What Causes Tear Staining on Dogs?

I recently got the cutest puppy on Earth, a Maltese, Poodle and Shiatsu mix. She is smart and very sweet, but a bit of a cry-baby at times. Right around 3 months old, I became concerned about the gunk that accumulated under her eyes on her white fur. When I took her in for her second puppy shot, I asked the Vet if something was wrong with her eyes. I was especially concerned that the fur under her eyes was red from her eyes tearing.

The Vet examined her eyes and said that she didn’t see an infection and that it was normal for certain breeds of dogs to have excessive tearing. Apparently, if a dog cries a lot, the tears stain the fur a reddish color. The Vet’s instructions were for me to wipe under her eyes twice a day with a warm compress cloth, which I have been doing diligently, and we’d check it again on her next appointment in 3 weeks.

What Causes Tear Staining?

This, of course, prompted me to do some research when I got home, because I hadn’t heard of this before. I found out that this condition is fairly common for Maltese dogs and other small breeds, including Bull dogs. The Bhe-Jei Maltese website has an article by Bobbie Linden, “Tear Staining – Causes and Cures”, which states that the most common cause of tear staining is excessive tearing. They list things that may cause this:

-The tear ducts have a low grade bacterial infection

-Tear ducts may be blocked

-The dog may have an ear infection

-The genetic disposition of the dog

-The structure of the dog’s head and area around the dog’s eyes

-Cutting teeth puts pressure on tear ducts

-Shampoo got into their eyes during a bath causing irritation

-The dog’s hair has gotten into their eyes, irritating them

-The dog’s food may be causing an allergy.

-The minerals in the dog’s water

-Fleas

That’s a host of varied reasons, isn’t it?

Dog’s Runny Eyes

The Mar Vista Animal Hospital website provides information about “epiphora” or watery ocular discharge on it’s website’s “Runny Eyes” section. They warn dog owners to watch out for squinting or pawing of the eyes by a dog with runny eyes, which may be a signal of pain, which would require a Vet’s attention. Any loss of vison should also be addressed immediately.

What Can Be Done About Tear Staining?

Since some things that cause tear staining are not preventable such as genetics, the head structure of the dog, and cutting teeth, I realized that the best first step is to just watch the condition closely and try to keep it under control. Medication is sometimes the solution for tear staining, but the Bhe-Jei website encourages a dog owner to wait until after a dog has its adult teeth before resorting to drugs such as tetracycline due to its yellowing effect on a dog’s teeth.

On the other hand, some things on the list are things that can be changed. By knowing the importance of keeping my puppy’s eyes from being irritated from shampoo or her hair falling into her eyes, I can make sure this doesn’t happen. Also, a possible change in her diet may help.

Runny Eyes and Yeast and Bacteria

It is important to note that the moist fur that the excessive tearing causes around a dog’s eyes, may become a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. This can become a more serious condition, so steps should be taken to avoid futher irritation. The Bhe-Jei website tells us that giving a dog ½ of a fruit flavored Tums may help change the PH of a dog’s tears, which will in turn, retard any growth of bacteria and yeast.

Tear Staining and a Dog’s Drinking Water

Bulldogsworld.com states that hair coat stains can occur anywhere on a dog’s coat from a dog’s drinking water. They state, “Minerals in the water may stain facial hair in the whisker, and mouth areas, as well as other areas on the chest and front legs when water regular drips. Purified waters/bottled water with low mineral content may be the answer.

As well, bacteria can grow in a dog’s water bowl, and Bulldogsworld.com recommends a stainless steel bowl, washing it in the dishwasher regularly to sterilize it.

The Vanity Side of A Dog’s Tear Staining

Once you have determined the reason for the excessive tearing and staining, there are options to remove the stain. All three websites I’ve referenced provide detailed options for tear stain removal, including:

-Milk of Magnesia, corn starch and peroxide

-Corn flour, water and a drop of bleach

-Wiping with peroxide

-Tetracycline

-Adding “Missing Link” Nutritional Supplements

Now that I am more educated about excessive tearing, I feel that I may be able to help my puppy’s tear staining by making a few changes in my puppy’s environment and diet. Hopefully, with some of these changes, I’ll be able to reduce the “tracks of her tears”!

Resources:

The Bhe-Jei Maltese website
Mar Vista Animal Hospital
Bulldogsworld.com