If you’ve got a light-colored pup, you’ve probably noticed those reddish-brown streaks under their eyes. Yep, tear stains—one of those pesky little things that make your adorable dog look like they’ve been crying in a rom-com marathon. But what actually causes them, and how do you get rid of them?
The good news: they’re usually not harmful. The bad news: they can be annoying to deal with if you don’t know what’s causing them. Let’s break it down.
What’s Behind Those Tear Stains?
So, tear stains happen when your dog’s eyes produce too many tears—or those tears don’t drain properly. The excess moisture sits on their fur and reacts with porphyrins, naturally occurring compounds in tears that oxidize when exposed to air. The result? Those rust-colored streaks.
A few key culprits behind excessive tearing:
- Breed Matters – Flat-faced breeds like Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Maltese tend to have shallow eye sockets, making it harder for tears to drain properly.
- Blocked Tear Ducts – Some dogs just have inefficient tear drainage due to genetics.
- Diet & Water Quality – High-mineral tap water and poor-quality food can boost porphyrin production.
- Allergies – Dust, pollen, or even certain cleaning products can irritate your dog’s eyes.
- Eye Infections – Redness, swelling, or funky discharge? Might be something bacterial brewing.
Fixing Tear Stains from the Inside Out
To really tackle tear stains, you’ve got to start with what’s happening inside your pup. Here’s how:
1. Switch to Filtered Water: Tap water can have minerals that contribute to staining. Try filtered or distilled water instead, you may see a noticeable difference.
2. Upgrade Their Diet: Cheap dog food loaded with fillers can cause all sorts of health issues—including excessive tearing. Stick to high-quality food with real meat as the first ingredient, and steer clear of wheat, corn, and artificial additives.
3. Add Some Vitamins: Boosting your dog’s nutrition can help control excessive tearing:
- Vitamin C: Supports immune health and reduces inflammation.
- Probiotics: Helps balance gut bacteria, which might help with tear production.
- Omega-3s: Keeps skin healthy and reduces irritation around the eyes.
There are some great products on the market that specifically target eye health and combating tear stains. We have been supporting Pet Eyez Eye Health for dogs.
4. Check with Your Vet: If nothing is working, it could be a blocked tear duct or an infection. Your vet can assess whether antibiotics or specialized tear stain supplements might help.
External Fixes: Cleaning Up Those Stains
Once you’ve tackled the internal causes, you still need to clean up existing stains. Here are some easy ways to do it:
1. Wipe Daily: Use a soft cloth or tear stain wipes to gently clean the area under your dog’s eyes every day. Keeping it dry will prevent new stains from setting in.
2. Tear Stain Removers: There are tons of natural and medicated products out there specifically for tear stains. Just make sure to pick something safe and vet-approved.
3. Trim That Face Fur: Long fur around the eyes can trap moisture, making staining worse. Keeping it neatly trimmed can help reduce buildup.
4. Manage Allergies: If your dog’s eyes are constantly watery, air purifiers, hypoallergenic bedding, or switching up cleaning products might reduce irritation.
Final Thoughts
Tear stains might be frustrating, but they’re totally manageable with a few simple tweaks to your dog’s routine. By adjusting their diet, water, and hygiene habits, you can keep their face clean and stain-free.
If you’ve tried everything and still see excessive staining, it’s worth checking in with your vet—there might be an underlying issue that needs professional attention.
Got a favorite tear stain remedy? Share it in the comments—we’re all in this together!