Tear stains and dogs

Written by Tammy Gagne

Overview

If you have a white dog, you’re probably no stranger to tear stains. Called epiphora, these persistent discolorations of the fur under a dog’s eyes can be hard to remove, especially from lighter-colored animals. Tear staining is a common issue in dogs of all colors, though. From the white Maltese to the black Cocker Spaniel, numerous breeds and colors of dogs are prone to this problem. Miniature breeds are the most susceptible, but even larger dogs like the Bulldog and Saint Bernard can suffer from tear staining.

What are tear stains and what causes them?

Tear stains are excess tears that are secreted by the eye and left to harden on the fur surrounding a dog’s eye. Overly long fur surrounding the eye area can aggravate this problem. When the hair touches the eyes, it actually wicks moisture from them, causing the eyes to water even more. This can irritate the eyes and lead to infection. Any foreign matter in the eyes, including an overgrowth of bacteria, can in fact trigger excess tear production.

In some situations, the root of the problem may be an underlying condition. Allergies, for example, frequently cause watery eyes. If your dog is also scratching a lot, an allergy may be to blame for both this and his persistent tear staining. Food allergies in dogs can also be a factor. These include artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, and even wheat. All of these ingredients can cause or exacerbate tear staining. Certain minerals in drinking water can also be the culprit, as can the very bowl from which your dog drinks. Plastic dishes often trigger an allergic reaction of this kind.

If your dog suffers from chronic tear staining, schedule an appointment with his veterinarian. She can help you identify the cause. Your pet could be suffering from an inflamed tear duct or even an ear infection. Medication will be necessary to treat an infection, but prevention of future staining is also important.

Treating and preventing tear stains

Certain dietary supplements can help with tear stain treatment and prevention. These may be added to your dog’s food or mixed with his drinking water. Because these products contain small doses of antibiotics, they can effectively prevent bacterial overgrowth. Other products can be applied topically.

Home remedies for tear staining also exist, but owners should be very careful when going this route. Harsh ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide or bleach, even when diluted, can worsen tear staining – and more importantly, they can harm your dog. Always check with your veterinarian before using any tear-staining treatment or prevention product, homemade or otherwise.

The best course of defense against tear staining is good hygienic offense. Clean your dog’s face every day. If tears are left to accumulate under his eyes, your dog’s risk of developing an infection increases significantly. This wet hair is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

Begin by gently wiping the fur surrounding your dog’s eyes with a damp cloth. A fine-tooth comb or a toothbrush dipped in warm water can help you remove the crusty matter that often accompanies tear staining. Be sure to wash your hands first, and avoid getting water in the actual eyes. Use a cotton pad to dry the eye area after washing it. If the hair is long enough to graze the eyes, trim it. If you must leave the hair long for showing your dog, use a barrette or an elastic hair band to keep the hair out of his eyes.

When bathing your pet, use a tear-free shampoo made specifically for dogs. Never apply shampoo to the eye area; use just warm water on a washcloth instead. Using a tear-free product on the rest of your pet, though, will prevent irritation in case you accidentally get the soap in your dog’s eyes.

Next, wherever possible, remove any triggers that you or your vet has determined are contributing to your dog’s tear staining problem. If you suspect an allergy, this may mean trying an elimination diet – removing ingredients one at a time in hopes of identifying the allergen. Your vet may also place your dog on a prescription food to help with this process.

Feeding your dog from stainless steel bowls is another smart step. Stainless steel is more allergy-friendly than plastic. It is also much less vulnerable to chewing. Be sure to wash your dog’s dishes daily to prevent bacteria from accumulating on them – another way your dog can pick up a nasty infection.