HEALTH
3 min
How to Get Rid of Tear Stains in Dogs: A Veterinarian's Guide
Struggling to get rid of your dog's eye stains? Dr Rohit J explains the underlying causes, treatment, and ways to keep them away for good. Read on to find out!
Table of contents
You wipe, you wash, you even try switching up their grooming routine—but those pesky red streaks around their eyes keep coming back. If you have ever stared at your dog's adorable face and wondered why those eye stains won’t disappear, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Is it a cosmetic issue? Is it their diet? An eye infection? Tear stains in dogs can be frustrating, but understanding what causes them is the first step toward managing them. And the good news? You can take steps to reduce and prevent these eye stains in dogs.
What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs?
Eye stains in dogs are caused by porphyrin, a compound in tears that results from red blood cell breakdown. Normally eliminated through the liver and faeces, porphyrin can also be found in a dog’s tears, saliva, and urine. Porphyrin is an iron-based compound that breaks down to leave a reddish mark on dogs exposed to sunlight. This is why dog tear stains are particularly prominent in white or light-coloured dogs. It is important to note that there is no correlation between dog tear stains and the production of tears itself- as all tears contain porphyrin.
While excessive tearing could be due to breed predisposition, that is not always the case. Conditions such as allergies, tooth pain, stress, and infections (eye and/or ear) could cause excessive tearing. If you notice redness, inflammation, or any abnormalities in your dog’s eyes, it is best to have them checked by a veterinarian.
While excessive tearing could be due to breed predisposition, that is not always the case. Conditions such as allergies, tooth pain, stress, and infections (eye and/or ear) could cause excessive tearing. If you notice redness, inflammation, or any abnormalities in your dog’s eyes, it is best to have them checked by a veterinarian.
Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone to Eye Stains?
Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed breeds with bulgy eyes) such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, and Bulldogs are more prone to dog tear stains. This happens for two reasons—their eyes produce more tears due to constant irritation from the fur around their snout, and their facial structure allows tears to accumulate more easily, leading to discolouration.
As mentioned earlier, light-haired breeds tend to show eye stains more prominently due to the colour contrast.
As mentioned earlier, light-haired breeds tend to show eye stains more prominently due to the colour contrast.
How To Remove Tear Stains in Dogs?
Managing tear stains in dogs requires a two-step approach: de-staining and prevention. While several tried-and-tested methods exist for removing eye stains, effectiveness can vary from dog to dog. Some commonly used methods include:
- Diluted baby shampoo: Apply with a soft cloth to keep the face clean. Make sure to dry thoroughly afterwards.
- Contact lens solution: The boric acid in the solution helps lighten stains by oxidizing the porphyrin. Be careful and ensure that no chemical gets into your dog’s eyes.
- Specialized eye wipes: There are specialised tear stain wipes available in the market that are designed to clean and reduce staining.
Clean around the eyes everyday to keep the tear stains away!
How To Reduce Tear Stains in Dogs?
Simple routine measures can help prevent further development of eye stains in dogs:
- Regular cleaning: Wipe the area with a damp cloth twice daily, especially for susceptible dog breeds.
- Regular grooming: Keep the hair around the eyes short to prevent irritation.
What Should You NOT Use for Tear Stains in Dogs?
Not all solutions are safe for removing tear stains. Some products can irritate or harm your dog’s skin and eyes, so it is best to avoid them.
- Random antibiotics: Unless there is an infection in the area, antibiotics won’t help with staining. If you are concerned about an infection, consult a veterinarian first.
- Hydrogen peroxide: It is highly irritating and won’t significantly reduce stains, but it can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog.
- Makeup removers: Makeup removers are not formulated for our dogs’ skin and can instead lead to skin irritation and other complications.
In Conclusion
Tear stains in dogs form when iron-rich compounds in their tears react with sunlight. While they can be persistent, they don’t have to be permanent. Regular cleaning, proper grooming, and addressing underlying health factors can help keep them in check. Keep an eye out for infections to prevent complications, and avoid unapproved products— antibiotics should only be used under a vet’s guidance.
Keywords:
eye stains in dogs,
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