How To Get Rid Of Dog Tear Stains

Tear stains on dogs can be a frustrating concern, especially for breeds with longer fur or more prominent eyes. If you’re seeking a way to tackle these unsightly marks, you’ve come to the right place. Tear stains typically appear as reddish-brown discoloration around the eyes. While they can detract from your dog’s overall appearance, tear stains may also point to deeper health concerns.

Luckily, there are multiple strategies you can implement to both remove these and prevent them from reappearing. In this guide, we’ll explain to you how to get rid of dog tear stains while keeping your pet’s hygiene and appearance in check.

Understand the Causes of Tear Stains

Excessive tearing is a common cause of tear stains in dogs, and it can result from various factors. While tears naturally protect and lubricate the eyes, an overproduction can lead to staining. In most cases, this is harmless. However, it may signal an underlying issue.

Blocked tear ducts, for example, can prevent proper drainage. They might cause tears to overflow and stain the fur. Other causes include irritants, infections, or genetic factors affecting tear production and drainage. Monitoring your dog's eye health can help identify any deeper issues contributing to tear stains.

Infections or irritations, such as conjunctivitis, can also result in excessive tearing and discoloration. Certain breeds, particularly those with flat faces (like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus), are more prone to tear stains due to their unique facial structure and tear drainage issues. Other contributing factors include allergies, environmental irritants, or a diet rich in processed ingredients that may cause your dog’s eyes to water more than normal.

How to Get Rid of Dog Tear Stains

Use a Gentle Eye Wipe

One of the easiest and most effective ways to address tear stains is by using gentle eye wipes designed for dogs. These wipes help clean around your dog’s eyes and remove moisture, dirt, and bacteria that can cause staining.

Choose wipes that are hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals or fragrances to avoid irritating your pet’s sensitive skin. Regular use helps keep the area dry and prevents the buildup of bacteria and irritants that contribute to staining.

Incorporating this step into your pet’s grooming routine will not only help prevent tear stains but also keep your dog’s eyes healthy and free from infection. Make sure to wipe gently and avoid pulling or tugging at the fur around the eyes to prevent irritation.

Keep Your Dog’s Face Clean

Keeping your dog’s face clean is a highly effective way to prevent and reduce tear stains. These stains are often caused by moisture, dirt, and bacteria around the eyes, so regular cleaning is important.

Use a soft, damp cloth or a gentle, pet-safe wipe to clean the area around your dog’s eyes. Pay attention to skin folds or creases where moisture can accumulate, as these areas are more prone to staining. Regular cleaning helps keep the eye area dry and reduces the likelihood of stains forming.

Be sure to clean the fur around the eyes thoroughly. However, avoid scrubbing too hard, as this could cause irritation. Additionally, after cleaning, it’s important to dry the area well. Leaving moisture on the fur can encourage bacterial growth, which can worsen staining. Keeping your dog’s face clean not only reduces tear stains but also promotes overall skin health. This will prevent infections and irritation caused by bacteria or debris.

Consider a Change in Diet

Diet plays a significant role in many aspects of your dog’s health, including the appearance of tear stains. Certain foods, particularly those high in additives, preservatives, or artificial coloring, can contribute to excessive tearing.

If your dog’s food contains low-quality ingredients or too much salt, it may lead to an increase in tear production. Switching to a high-quality, natural dog food that’s free from these artificial ingredients and fillers can help reduce the severity of tear stains.

Some pet owners discover that food sensitivities or allergies can contribute to excessive tearing in their dogs. Ingredients like dairy, grains, or certain proteins can trigger allergic reactions. They can lead to watery eyes and tear stains.

If you suspect that your dog’s diet is influencing their tear stains, consider switching to a food formula with fewer allergens or irritants. It’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian to determine the best dietary plan for your dog. Furthermore, carefully observe any changes in their tear production or eye health after making adjustments.

Check for Allergies

Allergies are a common but often overlooked cause of tear stains in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to a variety of environmental triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain chemicals in household cleaning products. These allergies can cause your dog’s eyes to water more than usual and lead to the formation of tear stains.

In some cases, food allergies may also be a contributing factor, particularly with certain ingredients like dairy, wheat, or beef. If you notice that your dog’s tear stains worsen during specific seasons or after exposure to certain substances, allergies might be the cause.

To confirm this, consult your veterinarian, who may recommend an allergy test or elimination diet. Managing your dog’s allergies through medication, environmental changes, or a change in diet can help reduce excessive tearing and prevent tear stains from reappearing.

Consult Your Veterinarian

If your dog’s tear stains persist despite your best efforts, it might be time to reach out to your veterinarian. Persistent or severe tear stains can indicate an underlying medical issue that requires professional attention.

Your vet can perform a thorough examination to determine if there’s a medical reason behind the tear stains and recommend appropriate treatments. If the cause is an infection, antibiotics or other medications may be needed to resolve the issue.

In some cases, your vet may recommend surgical intervention if there’s a structural issue like a blocked duct that can’t be treated with medications alone. Consulting a veterinarian confirms that any health-related causes are addressed and helps you get your dog’s eyes back to looking their best.

Try Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies can help reduce tear stains. For instance, a mixture of coconut oil and water can be applied to the stained areas to help break down the buildup. You can also try diluted apple cider vinegar or a mixture of turmeric and water. Both of these are known for their natural antibacterial properties.

These remedies not only target stains but also soothe the skin and prevent further irritation. Always monitor your dog for any allergic reactions or sensitivity when trying new ingredients.

Trim the Fur Around the Eyes

For dogs with longer fur, trimming the hair around their eyes can help reduce moisture buildup. Keeping the fur short and clean confirms that it doesn't trap moisture and bacteria, which can contribute to tear stains. Regular trims also help prevent the hair from irritating the eyes, which can worsen tearing.

Be sure to use proper grooming tools or consult a professional groomer to keep the area neat and safe. This small step can make a significant difference in preventing tear stains and promoting eye health.

Use a Tear Stain Remover

There are tear stain removers available that can help lighten and remove the stains from your dog’s fur. These products are often formulated to be safe and gentle on your pet’s skin. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and check that the product is designed for your dog’s specific breed or size. Regular use can gradually reduce staining. However, be patient as results may take some time to appear.

Maintain Regular Grooming Habits

Consistency is key when it comes to keeping tear stains at bay. Make grooming a regular part of your pet care routine, including cleaning the face, trimming the hair around the eyes, and keeping the eyes dry.

Regular care can help prevent tear stains from becoming a recurring problem. Additionally, maintaining your dog’s overall health through a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups can support eye health.

With consistent grooming and attention, you’ll keep your dog looking clean and comfortable. Knowing how to get rid of dog tear stains requires a combination of regular care, proper grooming, and addressing the root causes of excessive tearing. With these tips, you can help your dog maintain a clean and healthy appearance.

We know how important your dog’s health and appearance are to you. That’s why our range of grooming products from Multipet is specially crafted to help you address tear stain concerns with ease. Designed to keep your pet looking and feeling their best, our pet products offer effective solutions for grooming, hygiene, and play.

Whether you’re using our gentle wipes to freshen up your pet or our high-quality grooming accessories to maintain their coat, each product is crafted with your pet’s comfort and health in mind. Our toys are made to keep them engaged and active.

If you're managing tear stains or simply enhancing your dog's overall care routine, we’ve got you covered.