How to Get Rid of Tear Stains on My Bulldog

Tear stains are caused by an overabundance of tears collecting in the dog's hair beneath the eyes. There are several ways to deal with tear stains, but first it's important to investigate what caused the excessive tearing. Reddish brown areas indicate a yeast infection that may require an antibiotic. Genetics, food and water, ear infections, fleas, allergies -- the causes of tear stains are many. After you know the cause, try some of the remedies recommended by pet owners that will help keep unsightly (and unhealthy) staining at bay.

Things You'll Need

  • Antacid tablets
  • Boric acid
  • Corn starch
  • Magnesium hydroxide
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Soft child-size toothbrush
  • Small jar with lid
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Eye wash
  • Boiling water
  • Cotton swabs
  • Glass or plastic container
  • Eyebright
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog 1/2 of an antacid tablet, two times a day. Antacids contain calcium carbonate. It will effectively change the pH balance in the dog's system, thus making it more difficult for bacteria and yeast to grow. Unless otherwise advised by your veterinarian, you may continue to give your dog the antacid daily as a calcium supplement.

    • 2

      Make a paste with 1/2 cup each of boric acid, corn starch and magnesium hydroxide. Add 1/4 teaspoon of peroxide and mix ingredients well. Using a soft child's toothbrush carefully coat the stains around the dog's eyes with a thin layer of the mixture. Avoid getting any in the eyes. Allow to dry before brushing off. Use a piece of sterile gauze moistened with eye wash to gently clean the area. Store the leftover paste in a small jar with a lid. You will need to repeat the procedure every day for five to seven days. If using for longer for heavy staining, allow a day in between treatments.

    • 3

      Place a tablespoon of boric acid in 1 cup of boiling water and mix. Allow to cool. Pour into a plastic or glass container and drop in some cotton swabs. Clean the tear stains daily with one of the swabs. Discard the leftover solution after one week and make a new batch.

    • 4

      Add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to the water bowl to alter the dog's pH balance slightly. This will help prevent new tear stains. If your dog is hesitant to drink the water, try adding a very small amount of vinegar at first and slowly increase over a period of time. The vinegar should be used as a maintenance measure to help lessen the appearance of new tear stains and bacterial growth.

    • 5

      Use Eyebright, a natural herb that eases the discomfort associated with excessive tearing, and helps to keep the problem in check. This herb is an anti-inflammatory that contains vitamin C and vitamin A. Place 1 teaspoon of Eyebright in 1 cup of boiling water and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the solution and allow it to cool thoroughly, then moisten a sterile gauze pad with the liquid and gently wash the affected area.