Causes & Treatments for Cat & Dog Tear Stains: Solution

Alright, today, let's delve into this pesky issue that plagues our furry friends, identifying the root cause so we can tackle it swiftly and effectively. Let's get started!

1. Genetic Predisposition

Let's talk about cats first. Flatfaced breeds like Persians, Himalayans, and Ragdolls have round, large, and flat faces. This flatness causes their tear ducts to bend more, whereas normal tear ducts are straight with only slight curves. In flatfaced cats, the tear ducts resemble an "L" shape.

When tears flow through this "L" shape, they can pause at the bend, and if this pause is prolonged, tears that don't make it through the ducts can escape from the inner corner of the eye, leading to excessive tearing and eventually, tear stains.

Now, for dogs, breeds with shorter snouts like Pugs and French Bulldogs often have clogged tear ducts, leading to increased tear production and, consequently, tear stains. Dogs with shallow eyelids, like Pomeranians, Samoyeds, and Labradors, also produce more tears, which can lead to bacterial growth.

Primary lacrimal hyperemia is another genetic condition where tears are excessively produced, making tear stains more likely.

Solutions: For先天problems, the best we can do is regular care and cleaning. After all, you love their natural cuteness! A little trick: try applying cornstarch to the tear stains to keep the area around the eyes dry.

2. Diet

Diet is a common cause of tear stains. Some lowquality pet foods have high salt content, and homemade meals might also be high in salt or allergenic grains like corn and wheat. Some even feed their pets rice or fried human food, which can lead to heat and yellow urine, and more importantly, tear stains. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamins A and C, can also exacerbate tear stains.

Solutions: Aim for a balanced, lowfat, lowsalt diet, avoiding artificial colors, additives, preservatives, and allergenic grains. Choose lowfat, lowsalt, glutenfree, and hypoallergenic pet foods. For dogs, ensure a varied and balanced diet rich in vitamins A and C, and encourage plenty of water intake.

3. Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

As pets blink and tears wash away dust, inflammation can occur. When inflammation cells mix with dust particles and become too large to pass through the tear ducts, they can block the ducts, leading to overflow of tears and, ultimately, tear stains.

Solutions: Veterinary treatment often includes antibiotics and, in some cases, minor surgery to clear the ducts. Regular massaging of the nasal and eye corners can also help.

4. Abnormal Eyelash Growth

There are three types: inverted eyelashes, ectopic eyelashes, and double eyelashes. Inverted eyelashes, which are most common in dogs, grow inward towards the eye. Ectopic eyelashes grow in abnormal positions, and double eyelashes are extra lashes in the normal position.

Solutions: Surgery is the only way to permanently treat these conditions.

5. Ear or Tooth Infections

Ear issues, such as dirt, mites, or infections, can lead to swelling and itching, prompting pets to scratch their faces. This can cause pain in the ear canal that extends to the eye area, stimulating tear production. Excess tears that can't be drained through the tear ducts can then leak from the corners of the eyes, leading to tear stains.

Solutions: Regular ear cleaning and using ear cleaning solutions can prevent infections. For tooth infections, targeted medication and good oral hygiene are essential.

6. Eye Diseases

Herpesvirus is a highly contagious disease in cats, with 8590% of cats carrying it. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, which can progress to conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulcers, and even necrosis. Cat rhinitis can also cause excessive tears and mucus, leading to tear stains.

Solutions: Seek veterinary care for diagnosis and treatment. For mild inflammation, eye drops can be used, along with tear stain removal products. For contagious diseases, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. Lysine supplements can help prevent these conditions.

7. Poor Hygiene

Not paying attention to a pet's hair care, such as not trimming the hair around the eyes, can lead to long hair that irritates the eyes, causing excessive tearing. Leftover tears can then dry on the fur around the eyes, leading to discoloration over time.

Solutions: Regular grooming, especially trimming the hair around the eyes, is crucial. For pets with excessive tear production, frequent cleaning with saltwater or eye drops is recommended.

8. Trauma

Cats and dogs can injure their eyes during play or exercise. The high concentration of nerves in the cornea means that even minor trauma can cause reflexive tearing. Excessive tears that can't be immediately drained can lead to tear stains.

Solutions: Protect your home from sharp edges and keep nails trimmed to prevent scratches. Seek veterinary care for any facial scratches that may not be related to tear stains.

9. Other Causes

Other causes include chemical burns, entropion, dacryocystitis, drug irritation, environmental factors, and unclean food. Severe tear stains may not be caused by a single factor and may require thorough examination.

Lastly, here are some tips for daily eye care:

Never use human eye drops on pets unless they are artificial tears without additives. Regular facial cleaning, especially around the eyes, is key. Be gentle and use soft tissues. Keep the area around the eyes and fur dry.

Use stainless steel, ceramic, glass, or antibacterial bowls instead of plastic. If using plastic, clean it frequently with disinfectant wipes. Plastic can harbor bacteria and potentially harmful chemicals.

Be cautious with medication. Use the lowest possible dose of antibiotics and opt for products prescribed by a veterinarian.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. Don't wait for problems to arise. The adorable pets you see online are the result of careful care and attention from their owners.