At-Home Remedies for Dog Tear Stains
Tear stains just come with the territory for some dogs, especially white or light-colored breeds like Maltese, Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Bichons. These reddish-brown tear stains under a dog's eyes are often caused by excessive tearing and the pigment compounds found in tears.
Tear stains can be frustrating when they quickly reappear (despite your attempts to wipe them away). While they’re usually only cosmetic issues, sometimes they could indicate a deeper health problem and call for a visit to the veterinarian.
So, what actually causes dog tear stains, are there dog tear stain remedies, and what can pet owners safely do at home to manage them? Read on to learn more.
What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs?
Dog tears tend to leave behind a reddish-brown stain due to porphyrins, which are iron-containing molecules the body releases after breaking down red blood cells. These molecules are excreted in bile, saliva, urine, and tears.
Excess tearing in dogs can happen for multiple reasons. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Their anatomy. Some flat-faced breeds like Pekingese and Shih Tzu have shallow eye sockets that produce excess tears. Others have skin folds that trap debris and irritate eyes or are more prone to blocked tear ducts.
- Their grooming needs. Some dogs have watery eyes due to irritation from hair around their eyes that needs to be trimmed or ingrown eyelashes.
- Allergies or environmental irritants. Seasonal allergies can cause watery eyes, but food allergies often play a role—especially for Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
- Infection or inflammation. It’s also possible that an underlying infection like canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) could need treatment (other red flags include yellow or green discharge from the eyes, coughing, sneezing, and a dip in energy).
It’s also true that some dogs just naturally produce more tears compared to others.
Dog Breeds Most Prone to Tear Stains
You’ll frequently see tear staining in a handful of breeds, and it’s all the more visible in those with lighter-colored coats.
Much of this is thanks to the specific traits we bred these dogs to have, such as adorably short stubby noses, big doughy eyes, and smooshed flat faces. These features make tears more likely to spill out from the eyes, while in other breeds they travel through the nasolacrimal duct and out of the nose. It’s the price you pay for a very cute face.
Dogs most prone to tear stains include:
- Bichon Frise
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Bulldogs
- Bullmastiffs
- Maltese
- Pekingese
- Poodles
- Pugs
- Samoyeds
- Shih Tzus
No matter the breed, there are plenty of home remedies that can help remove unsightly tear stains from dogs’ faces.
Safe At-Home Remedies for Dog Tear Stains
Tear stains are not always cause for concern, and sometimes they can be addressed at home.
If your dog seems distressed, tear production has suddenly ramped up, or it’s accompanied by concerning signs like a yellow discharge or odor, seek veterinary care. There may be an underlying problem in need of treatment.
If tear stains are expected for your dog’s breed or seem to be more of a minor cosmetic issue than a health concern, it’s safe to try out DIY solutions. For these cases, use these veterinarian-informed home remedies:
- Get a grooming touch-up. Gently comb and trim hair around the eyes to reduce irritation with angled grooming scissors or ask a groomer for help.
- Apply mild shampoo. Gently clean the area with warm water and baby shampoo.
- Try a hydrogen peroxide solution. Dilute one tablespoon of mild hydrogen peroxide into one cup of water and carefully wipe tears away (do not get the solution in the eyes—it can be irritating).
A note of caution: Always wipe away from the eyes, skip products designed for humans like eye makeup remover, and avoid harsh chemicals or homemade concoctions that could cause further irritation.
Products That May Help Reduce Tear Stains
In some dogs, the tears will keep flowing no matter what you do, but there are some products that could help lower the chances of unsightly tear stains developing with regular care.
Here’s a roundup of veterinarian-approved products that could help get tear stains under control and how to use them:
Eyewash
Regularly use an eyewash such as the Vets Preferred Eye Cleaner for Dogs to flush out irritants.
Product Spotlight: Vets Preferred Eye Cleaner for Dogs
Regular eye cleaning can help flush away dirt, pollen, and debris before they build up and contribute to tear staining. Vets Preferred Eye Cleaner for Dogs is a gentle rinse designed to remove irritants and soothe the eye area without harsh ingredients. It’s especially useful for dogs prone to watery eyes from allergies or environmental triggers.
Eye Wipes
Use specially formulated dog eye wipes like Optixcare Eye Cleaning Wipes to keep eyes clean.
Product Spotlight: Optixcare Eye Cleaning Wipes
Keeping the eye area clean every day can go a long way toward preventing tear stains from setting in. Optixcare Eye Cleaning Wipes are pre-moistened and formulated specifically for dogs, making them an easy option for gently removing dried discharge, debris, and excess tears. They’re especially handy for dogs who resist liquid rinses.
Pet-Safe Tear Stain Wipes
Consider wipes especially designed to remove tear stains such as Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes (a fan favorite on Reddit).
Product Spotlight: Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes
For pet owners looking for a targeted solution, Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes are made specifically to lift away tear stain buildup while being safe for the sensitive skin around the eyes. These wipes are popular among dog owners for routine stain maintenance and can help keep the fur cleaner between baths.
Dry Shampoo
Apply dry shampoo like TropiClean Hypoallergenic Waterless Dog Shampoo to the muzzle to keep it dry.
Product Spotlight: TropiClean Hypoallergenic Waterless Dog Shampoo
Moisture around the muzzle can make tear stains worse by creating an environment for bacteria and yeast. TropiClean Hypoallergenic Waterless Dog Shampoo helps freshen and clean the fur without a full bath, making it a useful option for wiping down damp facial hair between washes. Its gentle formula is ideal for sensitive skin.
Facial Shampoo
For particularly wet-faced dogs, clean the whole face with TropiClean SPA Tear Stain Remover and Blueberry Facial Shampoo for Dogs.
TropiClean SPA Tear Stain Remover & Blueberry Facial Cleanser
For dogs with persistent tear staining, a facial cleanser can be more effective than general shampoos. TropiClean SPA Tear Stain Remover & Blueberry Facial Cleanser helps lift discoloration while cleaning away debris and odors. It’s designed for delicate facial skin and can be especially helpful for flat-faced breeds or dogs with heavy facial folds.
Filtered Water
Some dogs are sensitive to additives in tap water; purified or filtered water could help reduce dog tear stains. Dog water bowls with built-in filters don’t provide good information on what they’re actually filtering out, according to research by Wirecutter, so opt for a pitcher or under-sink filter instead.
Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
Their smooth surface is easier to clean and sanitize—and in turn prevent bacterial build-up (there are dozens to choose from—but Gorilla Grip consistently gets good reviews).
Product Spotlight: Gorilla Grip Stainless Steel Dog Bowls
Believe it or not, your dog’s food and water bowls can play a role in facial cleanliness. Stainless steel bowls are easier to sanitize than plastic and can reduce bacterial buildup that may contribute to irritation around the mouth and eyes. Gorilla Grip Stainless Steel Dog Bowls are durable, rust-resistant, and feature a slip-resistant base to keep them in place.
Supplements
Little information is out there on supplements for dog tear stains. Before purchasing any, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure they are effective and safe for your dog.
How to Prevent Tear Stains
To be clear: There’s no single one-and-done treatment to remove dog tear stains from happening, but these dog tear stain prevention strategies can help keep them at bay:
- Clean your dog’s face and wipe away tears regularly.
- Manage allergies with medication or a specially formulated dog food according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.
- Keep their hair short, well-trimmed, and dry around their eye area with routine grooming.
- Monitor for eye irritation or discharge.
When dogs are prone to tear stains, the key is to address them quickly and provide regular coat maintenance for their comfort and health.
When Tear Stains May Signal a Medical Problem
In most cases, tear stains are harmless. But sometimes, they’re a sign of a deeper issue and warrant a call to a veterinarian.
Warning signs include:
- Squinting
- Redness in the eyes
- Yellow or green discharge
- Foul odor around the eyes
- Pawing at the face
- Sudden increase in tearing
- Skin irritation or sores beneath the eyes
These symptoms are clear indicators that your dog is in need of professional care; home remedies won’t do. Your pet may have an underlying infection in need of treatment, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, or blocked tear ducts.
What Veterinarians May Recommend
It can be nerve-wracking to visit the veterinarian when you’re not sure what’s wrong. Here’s what you can expect:
- Step one: A thorough eye exam. Your veterinary care team will take a close look at your dog’s face, eyes, skin, and coat.
- Step two: Deeper investigation. Your veterinarian may use fluorescein staining to check for ulcers or do a tear duct evaluation to see if there are abnormalities or blockages.
- Step three: Treatment. Your veterinarian will provide the appropriate treatment, which may include medication such as a short course of antibiotics or eye drops and guidance on long-term grooming and maintenance.
The good news? Many cases are manageable, even easy to treat, once the underlying cause is identified.
Dog Tear Stains: Often Annoying, Rarely Scary
Dog tear stains fall into the category of pet problems that are common and typically cosmetic rather than a cause for concern.
You might just have a teary dog on your hands—one that’s easy to care for once you get used to regular cleaning and grooming. That said, excessive tearing or signs of eye irritation should never be ignored. When your dog shows a sudden shift in eye health or signs of distress and discomfort, seek veterinary care ASAP. That way, you’ll avoid much bigger tears over an unwanted veterinary bill.