February 7, 2010

Causes of Dog Tear Stains

by Joanne Gallagher

We all strive to look our best. There are cosmetic remedies and prescription medicines for dark circles and puffy eyes. The same is true for dogs that have reddish-brown stains under their eyes.

Tear stains are apparent on white and light hair dogs. Brown, black and dogs with darker hair and fur experience tear staining also; it just is not that noticeable because it is camouflaged by their coloring. Light or dark coated, not all dogs experience tear staining.

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition when it comes to tear staining. Researching the direct lineage of your pup will help to determine if your pup will experience tearing and staining. If mom and pop have clean eyes, most likely the same will be true for their pups.

A food allergy can be the culprit of tear stains. Some dogs have sensitivity to food coloring and preservatives. Switching your dog to a diet of all natural dog food and treats can make a difference with the staining.

Wet face hair caused by excessive tearing is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Red Yeast is a common eye infection and causes a deep reddish-brown stain. Bacterial infections in the tear ducts are also common and may cause excess tearing and staining. A veterinarian can diagnose these types of infections. An examination will determine the actual cause of the staining.

The dreaded flea could be the culprit of stains under your dog’s eyes. Fleas need moisture to survive and enjoy the warm, moist spot under the eyes. The red stains under the eyes are flea feces.

Pet owners have been known to treat eye stains at home. Adding a teaspoon of white cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl or giving your dog TUMS are some common homemade remedies. Another popular solution is equal parts milk of magnesia, corn starch and hydrogen peroxide made into a paste and applied to the stained area. Before a portrait, dog owners and handlers have been known to whiten up a coat by rubbing corn starch into the coat.

The eye area is extremely sensitive. Use caution when applying any chemical near your pets’ eyes. Don’t rub anything into the eye and be careful that nothing splashes into the eye. Discussing the tear staining solutions with your Veterinarian and Groomer will ensure an effective and safe outcome.

About the Author:

There are several reasons why a dog has tear stains. It is tricky to determine the cause of the problem in your dog. Joanne Gallagher is an expert in caring for your dog and recommends visiting Jake’s Dog House for various solutions for tear stain removal.