For my Gigi, she’s simply a teary dog. Eye discharge of any other colour can indicate a more serious problem. Your vet will ensure your pup isn’t suffering from any underlying medical conditions. It occurs in other breeds as well, but with the white face, does make it show up more in the Maltese. Control environmental exposure to eye irritants such as dust, smoke, perfumes, sprays, or anything else that may cause your dog to experience an allergic reaction. Both eye infections and dry eye are easily treated, and your vet’s prompt attention can solve the problem. They start from the inner corners of her eyes and continue all the way down her snout. If it’s something more series, like an anatomical abnormality, then your vet may recommend surgery. This can happen as the eyes water heavily, such as if the pet has been in a wind or has an eye infection. If that happens, the excess fluid will flow from the eyes onto your dog’s face. Genetics: Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to tear stains, or it can simply be a case of a particular dog being predisposed towards getting tear stains. The goal is just to get your dog used to this, not to do a thorough cleaning job. What Causes Tear Staining in Dogs? Most dogs with tear staining have normal tear production and do not have an underlying ocular problem. When cleaning tear stains is part of your grooming routine, your dog will get used to it and they’ll look fantastic. Dog tear stains are caused by internal or external factors (i.e., food, environmental, teething, etc.) Some dogs are more prone to drainage problems and, if you have a white or a light-colored dog, staining will be much more visible. Moreover, it is essential to know that the condition can be either acute or chronic. Tear staining is a common problem in Maltese. Now that I home-groom Gigi, I whip out the clippers and clean up Gigi’s face every other week. Also, dogs with light-colored fur will … In some cases, crusty stains can cause eye irritation for dogs and cats. However, in dogs and cats, porphyrin can also be excreted through tears, saliva, and, urine. Feed your pooch a fresh food diet – one that isn’t loaded with common allergens and cheap fillers that can make the tear situation worse. According to Healthy Pets, the most common medical causes of tear staining in dogs include but are not limited to: There can be many reasons for this increased production of tears, ranging from eye infections over allergies to blocked tear ducts or ear infections. The porphyrin that is contained in your dog’s tears causes the actual stain. “There is a genetic basis for dogs that get tear stains and we do see it in certain types of dogs more than others,” says Klein. In that case, switching to a food such as Red yeast, which produces a reddish brown discoloration of the face, is a common cause of tear stain problems. Continuous production of tears leads to dog tear stains. Many dogs have a normal variation in their eyelid conformation that causes tears to drain onto their face rather than draining down the tear ducts. that cause the over-stimulation of excessive tear production, or also known as Epiphora. It’s one thing to watch the vet or groomer do this, but many owners are still left wonder how do I remove tear stains from my dog’s eyes? Because all dogs are different, causes vary from one dog to another. Cleaning them without checking with your vet about the cause can also leave your dog suffering from an untreated infection. These rusty-brown bits of stained fur below the corner of your dog’s eyes are often just unsightly. There is no simple answer to these questions. The most common cause of tear stains in dogs is excess tearing or epiphora, which makes the hair and skin around the eyes damp. If your dog gets anxious having their face handled, it might be better to leave the initial cleaning to the vet or a professional groomer. The reddish-brown or rusty color associated with dog tear stains are a result of porphyrins. The canine eye is structured for this and for the tears to drain down the dog’s throat. Before using the tear stain cleaning product, get your dog used to you cleaning around their eyes. This is why Thomas Pet developed I Stain , a tear stain supplement for dogs and cats that contains colostrum, enzymes, and probiotics. Excess tearing is also your dog's response to irritation. You heard that right, all dogs get tear stains, no specific breed is safe. Or, it could be that your dog’s tear ducts aren’t draining properly. Irritant exposure- Secondhand smoke, dust, and allergens can … It causes a bigger buildup of pressure behind the eye and can not only damage the optic nerve itself but can also plug up tear ducts and cause tear staining as highlighted earlier. These ducts drain tears into the back of the nose and throat. Your favourite pet shop probably carries a selection of products to remove tear stains from dogs’ eyes. The main cause of this problem is an excessive production of tears, a condition known as epiphora. But occasionally, they can indicate a medical problem. Tear staining is a very common problem that affects dogs, and there are many causes of tear stains. Saliva and tears contain substances called porphyrins, which stain light fur pink, red or brown. One of the most frequent questions about Bichons is how to deal with excess tearing and tear stains on the face. shape of the eye, blocked tear-ducts, puppy teething, ear infection, allergies (either food or environmental), Dog tear stains may be caused by a blocked tear duct, epiphora, or other health issues. Eye infections – Caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or irritants like smoke or shampoo. Grey or white eye discharge happens when a dog has dry eye, which can be painful. You can remove tear stains from a dog’s eyes, but unless you also remove the cause they will just keep coming back. Tap water can be higher in iron and other minerals that contribute to tear stains. This has been another lifesaver for us. Tear stain removers can be used to address set-in tear stains. Tear staining is much more prevalent in dogs with light-colored coats, particularly white dog breeds. Dogs are emotional creatures, but they don’t shed actual tears when they cry. Your vet or groomer might have a recommendation too. Once you identify and eliminate the cause, the staining does not stop overnight. Excess tearing is also your dog's response to irritation. Epiphora is the veterinary term for excessive tear production. Tear stains are dark or reddish brown stains under a dog's eyes. This irritation causes the eyes to tear more than normal which causes the reddish discoloration which is most commonly seen in white colored dogs such as Maltese, Poodles, Pekingese, Shih-tzu, and other breeds. For example, if you give the antibiotic with meals, give the probiotic midday and at bedtime. You should always talk to your vet about a safe tear stain remover for your pet before purchasing a product at a pet store or online. The water helps dilute any tears. In order to prevent tear stains you may need to implement a change in diet, use filtered water and create a daily face cleansing routine for your Maltese dog. Then, I take a plain cotton ball and wipe the area dry. Always follow the instructions carefully and avoid getting the product in your dog’s eyes. In that case, pinpointing what is triggering your dog’s allergic reaction is key. Causes of Tear Staining There are a number of reasons that lead to tear staining. COMMON CAUSES OF TEAR STAINS: Physical Causes - Long hair irritating the eye, ingrown eyelashes or inverted eyelids can all result in excessive tears and ultimately staining. However, there are many different potential causes of tear stains in dogs. If I’m not diligent, dark/rust-colored stains will quickly form. Eye anatomical abnormalities, such as rolled in eyelids, Some people suggest rubbing a little hydrogen peroxide on tear stains to lift rust streaks. Dogs do suffer from seasonal allergies, so if tear stains appear in the spring, that’s a likely cause. If your dog continues to develop tear stains and your vet is confident it isn’t an infection or allergic reaction, you can continue using tear stain remover as needed when you groom your dog. How do I remove tear stains from my dog’s eyes? Dog tear stains arise from Epiphora, a condition where tears are excessively produced from the eyes of an animal. Since I started home-grooming a little more than one year ago, I’ve made it my mission to always keep her face stain-free and clean. Tear staining is a very common problem that affects dogs, and there are many causes of tear stains. To put it simply, those rusty and sometimes stinky stains are dried up tears. To clear up any current tear stains or discolored sections of fur you can use tear stain wipes or a tear stain remover from your local pet store. Very often allergies are to blame. In order for the eyes to stay healthy, lubricated, and protected, the body naturally produces a thin film of tears. This is a disease that affects older dogs (most of the time). They can also be allergic to dust or household cleaners. Excess tearing or a blockage can lead to tear stains in dogs. The official medical term for this overflow of tears is epiphora. Tear staining is the reddish brown discoloration that is found on the hair under the eyes. After that, you can take over. Ingrown eyelashes that are unable to be groomed could still be the cause of an increase in dog tears but the staining can be reduced and even prevented. Most dogs with tear staining have normal tear production and do not have an underlying ocular problem. Red yeast, which produces a reddish brown discoloration of the face, is a common cause of tear stain problems. Some dogs react to plastic food and water bowls and need stainless steel or ceramic dishes. Dog tear stains are a common problem caused by eye irritants which causes excessive eye tearing. Yellow or green discharge is an infection. Exposure to irritants (pollen, allergens, dust, dirt, debris, a lot of wind) can also cause excessive tear streaks on your dog’s face. Some breeds are particularly prone to runny eyes and tear stains because of the structure of their anatomy. What causes tear stains? Tear stains in dogs are stains that occur in the hair of the face or the area surrounding the face. It is normal for a dog’s eyes to water a bit, like our own. They can also be allergic to dust or household cleaners. Eyes generate a small amount of tear fluid to keep the surface from getting too dry and to clean any tiny bits of dust from the eye. Tearing can be from many causes and you will need to work with your veterinarian to find the reason for the excess tearing. Why do stains occur in dogs? Tear Stain Causes. Your dog is stinkin’ cute. In fact, some dogs will suffer reactions to their food which will change the pH level in your dog’s system which in turn can cause excessive tearing. Some dogs react to plastic food and water bowls and need stainless steel or ceramic dishes. Dog tear stains tend to be dark in colour ranging from red and brown marks. Dogs are often protective of their faces, and they won’t welcome your attention to their eyes at first. The actual cause of stains is the porphyrin in the tears and saliva. In fact, if you look back at photos of her from several years ago, you’ll clearly see these aggressive and unsightly streaks. Cleaning tear stains isn’t usually a once and done job. Dust or other allergens can irritate your dog's eyes and cause … These red or brownish appearing beneath a dog’s eyes are usually caused by epiphora – excessive tear production or by poorly draining tear ducts. Porphyrins are excreted primarily through bile and the intestinal tract, but in dogs a significant amount of porphyrin is excreted through tears, saliva and also urine. Short-faced breeds in particular are at a higher risk for staining—these breeds include Pekingese, Maltese, Pugs, … Runny eyes and tear stains can also be a symptom of a food intolerance. Tear staining is the reddish brown discoloration that is found on the hair under the eyes. But, sometimes there’s an overproduction of tears, the natural drainage pathway becomes blocked/obstructed, or a combination of both. Any dog can get tear stains, but they show up most on white or cream colour dogs. Permeating a dog’s face, they originate from the inner corner of the eye. are prone to tear stains. It's the most common cause of tear stains in dogs. Follow up each cleaning session with praise and treats. But first …. What Causes Tearstain In Dogs? According to VCA Hospitals: “It is a symptom rather than a specific disease and is associated with a variety of conditions.”, We’ll talk more about possible causes in just a minute. All dogs need regular grooming, but their grooming schedule depends on many factors. Plus, there are other, similar home remedies that call for ingredients that can cause pain, burning, and possible damage to the eye if they get too close. Dr. Karen Becker says: Porphyrins are naturally occurring molecules containing iron – waste products from the breakdown of red blood cells – and are mostly removed from the body in the usual way (in poop). A bad diet, a lot of stress and anxiety, and even the natural growing process of puppies can trigger excessive tear production, too. Use filtered or bottled water to fill your pup’s drink bowl, instead of tap water. It's important for pet parents to understand the differences between innocuous stains and warning signs. Many dogs have reddish-brown tear stains under their eyes and on their muzzles. What Causes Tear Stains? It's the most common cause of tear stains in dogs. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of epiphora. Common causes of tear stains in dogs Tear stains are caused by pigments, yeast and bacteria buildup. When everything is functioning normally, any excess fluid drains into the tear ducts, which are located in the corner of your dog’s eye (next to the snout). Some dogs are more prone to drainage problems and, if you have a white or a light-colored dog, staining will be much more visible. Tear staining is caused by excessive tear … They have sensitive skin and coat and are prone to food allergies which can cause paw-licking, tear stains and other skin issues. The main cause of this problem is an excessive production of tears, a condition known as epiphora. One of the most frequent questions about Bichons is how to deal with excess tearing and tear stains on the face. It’s simply more obvious on white coats. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and yeast. These stains are unsightly, but are not dangerous to their health. Use stainless steel, glass, or porcelain bowls for feeding. Myths include avoiding beet pulp or switching to a raw diet. The staining arises because tears have spilled over the eyelid. If your dog has tear stains, you can remove them during your regular grooming. Causes of Tear Staining There are a number of reasons that could lead to tear staining in dogs. Feed your pooch a fresh food diet – one that isn’t loaded with common allergens and cheap fillers that can make the tear situation worse. It occurs in other breeds as well, but with the white face, does make it show up more in the Maltese. You can do this a few times a day for a couple of days, and once you are confident your dog won’t panic, you can start using the tear stain remover. Your vet will ensure your pup isn’t suffering from any underlying medical conditions. The hair under the eyes is constantly wet and this can lead to it staining. There exists a hoard of causes of Epiphora. Why Is My Dog Dragging His Butt On The Ground? If I’m not diligent, dark/rust-colored stains will. Tear stains on a Maltese dog can be easily prevented and treated. Tear stains are usually easily removed with a few simple treatments. There is no simple answer to these questions. Also in a dog ’ s prompt attention can solve the problem two key questions is... 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