How to Remove Tear Stains From a Shih Tzu

Your Shih Tzu might have a problem very common to roughly one-quarter of all small dog breeds: excessive tear staining, or a reddish-brown, rust-looking discharge that stains the hair under the eyes. Tear stains are most obvious on white and light colored coats and can be indicative of an underlying health, grooming or genetic issue. Fortunately, there are several things Shih Tzu owners can do to bring their dogs unsightly tear staining under control.

Things You'll Need

  • Shih Tzu dog
  • Cotton pads or sterile gauze
  • White vinegar
  • Filtered water
  • Hair clippers or scissors
  • Corn starch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your dog's food bag ingredients. Remove from the diet any food that might contribute to the color of the stain, such as beet pulp or food colorings.

    • 2

      Moisten a cotton swab or ball with water to soften and remove matter under the eyes.

    • 3

      Gently massage your dog from the bridge of its nose to underneath the eyes to help open up blocked tear ducts. Repeat this motion once or twice a day for a one-week period, then reduce to once or twice per week.

    • 4

      Trim the hair that is surrounding the eye to prevent it from irritating the eye.

    • 5

      Check for fleas around the eye area, as fleas can cause eye irritation and discharge. Use a flea medication on the dog if fleas are present.

    • 6

      Reduce the mineral content in the dog's water by providing it with filtered drinking water.

    • 7

      Add a small amount of vinegar to the dog's water to change the pH balance in your dog's system.

    • 8

      Observe the dog for a yeast infection, which can produce increased tearing. Yeast infection symptoms include discharge and itching. Take your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect it has a yeast infection. Ask your vet to advise you the course of treatment for yeast infections and then follow his or her directions.

    • 9

      Exercise extreme caution and apply a small amount of corn starch below the eye with a small brush or finger, taking care to avoid the dog's eyes and mouth.