Causes & Treatments for a Dog's Tear Stains

Doggy tear stains are not only unattractive but also indicative of potential health issues. These redbrown stains that dangle from a dog's face are a result of excessive tear production or blocked tear ducts. The causes for these conditions are varied and should be addressed based on the specific situation.

Understanding the Common Causes of Tear Stains in Puppies

1. Genetic Factors: Certain dog breeds, such as Bichon Frise, Chihuahua, and Pomeranian, are predisposed to more prominent tear glands and, consequently, a higher tear production, making them more prone to tear stains.

2. Eye Infections: Conditions like conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis, often caused by bacteria or viruses, can irritate a dog's eyes, leading to excessive tearing and the formation of stains.

3. Poor Diet: A diet high in fats and salt can contribute to increased tear production and, ultimately, the development of tear stains.

4. Entropion or Ectropion: When eyelids roll inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion), they can irritate the eyes, causing excessive tearing.

5. Environmental Factors: Dust, bacteria, and viruses in the environment can also lead to eye infections and, subsequently, tear stains.

6. Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: If the tear ducts become blocked due to inflammation or congenital issues, tears can溢出 and leave stains on the face.

How to Address Tear Stains in Puppies

1. Dealing with Genetic Factors

While we can't alter a dog's genetic makeup, there are steps we can take to mitigate tear stains:

(1) Regularly trim the hair around the eyes to prevent irritation;

(2) Clean the eyes daily with a mixture of physiological saline and borax water (2:8 ratio) to prevent tear buildup and hair discoloration;

(3) Monitor the diet to avoid excessive fats and salt;

(4) Maintain a clean environment to reduce exposure to irritants.

2. Addressing Eye Diseases

Should you notice redness, excessive discharge (especially mucoid or purulent), or difficulty opening the eyes, consider using Berlengamine (neomycin sulfate eye drops) at home as a first step.

Before administering the drops, ensure you clean the eyes with sterile physiological saline to remove any debris and allow the medication to work effectively.

If home treatment doesn't improve the symptoms, or if the puppy exhibits additional signs like fever, loss of appetite, runny nose, or cough, it's advisable to take it to a veterinarian for a thorough examination to rule out viral infections or other underlying causes.

3. Entropion or Ectropion

These issues often require surgical correction. It's best to address them promptly to avoid potential vision loss due to ongoing irritation.

4. Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

For mild cases, veterinary intervention to flush the nasolacrimal ducts may be sufficient. Afterward, massaging the surrounding eye area can help stimulate circulation and prevent future blockages.

In cases of recurrent blockages or unresponsive to flushing, surgical options like nasolacrimal duct intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy may be necessary.