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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Tear stains are the reddish-brown streaks under your dog's eyes, caused by too many tears. They're usually cosmetic, but they can get irritated or infected, and sometimes point to an eye problem. Wipe and dry the face daily, use a gentle cleanser and coconut oil, and look at the cause: diet, water, bowls and eye health.
What are tear stains?
Tear stains happen when your dog makes more tears than drain away, a condition called epiphora. The tears spill onto the fur below the eyes and leave a stain.
They're common in Shih Tzus, Maltese and Lhasa Apsos, and in flat-faced breeds like pugs, Pekingese, Boston terriers and French bulldogs. They show up most on white or light-coloured fur.
Why are they reddish-brown?
Tears contain porphyrins, iron-rich waste from broken-down red blood cells. On light fur, they oxidise into a reddish-brown colour, which gets darker in sunlight.
A browner stain, or a bad smell, can mean yeast. That needs treating, not just cleaning. Read dog ear yeast infections for how to fix yeast from the inside.
What causes tear stains?
Eye problems
Eye infections, ingrown eyelashes, an inward-rolling eyelid (entropion), small tear duct openings, or glaucoma.
Face shape
Flat-faced breeds have shallow eye sockets and exposed eyes, so tears overflow more easily, and they're prone to dry eye, ulcers and injuries.
Yeast and infections
Yeast build-up on the face, and sometimes ear infections.
Diet and environment
A low-quality diet, allergens like secondhand smoke, plastic food bowls, and high stress.
Other causes
Teething in puppies, and some medications.
How to clean tear stains
Clean first: wipe the stained area with a cotton pad soaked in JOOF Hygiene Water, from the inner corner of the eye outwards.
Then use coconut oil: put a little coconut oil on a cotton pad and wipe the stained area repeatedly. You'll see the stain start to lift onto the pad.
Repeat daily. Stubborn stains fade gradually over time.
If the skin under the eyes is red or irritated, a thin layer of Natural Dog Company Wrinkle Balm along the tear track can soothe and protect it. Keep coconut oil and balm out of the eye itself.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
This is the routine I use for both Wangcai and BeanBean: Hygiene Water to clean, then coconut oil.
How to prevent tear stains
✓ Wipe and dry the face daily, more often if your dog tears a lot.
✓ Use filtered water. Tap water can contain more iron and impurities.
✓ Switch to glass or stainless steel bowls. Plastic bowls scratch easily and harbour bacteria.
✓ Feed a fresh, whole-food diet with fewer fillers. Read more in a beginner's guide to raw diets.
✓ Look for food sensitivities. A pet intolerance test can show which foods to avoid.
✓ Get your dog's eyes checked by your vet, to rule out problems like ingrown lashes or blocked tear ducts.
Avoid tear stain products containing tylosin tartrate. It's an antibiotic, and giving it routinely can upset the gut and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
See your vet the same day if the eye is red, cloudy or swollen, or your dog keeps squinting or pawing at it.
Frequently asked questions
Will tear stains go away on their own?
Rarely. Once you fix the cause, new fur grows in clean, but existing stains usually need gentle cleaning to fade.
Can I use coconut oil near the eyes?
Yes, if it's pure, organic, virgin and therapeutic grade, like CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. Read more in how to take care of your pet's eyes and ears.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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