regular grooming

Pamper your pup with regular grooming to keep their hair clean and healthy to avoid irritation to the eyes.

Tear stains are a common eye issue in dogs. Aside from the tips mentioned earlier, it's also important to keep your dog's living area clean, dry and well-ventilated. Make sure to regularly clean their bed and toys to avoid the growth of bacteria and viruses.

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