Tear Stain Causes & Pet Store Solutions

We all strive to look our best. There are cosmetic remedies and prescription medicines for dark circles and puffy eyes. The same is true for dogs that have reddish-brown stains under their eyes.

Tear stains are apparent on white and light hair dogs. Brown, black and dogs with darker hair and fur experience tear staining also; it just is not that noticeable because it is camouflaged by their coloring. Light or dark coated, not all dogs experience tear staining.

Genetics play a role in whether a dog is subject to tear staining. Not all Maltese and Bichons have tear stains. Some are just born looking good.

Some dogs just have good genes, at least in the tear staining category. Veterinarians suggest that eye structure is the source of the problem. A sinus condition can lead to excessive tearing. The sinuses are connected to eyes, ears, nose and fluid blockage and inadequate draining can lead to infections.

The overall health of your dog is a key factor in controlling tear stains. An ear infection, clogged tear ducts or eye lashes that keep getting in the corner of your dog’s eye can cause excessive tearing. Having a Veterinarian examine your pet will determine if tearing is a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Fleas irritate the eyes and make them tear. This is how they create the wet face habitat they thrive in. Fleas feed on a dog’s blood which causes their feces to be a reddish brown color. The same color as tear stains.

There are solutions you can purchase in a pet store to aid in eliminating eye staining. Some popular products include: Angels’ Eyes(R) helps to eliminate staining around the mouth and a dog coat due to licking. Just sprinkle Angels’ Eyes daily on regular food. Eye Envy is a tear stain removal system that is applied externally to remove unsightly stains and inhibits dark staining production. Eye Envy does not contain any bleach, peroxide or steroids. Grooming shampoos like SPA Lavish Your Pet Collection Fresh Pet Facial Scrub effectively removes dirt and tear stains.

The eye area is extremely sensitive. Use caution when applying any chemical near your pets’ eyes. Don’t rub anything into the eye and be careful that nothing splashes into the eye. Discussing the tear staining solutions with your Veterinarian and Groomer will ensure an effective and safe outcome.

There are several causes why a dog has tear stains. It is trial and error to figure out which is causing the problem in your dog. Joanne Gallagher is an authority in caring for your dog and recommends visiting Jake’s Dog House for different solutions for tear stain removal.