Why Do Dogs Get Tear Stains? Causes and Helpful Remedies

Understanding the causes of tear stains

Tear stains are a common issue many dogs owners face. Lots of dog breeds are prone to tear stains, particularly white breeds. Think the likes of Bichon Frise, Poodles, Shih-tzu, and Pugs. But what causes these unsightly stains, and how can you manage or prevent them? Let’s take a closer look.

Breed characteristics:

Some breeds with short noses and big eyes, or flat faces are more prone to developing tear stains. Breeds including Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Poodles, often experience excessive tear production due to their physical structure.

Genetics:

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to excessive tearing, making them more prone to tear stains.

Diet and Allergies:

The issue can be worsened by poor-quality food, or intolerances that our dogs might have.

Health Problems:

There are also a handful of nasty infections that can exacerbate the issue too, these could be blocked tear ducts, ear infections and eye infections.

All these factors contribute to tear stains and the discoloration of the fur around our dogs’ eyes. The stains are ultimately caused by tears leaking from the dogs’ eyes to the inside of the nose. This is through the nasolacrimal duct. The issue can be made worse by this tear duct being blocked. The distinct pinkish-brown colour is a result of iron-containing dye molecule known as ‘porphyrin’. When tears are released, the porphyrin causes stains to the fur!

Prevention and Remedies

Now that we have gone through the causes, lets delve into some ways you can prevent and remedy the problem of tear stains:

Daily Grooming Routine:

Ensure you regularly wipe your dogs’ eyes and face. To do so, use a damp clean cloth or pet-safe wipes to clear the eyes of tear stains before they set. It’s important to remove any dirt, debris, or crusts around your dogs’ eyes to keep irritation at a minimum and reduce tear production.

Regularly taking your four-legged friend to the groomer can aid the problem of tear stains. Professional groomers can help to keep dogs’ eyes clean and trimmed which can help further reduce the risk. 

Provide a Balanced Diet:

As mentioned earlier, diet plays a big role in the prevention and reduction of tear stains. Try implementing a grain-free diet for your dog. You should also keep an eye out for “anti-allergenic dog food”. Try to steer away from purchasing dog food that contains artificial colouring or ingredients. Its important to maintain your dog’s hydration too as this flushes out toxins from the body promoting good health overall. This can also help maintain porphyrin levels to reduce the stains. 

Tear Stain Prevention Products:

Another method that can aid tear stains is the use of tear stain balms or tear stain minerals.

A tear stain balm is a great option for treating existing stains. Tear stain balm can be applied to the affected area using fingers or cotton pads. Rubbing the product around the eyes once daily will aid in reducing the appearance of stains and prevent new ones from forming. It treats already present stains and discoloration. The Be:Loved Tear Stain Balm is hand-crafted with 100% natural ingredients to give owners peace of mind. 

Another product that combats these stains is tear stain minerals. The minerals are placed in your dog’s water bowl and purifies the water removing the contaminants that might contribute to tear stains. They are safe for all breeds and can be used consistently to promote cleaner eyes and reduce staining. 

Integrating these products into your daily care routine for your dog is a brilliant solution to care for your pooch and reduce the tear stains that lots of dogs are prone to! Both products are safe for all breeds, and non-toxic – giving you confidence that you’re using safe and gentle products for your dog.

When to see a vet

If the issue persists, it’s important to seek the attention of a vet. Persistent tear stains, despite best efforts, can sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as infections, blocked tear ducts, or other medical conditions that require treatment. A vet can conduct proper investigations and point you towards the best course of treatment.

Consistency is key!

Tear stains are a prominent issue that pet owners recurrently see. It is something that can be reduced with care and consistency. It is vital to keep up the practices that we have visited in this article. With regular grooming, good nutrition and consistent use of balms and minerals you can expect to see a big difference in your dog’s tear stains.