Say ‘Goodbye’ to Dog Tear Stains for Good With These Tips From Experts

Weep no more over doggy tear stains. You know, those reddish-brown pools of color that form around a pooch’s eyes? Tear stains on dogs are most noticeable on white pups, but all breeds can get them. And while they can be a sign of a serious medical condition, the good news is most of the time they’re harmless and totally natural.

If you’re determined to rid your best pal of that reddish-brown gunk (and your veterinarian has ruled out any medical issues), we asked veterinarians and a pet groomer about how to clean dog tear stains and prevent them from returning—safely and effectively.

Tear stains on dogs are often caused by porphyrins, which are iron-carrying molecules that are the by-product of red blood cells being broken down. Porphyrins are carried in a dog’s tears, urine, and saliva, and when they come into contact with the pet’s fur, stains are produced.

“The chemical reaction between porphyrins and fur is what causes the change in color,” says Zay Satchu, DVM, chief veterinary officer and co-founder of BondVet, based in New York City.

In this case, the extent of a dog’s tear stains is determined by the quantity of porphyrins and tears produced by the individual pet, says Rachel Ann Stalcoskie, head stylist and co-owner of Rachel Ann’s Country Clips Pet Grooming in Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania. Tear stains on white dogs are typically more obvious but only because of their light fur.

While tear stains on dogs are harmless, they may be indicative of an underlying medical issue. So, “If tear stains are a new development, it is a good idea to have a physical exam performed by a veterinarian to ensure there is no medical reason causing increased tear production that is leading to the staining,” recommends Dr. Satchu.

Tear stains on dogs are sometimes due to either eye irritation or a tear duct system that doesn’t drain tears correctly. Normally, tears drain from the eyes to the nose—but a wonky tear duct system causes tears to flow over the eyelid and onto the face.

What are some of the other things that may cause tear stains that your vet might want to rule out?

• Entropion: This is where the eyelids are positioned towards the eye instead of away. Some breeds, including English Bulldogs, Great Danes, and Miniature Poodles, are more susceptible.
• A yeast or fungal infection
• Abnormal eyelashes: Ectopic cilia, for example, occurs when one or more hairs grow abnormally. The hair then makes contact with the cornea (surface of the eye) and causes irritation and ulcers.
• Damage to the cornea: This is oftentimes caused by an infection or the result of an injury to the eye.
• Glaucoma: When fluid builds up, it increases pressure on the eye.

Once your vet has ruled out any serious issues, you can start treating the tear stains at home. One key thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t really one specific product that will work the same way on every dog.

“It all depends on the individual pet and the severity of the staining,” Stalcoskie says. When it comes to cleaning tear stains on dogs, it’s mostly a case of trial and error.

Some of the things Stalcoskie has seen work on different dogs over the years include:

• Treating the underlying medical condition, like entropion or allergies
• Changing the dog’s drinking water from tap water to filtered bottled water
• Adding a supplement to the dog’s diet or changing the dog’s diet
• Keeping the dog’s face well maintained (“Keeping hair short around the eyes, cleaning the face multiple times a day, and keeping the face as dry as possible,” Stalcoskie says.)
• An array of over-the-counter (OTC) products (like dog tear stain removers)

Before using any tear stain remover on your dog, consult your vet. They can help decide which product is best for your pet.

One example of an OTC dog tear stain remover is Angels’ Eyes. “They make wipes for existing stains, but also supplements that help to prevent future stains from developing,” says Dr. Satchu. These pre-moistened, no-rinse wipes contain a mild detergent derived from coconut oil and other natural ingredients like juniper berry oil and aloe leaf extract.

Another brand veterinarians may recommend is the Optixcare® line of cleaners and wipes.

A word of caution: Keep in mind during application that these (or any) OTC products should only be used around the eyes, never-ever in the eyes.

Always check with your vet before using a new product on your dog, and avoid using home remedies for dog tear stain removers, as they may be potentially harmful to your dog.

It’s not always possible to completely prevent tear stains on dogs, but you can work to minimize their appearance and occurrence. Stalcoskie recommends the following good hygiene practices:

• Keep the hair around the eyes super-short all of the time.
• Visit your groomer one to two times for face trims in between your pet’s full grooming appointment.
• Keep the pet’s face as dry as possible, and clean the pet’s face twice a day.

Sometimes simple changes, like exchanging tap water for filtered bottled water, can help, says Stalcoskie. Filtered water is especially helpful if your tap water has a high iron count.

After your vet has ruled out any medical issues, and you find the right products for your individual dog and get your vet’s stamp of approval, you and your dog can finally say goodbye to pesky tear stains—for good.

Expert input provided by Zay Satchu, DVM, chief veterinary officer and co-founder of BondVet, based in New York City, New York; and Rachel Ann Stalcoskie, head stylist and co-owner of Rachel Ann’s Country Clips Pet Grooming in Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania.

This content was medically reviewed by a veterinarian.