Effective Approaches to Tackle Tear Stains in Dogs

Tear staining is a common concern, especially for Shih Tzu puppies and other small or toy dog breeds with white or light-coloured fur. Larger breeds can also develop tear stains if their eye and muzzle structure leads to excessive tear production or poor drainage.

Understanding the causes and learning how to manage tear staining can make a big difference to your dog’s comfort and appearance. In this guide, we explore seven effective approaches to tackling tear stains, based on the latest veterinary advice and practical experience.

What Causes Tear Staining in Dogs?

Tear stains happen when excessive tears are produced or not properly drained, leading to wet fur around the eyes that discolours over time. Causes include:

• Overactive or narrow tear ducts
• Irritation or infection of the eyes
• Conformation issues like deep-set or slanted eyes
• Blocked drainage channels
• Allergies leading to excessive tearing
• White or light fur that shows staining prominently

1. Maintain Meticulous Facial Hygiene

Regularly wiping your dog’s face with a damp cloth or specially designed eye wipes twice daily can help prevent tear stains from building up. This prevents the accumulation of porphyrin compounds that cause the red-brown discoloration and helps keep the fur dry and clean.

2. Use Non-Plastic Food and Water Bowls

Replace plastic bowls with stainless steel, porcelain, or glass alternatives. Plastic bowls often develop microscopic scratches that harbour bacteria, irritating your dog’s face and potentially worsening tear stains.

3. Apply Mild Acidic Solutions Carefully

Using mild boric acid solutions (commonly found in contact lens cleaners) or liquid vitamin C on a cotton ball to gently wipe the stained areas can lighten existing tear stains by oxidising the iron in porphyrin. Always check with your vet before starting to use any topical treatments to ensure safety for your dog’s eyes.

4. Veterinary Evaluation and Treatment

Persistent tear stains may be due to blocked or malformed tear ducts. Your vet can flush the ducts to remove blockages and irritants, potentially improving drainage. In some cases, surgical correction might be necessary for structural issues. Veterinary assessment can also identify and treat infections or allergies causing excess tear production.

5. Improve Water Quality

Hard tap water with high mineral or iron content can exacerbate tear staining. Providing filtered or bottled water can reduce the mineral deposition that contributes to staining. It’s a simple change that may yield visible improvements over time.

6. Switch to a High-Quality, Hypoallergenic Diet

Feeding your dog a balanced diet free from artificial colours, fillers, and common allergens helps reduce inflammation and tear production. Diets focusing on easily digestible proteins like turkey, duck, or whitefish can support skin and coat health. Additionally, supporting your dog’s liver with natural ingredients such as milk thistle and dandelion root may help reduce toxin buildup linked to tear staining.

7. Avoid Unproven Remedies

Despite popular beliefs, adding antacids like Tums or apple cider vinegar to your dog's diet has no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing tear stains. Focus on proven veterinary and hygiene measures instead.

Conclusion: Combining Approaches for Best Results

Successfully managing tear staining in dogs often requires a comprehensive approach combining daily hygiene, dietary improvements, water quality management, and veterinary care. Patience is key, as it takes time to see visible improvements. Consult your vet for personalised advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs.