Why do dogs get tear stains and how to manage or remove them
So dog tear stains: How do we remove them?
Those rusty, dirty-looking streaks under a dog’s eyes can make a healthy, happy dog look tired or unwell. Tear stains are common, especially in light-coloured dogs, but they are not always just a cosmetic issue.
Tears naturally drain from the eye through tiny ducts near the nose. When tears spill onto the face instead, they wet the fur. Over time, pigments in the tears, plus moisture, dirt, bacteria or yeast, can leave reddish-brown marks. The medical term for excessive tearing is epiphora, and it can happen for many reasons.
Most tear staining is manageable with gentle cleaning and good grooming. Still, persistent staining can also point to allergies, irritation, blocked tear ducts, infection or pain. This guide explains why it happens, how to clean the area safely, and when a vet should take a closer look.
This article is general information only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Why dogs get tear stains and how to manage or remove them
Tear stains form when tears sit on the fur long enough to discolour it. The colour often comes from porphyrins, natural iron-containing compounds found in tears, saliva and urine. When porphyrins are exposed to air and light, they can leave a reddish or brown stain.
The stain itself is not always harmful. The bigger question is why the eyes are watering so much, or why the fur stays damp long enough for staining to build up.
Genetics and face shape can make staining more likely
Some dogs are simply built in a way that makes tear staining more common.
Small breeds and flat-faced breeds often have shallow eye sockets, prominent eyes, tight facial folds, or tear ducts that do not drain as efficiently. Light coats also show staining more clearly.
Breeds that commonly show tear stains include:
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Bichon Frise
Poodle andoodle crosses
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Pug
French Bulldog
English Bulldog
Chihuahua
Lhasa Apso
In these dogs, tears may be produced at a normal rate but still overflow onto the face. Skin folds can also trap moisture, which makes the area harder to keep dry.
Genetics does not mean the problem should be ignored. A dog can be prone to staining and still have a treatable issue, such as allergies or lashes rubbing the eye.
Allergies can trigger watery, irritated eyes
Allergies are a common reason for increased tearing. Dogs can react to environmental triggers such as pollen, grass, dust mites, mould or household cleaning products. Some dogs also react to ingredients in their diet, though food allergies are less common than many owners expect.
Allergy-related tear staining often appears with other signs, such as:
Paw licking or chewing
Itchy skin
Red ears or repeated ear problems
Sneezing
Face rubbing
Redness around the eyes
Seasonal flare-ups
If tear stains worsen in spring, after walks through grass, or when the home is dusty, allergies may be part of the picture. The goal is not only to wipe away the stain, but to reduce the irritation that causes the tearing.
Eye infections and irritation can cause heavy tearing
Eye infections can make the eyes watery, red, sore or sticky. Discharge may look clear, yellow, green or thick. Some dogs squint, blink more than usual, paw at the face, or avoid bright light.
Irritation can happen for many reasons, including:
Dust, sand or grass seeds
Smoke or strong fragrances
Shampoo residue
Hair rubbing against the eye
Eyelids rolling inward
Eyelashes growing in the wrong direction
Scratches or ulcers on the cornea
Any painful or sudden eye change deserves prompt veterinary care. Eye problems can worsen quickly, and dogs are good at hiding discomfort.
Blocked tear ducts can stop tears draining properly
Tears should drain through small openings near the inner corners of the eyes. If these ducts are narrow, inflamed or blocked, tears overflow onto the face.
Blocked ducts can be present from birth or develop after infection, inflammation or dental issues. A vet can check tear drainage and may recommend flushing the ducts under appropriate conditions.
Teething can temporarily increase tearing in puppies
Puppies, especially small breeds, may show tear staining while their adult teeth come through. The structures around the mouth, nose and eyes are close together, so irritation during teething can sometimes affect tear drainage.
This often improves as the puppy matures. Even so, heavy discharge, redness, squinting or bad odour is not something to wait out.
How to clean tear stains safely
Good cleaning keeps the area comfortable and helps prevent moisture from becoming a bigger skin problem. The key is to be gentle. The skin around the eyes is delicate, and harsh products can cause more irritation.
Use a simple daily cleaning routine
A short daily wipe is better than scrubbing once a week. It removes fresh tears before they dry into the coat.
Try this routine:
Wash your hands first
Clean hands reduce the chance of introducing dirt or bacteria near the eyes.
Use a soft pad or cloth
Choose a clean cotton pad, soft cloth or pet-safe wipe. Dampen it with lukewarm water or sterile saline.
Wipe away from the eye
Start below the inner corner and wipe down and away from the eye. Use a fresh part of the cloth for each pass.
Dry the fur gently
Moisture keeps stains going. Pat the area dry with a clean towel or tissue.
Repeat daily
Consistency matters more than force. The aim is to prevent build-up, not bleach the coat.
For stubborn marks, a vet-approved tear stain cleanser may help. Follow the directions carefully and keep products out of the eye itself.
Avoid harsh or risky products
Never use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, lemon juice or human skincare products near a dog’s eyes. They can burn, irritate the skin, or damage the eye.
Also avoid using human eye drops unless a vet has specifically prescribed them for that dog. Even products that seem mild can be unsafe for certain eye conditions.
If a tear stain product claims to work by changing bacteria or treating infection, check with a vet before using it. Products taken by mouth are not suitable for every dog, and some ingredients may interact with health conditions or medicines.
Keep the face trimmed and dry
Long facial hair can wick tears across the face and into skin folds. It can also rub against the eyes, causing more tearing.
Helpful grooming habits include:
Keep hair around the eyes short and tidy
Ask a groomer to trim carefully if the dog wriggles
Brush facial hair gently so it does not mat
Clean skin folds on flat-faced breeds
Dry the area after baths, rain or swimming
Use blunt-ended grooming scissors only if the dog is still and you are confident. Many eye injuries happen during well-meaning home trims. A professional groomer or vet nurse is often the safer choice.
How to prevent tear stains from coming back
Prevention works best when it addresses the cause of the tearing, not just the colour on the fur. Some dogs will always need regular face care, but the right routine can reduce staining and keep the skin healthier.
Support eye comfort at home
Small changes in the home can reduce irritation for sensitive dogs.
Try to:
Rinse or wipe the face after dusty walks
Keep bedding washed and dry
Vacuum regularly if dust is a trigger
Avoid smoke, strong sprays and heavily fragranced cleaners
Use dog-safe shampoo and rinse the face well
Keep fans or heaters from blowing directly into the eyes
For dogs with seasonal allergy patterns, a vet may suggest allergy management, medicated washes, antihistamines or other treatments. Do not start medication without advice, as dosing and safety vary between dogs.
Review food and water habits
Diet will not fix every tear stain problem, but it can help some dogs, especially if skin or gut sensitivity is involved.
Start with the basics:
Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to the dog’s age and size
Avoid frequent changes in food, treats and chews
Use treats with simple, known ingredients if allergies are suspected
Keep water bowls clean
Try stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead of scratched plastic
Refresh water daily
Some owners notice less staining after changing proteins or removing certain treats. If food allergy is suspected, the most reliable path is a vet-guided elimination diet. Randomly switching foods can make it harder to find the real trigger.
Be cautious with grain-free diets unless a vet recommends one. Grain is not automatically a problem for dogs, and some grain-free diets have been linked with heart-health concerns in certain situations.
Keep dental health in mind
Dental disease can affect the face, sinuses and nearby tear drainage areas. Small breeds that stain easily are also often prone to dental issues.
Signs that the mouth may need attention include:
Bad breath
Red or bleeding gums
Dropping food
Chewing on one side
Pawing at the mouth
Visible tartar
Regular dental checks, tooth brushing where possible, and vet-recommended dental care can support overall comfort. A healthy mouth will not magically remove tear stains, but it can reduce one possible source of inflammation.
Watch for yeast or skin irritation
Damp fur can irritate the skin beneath it. The area may become red, itchy, crusty or smelly. A rusty stain alone is one thing. Moist, inflamed skin with an unpleasant odour suggests something more is going on.
Dogs with facial folds need extra care because skin folds trap warmth and moisture. Clean and dry them gently, and ask a vet if the skin looks sore or the dog resists touch.
When to consult a veterinarian
Tear stains that have been present for a long time and do not bother the dog may not be urgent. Still, a vet check is wise if staining is new, worsening or paired with discomfort.
Book a veterinary appointment if you notice:
Sudden heavy tearing
Yellow, green or thick discharge
Red or swollen eyes
Squinting or keeping one eye closed
Pawing at the eye or rubbing the face
Cloudiness or a visible mark on the eye
A bad smell from the stained area
Wet, red or broken skin under the eye
Tear staining on one side only
Repeated staining despite good cleaning and grooming
Changes in appetite, energy or behaviour
Seek urgent care if the dog seems painful, has an eye injury, or cannot open the eye properly. Eye pain can signal a scratch, ulcer, pressure problem or foreign body. Fast treatment can protect vision and prevent complications.
A vet may examine the eye surface, check tear production, look for abnormal lashes, assess tear duct drainage, or test for infection. Treatment might involve eye medication, allergy care, dental treatment, duct flushing, or referral for complex eyelid or duct problems.
A practical care plan for clearer eyes
Tear stains can feel frustrating, especially when they keep coming back after grooming. A simple plan makes the problem easier to manage.
Use this as a starting point:
Cause to consider | What may help |
Breed or face shape | Daily wiping, regular trimming, keeping folds dry |
Allergies | Reduce triggers, clean after walks, ask a vet about allergy treatment |
Eye irritation | Trim hair near the eyes, avoid sprays and smoke, seek vet care for redness or squinting |
Infection | Do not self-treat, book a vet visit for discharge or discomfort |
Diet sensitivity | Keep food consistent, discuss an elimination diet with a vet |
Moist skin | Dry after cleaning, check for odour, redness or itching |
The aim is not a perfectly white face at all costs. The real goal is a comfortable dog with clean, healthy skin and eyes.
Some staining will fade only as new fur grows through, so progress may take weeks. Keep the routine calm and rewarding. A treat after face cleaning can help a dog accept handling, especially if they are young or sensitive.
Tear stains are common, but they still deserve attention. Clean gently, keep the fur dry, look for patterns, and involve a vet when staining is persistent, sudden or linked with discomfort. Clearer eyes often start with small daily habits, and a careful check on what might be making those eyes water in the first place.
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