Effective Tips to Prevent and Clean Dog Tear Stains

How Do Dog's Tear Stains Appear?

Before diving into the reasons behind tear stains, let's first take a look at a dog's eye structure, focusing on two key components: the lacrimal glands and the nasolacrimal ducts. The lacrimal glands are responsible for producing tears, which keep a dog's eyes moist and healthy, giving them that characteristic watery appearance.

Tears are then carried through the nasolacrimal ducts and into the nasal cavity, forming a balanced and dynamic process. However, when this balance is disrupted, such as when the lacrimal glands become inflamed and overproduce tears, exceeding the ducts' capacity, the excess tears overflow from the corners of the eyes. Over time or with frequent occurrences, these tears can gradually lead to the development of tear stains.

Some dog breeds are more prone to tear stains due to their physical characteristics. For instance, brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs, have naturally curved and narrow nasolacrimal ducts, making it easier for tears to overflow. Additionally, if a dog is sick and the ducts become blocked, tears will have no choice but to flow out of the corners of the eyes, eventually forming stains.

Why Do Tear Stains Often Appear as Reddish Brown?

This is because tears contain a substance called porphyrin.

Porphyrin is a natural compound produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin, an ironrich waste product from red blood cells. In dogs, a significant amount of porphyrin is excreted through urine, tears, and saliva. Those with a basic understanding of chemistry know that iron oxidizes to become brick red or dark red, resembling rust. Thus, the reddish brown color of tear stains is not surprising.

What Are the Possible Causes of Tear Stains?

Besides the common reasons mentioned earlier that can lead to black tear stains, here are some other frequent causes that pet owners should be aware of to help prevent tear stains in their furry friends.

Disease Issues

1. Lacrimal Gland Inflammation

2. Nasolacrimal Duct Blockage

3. Ear Infections

Ear infections can also irritate the sensitive lacrimal glands, causing excessive tear production and subsequent tear stains.

4. Entropion

This condition involves eyelashes growing inward, constantly irritating the corners of the eyes and prompting the dog to produce more tears. With no timely evacuation through the nasolacrimal ducts, the excess tears can lead to tear stains.

5. Other Eye Diseases

Congenital Issues

1. Specific Dog Breeds

Brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs, as well as breeds with lush eyearea fur like Pomeranians and Teddy Bears, are more susceptible to tear stains.

2. Congenital Defects

These defects may be due to genetic or congenital reasons, such as sensitive lacrimal glands or nasolacrimal ducts that are naturally narrow.

Environmental Factors

1. Smoking in the Home

Secondhand smoke or excessive smoke can irritate a dog's nose, causing discomfort and excessive tear production.

2. Allergens Like Pollen and Dust

If your dog is allergic to certain pollen, and it's season or you've brought such flowers into the home, you might notice tear stains suddenly appearing. This could be an allergic reaction.

Food Factors

This is why some owners may wonder why their dog developed tear stains after switching to a new dog food. Here are some reasons:

1. Food Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to certain ingredients or ingredients in commercial dog food or homemade meals, such as corn, wheat, and beef.

2. PoorQuality Ingredients in Dog Food

Lowquality dog food with poor ingredients can be difficult to digest, placing additional strain on the liver. This can explain why some dogs experience improved tear stains when switching to a new food or homemade meals.

What Can Pet Owners Do?

Now that we understand the causes and contributing factors behind tear stains, responsible pet owners can take targeted steps to prevent them.

Remember to regularly inspect your dog's eye area hair to ensure it doesn't grow too long and irritate the eyes.

Using a cotton ball soaked in lemon acid or liquid vitamin C can help remove tear stains by reacting with the iron in porphyrin, preventing the formation of the distinctive reddish brown color.

Petspecific tear stain wipes or gently applying Vaseline can also be effective in removing tear stains.