As a kid, my family adopted a Maltese. Like many dogs with white fur, she frequently had tear stains. They usually weren’t extreme enough to bother her, but sometimes, it looked a little weird on her hair. My family had never had a dog before, so we didn’t know what dog tear stains were and how to manage them. So, we researched “why do dogs get tear stains” to help find tear stain remover products for dogs.
Since my childhood dog, I have fostered a few dogs with tear stains, and adopters often ask for tips on how to manage them. I’ve recently been researching the topic further to provide better advice to new dog parents dealing with tear stains.
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What are Dog Tear Stains?
“Tear stains” refer to the red/brown markings that you sometimes see on the coats of dogs with light-colored hair. These markings typically become dry and crusty, and they could trail down your dog’s snout. Dog’s with dark-colored coats could have tear stains, but they won’t be as noticeable since they’ll blend in with the fur.
What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs?
Even though dogs don’t cry when they’re sad, they have similar ducts that pass from their eyes to their nose. Their eyes can water and their nose can run even without crying like a human would. This is why you may occasionally need to clean “eye boogers” off your dog’s face.
Tear stains occur when your dog experiences excessive tear production. More specifically, the red/brown coloring comes from porphyrin, a molecule containing iron. This molecule can be found in your dog’s tears, saliva, urine, and bile. That’s why some dogs have red staining on their paws too if they lick their feet frequently.
Luckily, in many cases, tear stains aren’t a cause for concern. A little discharge now and then is normal for most dogs. If your dog experiences excessive tear stains only at a certain time of year, it’s likely due to allergies. Debris getting stuck in your dog's eyes can also cause extra tears.
If your dog frequently has chunky tear stains or they suddenly develop them after never having them before, it could be related to an underlying condition. Whenever you’re concerned about your dog’s tear stains, consult your vet.
Why Do White Dogs Get Tear Stains More Often?
White dogs don’t get tear stains more often than other dogs. Instead, their tear stains are just more visible than dogs with other fur colors, which is why tear stains are commonly associated with white fur. Even though you can’t see tear stains on dark-colored fur, they can still be uncomfortable for dogs, so cleaning them is important for dogs of all coat colors.
Are Dog Tear Stains More Common in Certain Breeds?
Yes, some dogs are more likely to get tear stains than others. Dogs with long coats typically get them more often because the long hair near their eyes could cause more eye irritation and tear production as a result. Dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) are also more likely to have abnormalities with their eyes and tear ducts, resulting in more eye discharge.
Here are some breeds that commonly experience tear stains:
Bichon Frises
Cocker Spaniels
English Bulldogs
French Bulldogs
Maltese
Pekingese
Poodles
Pugs
Shih Tzus
Can You Reduce the Amount of Tear Stains in Dogs?
It depends on the dog. In some dogs, there are methods to prevent excessive tear stains while other dogs naturally have more eye discharge because of their face shape.
The best way to reduce dog tear stains is to reduce potential irritation near their eyes. If your dog has a long coat, keep the hair around their eyes trimmed short. Most groomers will automatically do this, but it can’t hurt to request it just to make sure the hairs around your dog’s eyes aren’t bothering them.
It’s always a good idea to ask your vet if there are other ways to prevent your dog’s tear stains. They can give you personalized advice based on your dog’s breed and coat type.
How to Remove Dog Tear Stains Naturally
Many dog parents like to find easy ways to clean their dog’s tear stains at home. Luckily, there are a few methods that can work, as long as you’re consistent with cleaning your dog’s tear stains and do it before it builds up too much.
Wipe Them with a Cloth
For many dogs, wiping the area under their eyes with a cloth is enough to remove tear stains. You can use a damp cloth or cotton ball. There may be some red/brown marks left behind, but wiping it almost daily should keep the stains to a minimum. This option may be harder to do for dogs with pure white fur.
Use Coconut Oil
I’ve heard that some dog parents have had success using coconut oil to remove tear stains. If you do this, make sure you’re only cleaning around your dog’s eyes (never put it in your dog’s eyes).
Use Contact Lens Solution
A standard contact lens solution for humans could do the trick (if it contains boric acid). Boric acid oxidizes the iron in the porphyrin to lighten the tear stains. While it can be helpful to clean the area near your dog’s eyes, never put it in your dog’s eyes.
Ask Your Vet About Medications and Supplements
Sometimes, natural remedies aren’t strong enough for dogs with excessive tear production. If you’ve tried cleaning your dog’s tear stains daily with no success, it’s best to consult your vet. They may have some products, supplements, or even medications in mind to help your dog feel more comfortable. Keep reading to find out more details about products to remove dog tear stains.
Best Tear Stain Remover for Dogs
There are lots of products out there meant to tackle dog tear stains. The one that will work best for your dog could depend on their specific needs. So, when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to ask your vet for recommendations.
Angels’ Eyes is a brand known for having tear stain remover products. As a kid, my family tried one of these products on our rescue Maltese and it made her tear stains less prominent. This product comes in the form of soft supplements, and it uses natural antioxidants to prevent red and brown tears from staining your dog’s coat. For many dogs, these products look and smell like treats, making them easy to serve.
These eye wipes from the Natural Dog can help you more effectively clean the area around your dog’s eyes. This container comes with 50 soft, round wipes that are made with ingredients like aloe leaf and witch hazel. They can help remove crusty eye boogers and dark tear stains from your dog’s face. Plus, the ingredients are both gentle and effective to keep your pup safe.
This is a unique tear stain product that comes in powder form. You apply the power to the area under your dog’s eyes using the included brush. Then, the powder will absorb moisture and repel tears, which can help keep your dog’s face looking clean. Using it daily for seven days should help clear your pup’s face of tear stains. It’s made of safe, non-irritating ingredients to ensure your dog will be okay if it accidentally gets in their mouth or eyes.
Here is another popular product by Angels’ Eyes. This product consists of liquid eye drops that you apply directly to your dog’s eyes to clean them. While many dogs will dislike the process, it’s a great way to soothe irritated eyes and clear debris to reduce tear production. It’s safe and sterile and can help your dog’s eyes feel better overall while helping with tear stains.
This product is another soft, chewable supplement that you can serve to your dog as if it’s a treat. It includes ingredients like lutein, cranberry extract, marshmallow root, and omega fatty acids to help eliminate tear stains and prevent more from forming. By taking these supplements regularly, your dog’s eyes will also be healthier overall.
I’ve had lots of great experiences with Zesty Paws products in the past, and while I’ve never specifically used this one, it has positive reviews. It’s a soft supplement that’s chicken-flavored to appeal to picky eaters. It includes eyebright herb extract, Ceylon cinnamon extract, and an antioxidant blend to keep your dog’s eyes moist and healthy to reduce tear stains. It’s also good for your dog’s immune system to help them feel healthier from nose to tail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dog Tear Stains Bad?
It depends. In many cases, dog tear stains are normal, but if the tear stains are more excessive than usual, you may want to consult your vet. Excessive tear production can be uncomfortable for dogs, so it’s best to get a vet’s advice for how to manage it.
Are Dog Tear Stains Permanent?
No, dog tear stains aren’t permanent. They can be prevented and removed using the products mentioned above. If they become crusty and difficult to wipe off, you may need to cut the hair around your dog’s eyes (if your dog has hair that continuously grows rather than fur that sheds).
Why are Dog Tear Stains Brown?
Dog tear stains look brown or red because of the iron in their eye discharge. Dog tears have porphyrin, a molecule with iron, in them. The brown coloring is most noticeable on dogs with white fur.
Can Dog Food Cause Tear Stains?
Yes, dog food could contribute to your dog’s eye discharge. Certain ingredients could cause more tear stains, especially if your dog is allergic to something. Consult your vet if you’re unsure why your dog’s tear stains have gotten worse.
Are Dog Tear Stains Normal?
Yes, in many cases, dog tear stains are normal. A little eye discharge now and then isn’t a cause for concern. However, if your dog is experiencing excessive tear production, it could be a result of a health concern, so talk to your vet just to be safe.
Managing Dog Tear Stains
Dog tear stains can be annoying at times, especially when they’re on a light-colored dog coat. The appearance might bother you, but the bigger concern is that they’re uncomfortable for your furry friend. So, to make them less frustrating for both of you, ask your vet for recommendations on how to reduce your dog’s tear stains. They might recommend one of the products listed above or they may have something else in mind. Getting their advice first is always a good idea because they can give personalized suggestions based on your dog’s needs.