How to Remove Dog Tear Stains Naturally: Top Proven Tips!

Many dog owners face the issue of tear stains on their pets, which can be a common problem. Luckily, there are ways to remove dog tear stains naturally without harmful chemicals. It’s important to get rid of tear staining for your dog’s health and appearance.

Sometimes, the stains indicate a bigger issue, so paying attention is key. Simple routines like regularly cleaning your dog’s face with a soft cloth can be helpful.

Understanding what causes these stains is crucial for effectively managing and keeping your furry friend happy and healthy. Remember, while tear staining isn’t usually life-threatening, it still deserves care and attention.

Key Takeaways

• For effective prevention, identify causes of tear stains, such as allergies, infections, or diet issues.
• Using simple, natural remedies like diluted hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, and coconut oil to remove stains.
• Daily face cleansing with a soft cloth can prevent staining and irritation.
• Trim facial hair regularly to minimize tear buildup and staining.
• For long-term care, maintain a healthy diet and consider special solutions or wipes for sensitive skin.

Can Dogs Cry Tears? Do Tears Cause Staining?

Yes, dogs can produce tears, but unlike humans, these aren’t a product of sadness. Instead, a dog’s eyes release a saline-like fluid that helps lubricate the eye and remove debris. When there is excessive tear production or the tear ducts aren’t working correctly, the moisture saturates the fur around the eyes, often leading to staining. Constant wetness in this area creates ideal conditions for tear stains to form.

What Are Tear Stains?

Tear stains often appear as reddish-brown marks beneath a dog’s eyes, especially on light-colored or white-coated dogs. In the early stages, these stains are easy to wipe away with a cloth, but with increased tear production or excess leaking, the stains can eventually dye the fur, making them more challenging to get rid of. The discoloring becomes more obvious over time, especially if not managed early.

Dog tear stains have a distinct reddish-brown hue caused by porphyrin molecules, which contain iron from red blood cells broken down in the body. These molecules are released as a byproduct and are excreted in bodily fluids like saliva, bile, and tears. When an excessive amount of porphyrin is produced, it tends to stain the fur, creating the characteristic discoloration seen around a dog’s eyes.

Why Do Dogs Get Tear Stains?

Tear stains often appear under a dog’s eyes due to allergies or underlying health conditions. While not all dogs experience this, it’s a common reason for stains around the eyes.

Allergies

Allergies or food sensitivities can lead to tear stains on a dog’s face. If your dog is allergic to certain ingredients, changing their diet by eliminating problematic foods may help prevent stains. A veterinarian can guide you through an elimination process to pinpoint which foods are causing the problem. Once an allergy is identified, you can choose homemade meals with nutritionally balanced ingredients that avoid any proteins, making your pup sensitive.

If your puppy has tear stains, trying an elimination diet could be beneficial. For example, one owner determined their dog was sensitive to chicken after trying different foods, and once the dog moved to turkey and pork, the stains cleared up and never came back.

If you think allergies might be the cause of your dog’s eye drainage, you can easily fix it by speaking with your veterinarian.

Common Dog Food Allergies

1. Beef
2. Chicken
3. Dairy
4. Eggs
5. Soy
6. Wheat

Common Dog Environmental Allergies

1. Dust mites
2. Flea bites
3. Mold
4. Mildew
5. Pollen
6. Ragweed
7. Eye Infections

Sometimes, tear stains on your dog can indicate an eye infection. Common infections in dogs, like conjunctivitis or yeast, may cause itching, discharge, or an unpleasant smell around your furry friend’s face.

Water

Water with high mineral content, or hard water, is more likely to cause tear stains on your dog. Training your dog to drink from a bottle with reverse osmosis or demineralized water can decrease staining around the mouth and eyes. Use caution with demineralized water, as it removes both unwanted minerals and the good stuff your dog needs. You might consider remineralizing with a safe mineral choice to keep things balanced if you use demineralized water. 

When a dog’s tear ducts are blocked, tears may constantly flow and keep the top of the face wet. This persistent moisture can lead to infections or staining, which may worsen and cause additional health concerns.

Dust, Wind, or Smoke

A dusty, windy, or smoky environment can cause tear stains by irritating your dog’s eyes, leading to excessive tearing and staining. Similarly, other environmental stressors—like unfamiliar sounds or the presence of strangers—can add to your dog’s stress, sometimes causing reactions like barking. If your dog tends to bark at strangers, take a look at our tips on helping them stay calm around new faces to manage this behavior.

Teething

Tear stains are sometimes caused by teething in puppies. As their adult teeth start growing, swelling in the gums can make their eyes water more, leading to extra tearing and stains.

Genetic Issues

Breeds like Maltese, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are prone to tear staining because of genetic factors. Frequent grooming can help prevent these stains by keeping the area clean.

Glaucoma

Tear stains in dogs are sometimes caused by medical conditions like glaucoma, a degenerative eye disease that can damage the optic nerve. Dogs with glaucoma may experience pain, redness in the whites of the eyes, and watery discharge that can contribute to staining.

Dog Breeds Prone to Developing Tear Stains

1. Bulldogs
2. Boxers
3. Pekingese
4. Pugs
5. Terriers
6. Shih Tzus
7. Maltese
8. Poodles
9. Cocker Spaniels
10. Schnauzers
11. Dachshunds
12. Bichons
13. Golden Retrievers

DIY Methods to Remove Dog Tear Stains

To get rid of tear stains on your dog, you can try simple ingredients found at home. A zero-waste and DIY approach can be very effective and save money on expensive treatments. Using natural methods like coconut oil and apple cider vinegar can help reduce the stains under your dog’s eyes.

Mix a small amount of these into water, and use a soft cloth to gently wipe the stained area daily. You could also try a DIY stain remover made from a mix of baking soda and distilled water—apply this paste, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off. These methods work naturally and avoid harsh chemicals, making them among the best natural stain removers that are safe for pets.

Home Remedies and Natural Solutions for Dog Tear Stains

Hydrogen Peroxide & Water Mixture

Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with ten parts water for a homemade solution that’s effective on dog tear stains. This hydrogen peroxide and water mixture is one of my favorite stain removers because it’s gentle yet effective. Stir the solution well and carefully apply it with a cotton ball under the eyes. Be sure not to let it get in your dog’s eyes, as it might irritate.

After a short time, rinse with warm water, then dry gently. This method helps wash away stains, leaving your dog’s fur clean and bright.

Baking Soda & Water Mixture

To naturally remove dog tear stains, you can make a simple paste with baking soda and a bit of warm water. Gently brush the paste into the stain under your dog’s eyes, making sure to avoid direct contact with the eyes. Allow the paste to dry for several minutes, then gently remove it with a damp cloth. This process may need to be repeated for a few days until the remaining stains are gone. This method effectively cleans away tear stains, leaving your dog’s fur fresh and bright.

White Vinegar

Adding white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to your dog’s drinking water can help minimize tear stains. This method helps maintain pH levels, gradually reducing stains over time. Just be careful not to let any vinegar in your dog’s eyes near the face during application, as it might irritate.

Coconut Oil

Using unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil is a natural way to help with tear stain removal. Gently rub a small amount on your dog’s fur around the stained area, and repeat daily until the stain disappears, which usually takes a few days.

Lemon Juice

Like vinegar, lemon juice is naturally acidic and may help reduce dog tear stains. Adding a small amount to your dog’s water can support a balanced pH and alkaline level, which may prevent tear stains from forming.

If you’re looking for more dog-safe cleaning solutions to maintain your pet’s hygiene, check out this AKC guide on DIY cleaning methods.

How to Prevent Tear Stains

It’s important to identify what’s causing your dog’s eye drainage to help prevent stains from returning. In most cases, managing this will allow your pup to feel better and stay stain-free. Some additional tips include keeping the face clean and checking for any irritants regularly.

To support these efforts, here are a few effective practices you can follow:

Cleanse Daily

Wiping your dog’s face daily with a soft cloth and keeping it dry as much as possible can help prevent tear stains and lessen irritation. This simple habit keeps your dog’s fur clean and fresh.

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is also essential for their hygiene, and can help prevent tear stains and infections. Check out our easy guide on how to safely and effectively clean your dog’s ears for helpful tips.

Keep the Fur Trimmed

Keeping your dog’s facial hair trimmed is an easy fix that helps prevent staining by reducing the buildup of tears on the fur.

This quick fix can make a big difference, especially if you’re removing already stained areas. A neat trim around the eyes can also improve eye drainage, making it easier to manage tear stains naturally. Regular trims are a helpful part of a stain remover routine and can keep your pup looking fresh and clean.

FAQs

Conclusion

Using natural methods to remove and prevent tear stains can keep your dog looking and feeling their best. Regular cleaning routines, diet adjustments, and gentle, homemade solutions effectively manage this common issue without harsh chemicals. By understanding the causes and exploring safe remedies, you can maintain your pet’s hygiene while protecting their skin and eyes.