Removing Dog's tear stains: Effective Remedies & Medica

Understanding the issue of tear stains in dogs is crucial, as it can stem from a variety of factors. Common causes include double eyelids in certain breeds, inverted eyelashes, excessive hair around the eyes, entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids), obstructed tear ducts, underdeveloped tear ducts, overly curved tear ducts, and a profusion of facial skin folds. These issues can lead to irritation or the inability of tears to drain properly, causing them to pool at the corners of the eyes and form stubborn tear stains.

Moreover, a dog's diet can exacerbate tear stains, particularly if they are fed a diet high in oil and salt. This can lead to internal heat and inflammation,刺激 tear gland secretions, resulting in excessive eye boogers and more pronounced tear stains.

Lastly, eye infections, ear canal inflammation, teething, gingivitis, dacryoadenitis (inflammation of the tear glands), and external irritants can also be common culprits behind severe tear stains in dogs.

Therefore, to effectively address a dog's tear stains, it's essential to first identify the underlying cause and then implement preventive measures and proper care.

Everyday Care for Dog Tear Stains

The management of tear stains in dogs involves a range of approaches, including daily care, dietary adjustments, and medical treatments. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Daily Care

● Eye Cleaning: Gently wipe your dog's eyes daily with warm water or sterile saline solution to remove tear stains and debris, preventing bacterial growth.

● Tear Stain Removal: For more severe stains, use a mixture of 20% saline solution and 80% boric acid solution to wipe away the stains repeatedly.

● Keeping Dry: After cleaning, use a dry tissue to absorb excess moisture and then apply a layer of cornstarch to keep the fur dry.

● Hair Trimming: Regularly trim the hair around your dog's eyes to prevent overgrowth that can irritate the eyes and worsen tear stains.

● Eye Massages: Regularly massage the acupoints around your dog's eyes to help unblock tear ducts and reduce tear stains.

● Improving the Environment: Regularly clean the nooks and crannies of your home to avoid irritants like hair and dust that can刺激 your dog's eyes.

2. Dietary Adjustments

● Light Diet: Choose a lowsodium, lowfat, and nutritionally balanced dog food to maintain a light diet, avoiding highsalt and highfat treats and leftovers.

● Nutritional Supplements: Feed your dog vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins C and E, such as cabbage, winter melon, and pears, to improve tear stains.

3. Medical Treatments

● Eye Drops: For dogs with more severe tear stains and symptoms like redness and itching, consider using Shan Jing (Jinyinhua Eye Drops) to soothe discomfort, nourish the eyes, and prevent secondary infections.

● Antibiotic Eye Drops: If your dog shows symptoms like redness, swelling, or excessive discharge, indicating conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or dacryoadenitis, you might try Bailangming (Neomycin Sulfate Eye Drops) for 1 to 3 days to observe the response.

4. Surgical Intervention

● Eyelash Surgery: For a few stray eyelashes, regular trimming or plucking may suffice. However, if there are severe cases of ingrown eyelashes or entropion, a double eyelid surgery may be necessary.

● Tear Duct Surgery: In cases of severe obstruction or congenital underdevelopment of the tear ducts, surgical intervention such as tear duct flushing, catheterization, or reconstructive surgery may be required.

In summary, managing a dog's tear stains requires a comprehensive approach that considers diet, cleanliness, and medical treatments. If the problem persists or worsens, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian promptly to ensure your dog's ocular health.