If you have a light-coloured dog such as a Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodle or Shih Tzu, you may be familiar with those reddish-brown streaks that appear beneath the eyes.
Often called dog tear stains, these marks can be frustrating for owners who want to keep their dog's face clean and fresh. But tear staining isn't necessarily a sign of poor hygiene. Some dogs are simply more prone to it because of their genetics, facial structure, tear production or tear drainage.
So, what causes dog tear stains, can they be removed, and when should you be concerned?
Let's take a closer look.
What Causes Dog Tear Stains?
The medical term for excessive tearing is epiphora. A healthy dog's eyes naturally produce tears to keep the surface of the eye lubricated and protected. Normally, these tears drain away through tiny openings and tear ducts near the eyes.
When tears overflow onto the face instead, they can leave the surrounding fur constantly damp. Over time, this moisture can contribute to the familiar reddish-brown or rust-coloured staining.
One of the substances associated with this colouration is porphyrins. These naturally occurring compounds can be found in tear secretions and can cause staining when they remain on light-coloured fur and are exposed to air.
However, tear staining itself isn't a diagnosis. The important question is why your dog's eyes are producing or retaining excess tears.
Common causes include:
Genetics and facial structure
Some breeds are naturally more prone to tear staining. Dogs with short or flat faces, including Pugs and Shih Tzus, may have facial anatomy that affects how tears drain. Prominent eyes, shallow eye sockets and changes to the shape of the eyelids can all contribute.
Blocked or poorly draining tear ducts
Tears normally drain through the tear ducts into the nasal passages. These ducts can be narrow, blocked or differently shaped from birth. In some dogs, this means tears simply overflow onto the face.
Hair around the eyes
Long facial hair can absorb tears and keep the skin damp. Hair may also rub against the eye and cause irritation.
Eyelash and eyelid problems
Abnormal eyelashes, including distichiasis, can rub against the surface of the eye. Conditions such as entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward, can also cause irritation and excessive tearing.
Allergies and environmental irritation
Dust, pollen, smoke, cleaning sprays and other environmental irritants can sometimes cause watery eyes. Some dogs may also experience increased tearing during particular seasons.
Eye problems
Excessive tearing can sometimes be associated with an underlying eye problem, including irritation, a foreign body, corneal damage or other conditions affecting the eye.
For this reason, persistent or sudden excessive tearing shouldn't simply be treated as a cosmetic problem.
Are Tear Stains a Sign of Poor Hygiene?
Not necessarily.
While keeping the area around your dog's eyes clean can help prevent moisture and debris from building up, some dogs are naturally much more susceptible to tear staining than others.
Breed, facial anatomy, genetics and tear drainage can all play a role.
A dog can therefore have perfectly good grooming and hygiene and still develop noticeable tear stains.
When Are Tear Stains More Than Cosmetic?
Tear stains themselves are usually a cosmetic concern, but the cause of excessive tearing may require treatment.
You should contact your vet if:
The tearing or staining appears suddenly.
Your dog's eyes are becoming noticeably more watery.
The eye looks red, swollen or cloudy.
Your dog is squinting or keeping an eye partially closed.
Your dog is frequently rubbing or pawing at their face.
There is yellow, green or unusually thick discharge.
The skin beneath the eyes becomes sore, raw or starts bleeding.
There is a strong or unpleasant smell from the affected area.
Your dog appears uncomfortable or sensitive to light.
Remember: the tear stain is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
A tear-stain remover may improve the appearance of the fur, but it won't necessarily solve the underlying reason your dog is producing excessive tears.
How to Manage Dog Tear Stains
Completely eliminating tear stains overnight isn't realistic. Once the fur has become stained, the colour generally has to grow out or be carefully groomed away.
However, a consistent routine can help keep the area cleaner, drier and more comfortable.
1. Clean the Area Regularly
Gently clean around your dog's eyes using a soft, clean cloth dampened with warm water or a product specifically designed for use around a dog's eyes. Our Jumbo Eye Wipes for Cats & Dogs are a convenient, dog-safe option for keeping the eye area clean and fresh.
Avoid rubbing aggressively. The skin around the eyes is delicate and excessive rubbing can cause irritation.
If you use an eye-cleaning product, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid getting the product directly into the eye unless it is specifically intended for that purpose.
2. Keep the Fur Dry
Moisture can become trapped in the fur beneath the eyes, creating an environment where microorganisms can multiply and potentially contribute to unpleasant smells or skin irritation.
After cleaning, gently pat the area dry using a clean, soft cloth.
Keeping the hair around the eyes and muzzle neatly groomed can also reduce the amount of moisture retained against the skin.
3. Keep Facial Hair Neatly Groomed
Long hairs around the eyes can collect tears and may sometimes irritate the eye.
Regular grooming can help keep the area clear. However, trimming close to the eyes requires care because dogs can move suddenly.
If you're not confident trimming this area yourself, a professional groomer can help.
4. Look at the Bigger Picture
If your dog has persistent tear staining, don't concentrate solely on removing the visible stain.
Consider whether there are other signs such as watery eyes, itching, rubbing, redness or discharge.
If excessive tearing continues, your vet can examine your dog's eyes and determine whether there is an underlying problem with the eye, eyelids or tear drainage system.
Choosing Tear-Stain Products Safely
There are many products marketed specifically for dog tear stains, but it's important to remember that not every tear-stain product is appropriate for every dog.
Choose products specifically designed for use around dogs' eyes and follow the instructions carefully. Our Jumbo Eye Wipes for Cats & Dogs (80 Pack) are formulated for safe use around the eye area and are a practical addition to any grooming routine.
Avoid using household chemicals or unapproved remedies around your dog's eyes.
Never use products such as:
Hydrogen peroxide.
Bleach.
Household cleaning products.
Harsh bleaching agents.
Vinegar or other homemade chemical mixtures.
Human cosmetics around the eyes.
Human eye drops unless specifically recommended by your vet.
The area around your dog's eyes is extremely sensitive, and an attempt to remove a cosmetic stain could potentially cause significant irritation or injury.
If you're unsure about a product, ask your vet before using it.
Can Diet Cause Tear Staining?
Diet is sometimes discussed in relation to tear staining, but there isn't one particular food or diet that has been proven to eliminate tear stains in every dog.
Your dog should always be fed a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their age and individual needs.
If your dog develops persistent excessive tearing, changing food should not be used as a substitute for investigating the underlying cause.
If you're considering a significant dietary change, it's sensible to discuss it with your vet.
What About Drinking Water?
You may come across advice suggesting that filtered or bottled water can reduce tear staining, particularly in areas with hard water.
Some owners report noticing an improvement after changing their dog's drinking water, but this shouldn't be considered a guaranteed treatment for tear stains.
If you want to try filtered water, make sure your dog continues to have access to a safe and suitable source of drinking water.
What About Puppies?
Tear staining can be particularly noticeable in puppies with white or light-coloured coats.
As a puppy grows, its facial structure can change and, in some cases, staining may become less noticeable. However, persistent or excessive tearing shouldn't automatically be assumed to be a normal part of growing up.
If a puppy has watery eyes accompanied by redness, discharge, squinting or obvious irritation, speak to your vet.
What Not to Do
When dealing with dog tear stains, avoid the temptation to use increasingly strong products to try to remove the colour.
Don't:
Scrub the stained fur aggressively.
Pull hairs away from the eye.
Use household cleaning products.
Apply hydrogen peroxide or bleach.
Use human eye drops without veterinary advice.
Cut hair immediately next to the eye unless you're confident doing so safely.
Assume persistent excessive tearing is purely cosmetic.
The goal should always be healthy, comfortable eyes rather than simply stain-free fur.
Can Dog Tear Stains Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, not always.
Some dogs are genetically predisposed to tear staining, while facial anatomy or tear drainage problems can make it more difficult to prevent.
However, regular grooming, gentle cleaning and keeping the fur dry can help manage the appearance.
Most importantly, if your dog's eyes are producing excessive tears, identifying and treating the underlying cause may reduce the staining naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Tear Stains
Are tear stains painful for dogs?
The stains themselves aren't usually painful. However, the reason for excessive tearing may be uncomfortable or painful. Redness, squinting, rubbing or discharge should always be taken seriously.
Will dog tear stains disappear on their own?
Sometimes staining becomes less noticeable, particularly if the underlying cause is temporary. However, stained fur generally needs to grow out or be carefully groomed away.
Can I use human eye wipes on my dog?
It's safer to use products specifically designed for dogs around the eyes. Human products may contain ingredients that aren't appropriate for pets. Our Jumbo Eye Wipes for Cats & Dogs are a safe, convenient alternative.
Why does my white dog have brown fur under its eyes?
Persistent moisture from tears can cause reddish-brown staining on light-coloured fur. Naturally occurring compounds in tear secretions, including porphyrins, are associated with this colouration.
Can tear stains be completely prevented?
Not necessarily. Genetics, facial structure and tear drainage mean some dogs are naturally more prone to staining. Good grooming and addressing excessive tearing can help manage the problem.
Should I take my dog to the vet for tear stains?
If the staining is long-standing and your dog has no other symptoms, it may simply be a cosmetic issue. However, sudden or worsening tearing, redness, swelling, cloudiness, discharge, squinting or signs of pain should be checked by a vet.
The Bottom Line
Dog tear stains can certainly be frustrating, particularly on white and light-coloured coats, but they aren't necessarily a sign that anything is wrong with your dog's health or grooming.
Regular gentle cleaning, good grooming and keeping the fur dry can help manage staining.
However, don't focus solely on removing the visible marks. If your dog is producing excessive tears, the most important step is finding out why.
If the problem appears suddenly, becomes worse, or is accompanied by redness, discharge, squinting, rubbing or discomfort, speak to your vet.
After all, healthy and comfortable eyes are far more important than a perfectly clean-looking coat.
This article is intended for general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your dog's eyes or notice a sudden change in tearing or eye appearance, consult your veterinarian.