How to Remove Tear Stains

If you've got a dog with light coloring, than you may notice those red- or brown-colored stains that can form below their eyes. These tear stains are common and are caused by genetics, allergies or irritation in the eye. Removing tear stains on your canine's face can be accomplished with some at-home remedies.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 tbsp. milk of magnesia
  • 2 tbsp. peroxide
  • Cornstarch
  • Soft toothbrush
  • Dog conditioner
  • 1/2 tbsp. corn flour
  • Eye dropper
  • Bleach
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Instructions

  1. Milk Of Magnesia Method

    • 1

      Pour 2 tbsp. of Milk of Magnesia, and 2 tbsp. of peroxide into a bowl. Mix in cornstarch until your mixture forms a thick paste.

    • 2

      Using a soft toothbrush, apply the mixture to the tear stains, rubbing it into the fur gently. Do this slowly to ensure you do not get any of the mixture in your dog's eye.

    • 3

      Let mixture dry for a few hours. Sit with your dog as you wait for mixture to dry, to ensure it doesn't try to touch it with its paw, or possibly push it into its eye.

    • 4

      Rinse out mixture with warm water thoroughly. Apply a conditioner to the area and leave it for about 10 minutes, then rinse it out thoroughly and let air-dry. You can usually find dog conditioners at your local pet shop.

    Bleach Method

    • 5

      Mix 1/2 tbsp. of corn flour with 1/2 tbsp. of boiling water and stir into a paste. Drop in one drop of bleach and stir it into your mixture. Let mixture cool.

    • 6

      Apply to the area of tear stains with a soft toothbrush and work it into fur. Let it sit on the area for about an hour. Again, sit with your dog, to ensure it doesn't paw the area.

    • 7

      Rinse thoroughly with water and then apply a little bit of peroxide with a cotton ball to the stains. Wait about 30 minutes, then rinse the fur thoroughly once again. Apply conditioner for 10 minutes, rinse out and let air-dry.