You love your dog’s face, but those reddish-brown streaks under the eyes can be frustrating. Tear stains are a common cosmetic issue, especially in breeds like Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Poodles. While they are rarely a medical emergency, they can signal underlying problems. The good news is that with a consistent routine and a few smart changes, you can significantly reduce or remove tear stains. Let’s get into what works and what doesn’t.

What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs?

Tear stains happen when tears overflow onto the fur and the porphyrins in the tears oxidize when exposed to air, creating that reddish-brown color. Common causes include:

  • Blocked tear ducts: Some dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds, have narrow or blocked tear ducts that don’t drain properly.
  • Excessive tearing (epiphora): This can be triggered by allergies, eye infections, or irritants like dust or smoke.
  • Diet and water: High mineral content in water or low-quality food can worsen staining.
  • Genetics: Some breeds are just more prone. For example, if you have a Bernese Mountain Dog, you might also be dealing with other breed-specific issues like shedding or drooling, but tear stains are less common in that breed compared to toy breeds.

Start With Gentle Daily Cleaning

The simplest and safest first step is daily wiping. Use a soft, damp cloth or a sterile eye wipe specifically for dogs. Gently wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward. Do this once or twice a day. This removes the tears before they have a chance to stain the fur. Never use human eye drops or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate your dog’s eyes. If the staining is stubborn, you can try a veterinary-approved tear stain wipe that contains mild, natural ingredients like chamomile or boric acid.

Check Your Dog’s Diet and Water Source

What goes into your dog affects what comes out. Many owners see a big improvement by switching to a high-quality, grain-free or limited-ingredient diet. Also, try giving your dog filtered or distilled water instead of tap water. Tap water often contains iron and other minerals that can make stains worse. Adding a teaspoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt or a probiotic supplement to their food can support gut health and reduce tear production. If you have a multi-pet household, you might be curious about how other pets interact with your dog, like whether Norwegian Forest Cats get along with dogs, but for tear stains, diet is the main focus.

Fun Tip

Some owners swear by adding a tiny pinch of dried parsley or a spoonful of coconut oil to their dog’s food. These can act as natural antimicrobials and may help reduce tear stain bacteria. Always introduce new foods slowly and ask your vet first.

Trim the Fur Around the Eyes

Long hair around the eyes can wick tears onto the fur, making stains worse. Use blunt-tipped grooming scissors to carefully trim the hair around your dog’s eyes. If you’re nervous, a professional groomer can do this in minutes. Keeping this area short and clean reduces the surface area for stains to develop. For breeds with heavy facial hair, like Schnauzers or Poodles, this is a game-changer.

Use a Safe Tear Stain Remover

There are many commercial tear stain removers on the market. Look for ones that are enzymatic, meaning they break down the porphyrins rather than just bleaching the fur. Avoid products with harsh bleaches or antibiotics like tylosin, which can have side effects. Apply the remover to a cotton ball and gently dab the stained fur, avoiding contact with the eye itself. Do this after cleaning the area. You can also use a small amount of plain, non-medicated eye lubricant to help flush the eyes, but only if your vet recommends it.

“A clean face starts with a clean diet and a gentle hand. Patience and consistency matter more than any magic bottle.”

When to See a Veterinarian

If tear stains appear suddenly, are accompanied by redness, swelling, squinting, or a discharge that looks like pus, it’s time to see your vet. These could be signs of an eye infection, a corneal scratch, or a blocked tear duct that needs professional flushing. Also, if your dog is a breed prone to other health issues, like the Bernese Mountain Dog, you might be keeping an eye on other signs, such as hip dysplasia, but eye health is separate and should not be ignored. Your vet can rule out serious problems and may prescribe a topical ointment if needed.

Consider Environmental Allergies

Seasonal allergies can cause watery eyes. If you notice your dog’s tear stains get worse in spring or fall, try wiping their paws after walks to remove pollen, and wash their bedding weekly in fragrance-free detergent. You can also use an air purifier in the room where they sleep. For dogs with severe allergies, a vet might recommend antihistamines or a special diet. Remember, if you’re also wondering about other pets in your home, such as whether Siamese cats get along with dogs, that’s a separate topic, but keeping your dog’s environment clean helps both their eyes and their overall comfort.

Gentle Reminder

Never use over-the-counter human eye drops, contact lens solution, or vinegar on your dog’s face. These can cause pain, burns, or vision damage. Always use products made specifically for dogs, and when in doubt, ask your vet.

Final Routine for Best Results

To keep tear stains away, build a simple routine: wipe the eyes daily, trim facial hair every two weeks, feed a clean diet with filtered water, and use a safe enzymatic remover once a week. With consistency, you will see a brighter, cleaner face. And if you have a multi-dog or multi-cat household, you might also enjoy learning about breed compatibility, like whether Maine Coon cats are good with dogs, but for now, focus on those eyes. Your pup will thank you with a happier, more comfortable face.