In the eyes of a pet parent, our precious furbabies could not be any more perfect. Sure, they can get smelly and dirty if they play in the dirt too long but a simple bath typically brings your pooch up to snuff. Unfortunately some discoloration is tougher to kick than others. It’s time to get the skinny on a common problem with pups, tear staining. What it is and what you can do to prevent it, or reduce the appearance.

Generally, tear stains are reddish brown streaks that appear under the eyes of dogs that can sometimes hint at certain health concerns, but are mostly just not aesthetically pleasing. Referred to as epiphora this condition is more common in certain breeds than others, and can be caused by quite a number of different things. As I continue on, please keep in mind that this post is dealing mainly with common and acute tear staining, of a reddish brown nature. If you are noticing an overly excessive amount of this discoloration, OR a yellowish or green color discharge please seek veterinary assistance.

Regardless of breed, white and lightly colored dogs are more likely to have visible staining on the face. Fairer hair can be more easily dyed by the pigment of their tears. Brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced) such as Pekingese or French Bulldogs and short snouted breeds such as Maltese and West Highland Terriers are more likely to produce tears overall. This is due to having shallow eye sockets or having a lot of hair growth in front of the eyes or in skin folds. Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are two breeds known for being prone to blocked tear ducts.

20150401_094338With anatomy being the most innocent cause, there are quite a few factors that can play a part in tear staining. Along with shallow eye sockets, irritation can occur from the actual eyelid being rolled inward. Hair growth near the eyes such as at the corners of the eyes, the visor, and even eyelashes can poke and tickle to cause excess tearing. Environment can also play a part. If your pup has seasonal allergies, minerals in the drinking water, allergies to food, or even using plastic feeding and watering bowls. Growing puppies can experience a lot of tearing as they grow and teeth, as well.

So now onto the big question: How do I prevent/reduce the staining? First things first, consult your vet. While it is a common issue and the causes are mostly harmless, it is always good to know what the exact issue is, such as food or seasonal allergies. Review your pet’s diet to be sure that there are no unnecessary fillers such as corn and wheat and that it is also free of dyes. If your tap water contains a lot of minerals, try giving your pooch filtered or bottled water. Similarly, feed and water your pet using stainless steel bowls as opposed to plastic which can deteriorate with use. There are also products such as Angel Eyes, which offer things like food additives or simple face wipes. Another at home remedy to research may be adding apple cider or white vinegar to your pet’s water which can help change the pH in your pet. Increasing the acidity with this technique can help ward away bacteria and yeast which worsen tear staining.

Simple changes can make a big impact on your pet’s life. Keeping yourself aware and updated is the best way to ensure that your family member is happy and healthy throughout their lives! You are their world just as much as they are yours.