The truth about tear stains on dogs





Tear stains are an eye-sore (no pun intended). There’s no doubt that they aren’t pleasant to look at, but did you know there are also some health concerns that you should be mindful of when it comes to tear stains on dogs? So what are they, why do some dogs get them more than others and how do you get rid of tear stains on dogs?

A common misconception is that tear stains only happen around a dog’s eyes. Actually, the same ugly reddish-brown stains can occur around the muzzle, in between the toes and underneath the eyes. Typically it’s the discoloration under the eyes and on the muzzle that upset pet owners, as this takes away from their pup’s adorable appearance.

It’s usually breeds with white colored coats that are the most affected by tears stains on dogs, but any dog can have them. Obviously, they are more noticeable on dogs with light colored fur. Breeds that are most susceptible to tear stains include:

  • Maltese
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Shih Tzu
  • Poodles
  • Pekingese
  • Pug
  • Cocker Spaniel

The causes of tear stains can be greatly varied. It may be something that you can easily change or it may be an issue that you’re just going to have to deal with. There are a lot of products available now to help fight tear stains on dogs, but the first thing you’ll need tod do is have a talk with your veterinarian.

The Truth About Tear Stains on Dogs

The Truth About Tear Stains on Dogs

Talk to your vet

Dogs aren’t born with tear stains, which means that one day you’re going to notice them beginning to form. Even if you haven’t noticed any other issues with your dog’s eyes, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Do not try to treat tear stains on dogs with any type of over-the-counter or home remedy before speaking with your vet.

Tears stains may be a small issue that can be easily resolved by something simple like changing your dog’s diet. However, there could be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated properly. Trying to treat it yourself could cause the problem to become worse and may even do permanent damage to your dog’s eye.

Your vet will examine your dog’s eyes to make sure there are no foreign objects in them, and then they’ll look for a cause of the discharge. If there is a chronic condition present, they may refer to a veterinary ophthalmologist. They’ll also look for diseases or infections that may be causing a problem with your pet’s peepers.

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