How to Eliminate Tear Stains

With smaller, longer-haired dogs, such as Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers, you may notice discoloration around their eyes and running alongside their muzzles. These streaks are called tear stains, and they can be unsightly, especially if you plan to show your dogs. Several causes are to blame for the excessive tearing in dogs, including possible eye infections, allergies and irritation from extremely long fur. Getting rid of these tear stains requires you to understand the causes so that you can easily handle the stains.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea bath
  • Ear mite medicine
  • White vinegar
  • Tetracycline
  • Washcloth
  • Fine-tooth comb
  • Tear-free dog shampoo
  • Milk of magnesia
  • Corn starch
  • Hydrogen peroxide
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Instructions

    • 1

      Schedule an appointment with your dog's vet to discuss possible causes of the staining. Your removal course of action depends upon what your vet determines is the root cause of the staining. The vet may suggest some tear staining solutions to you.

    • 2

      Give your dog any antibiotics the vet prescribes if the cause of the staining is an infection or blocked tear duct. If the cause of the staining is the result of an allergy--to food or otherwise--remove the allergen. Switch the brand of food you are feeding your dog to something without the allergen in it. For staining caused by overly long hair, trim the hair around your dog's eyes, or take the dog to a groomer so that the groomer can cut your dog's hair. Remove fleas and ear mites from the dog if these are the cause of excessive tearing. Use a flea bath that is not harsh on the dog, and flush the dog's ears with an ear mite removal medicine.

    • 3

      Shampoo your dog using tear-free dog shampoo. Do not get the shampoo near your dog's eyes. Condition your dog's fur, and rinse the fur thoroughly. Dampen a washcloth with warm water, and wipe around your dog's eyes, cleaning the tear-stained area. Comb through the hair with a fine-tooth comb to remove any knots or crusty buildup. Dry your dog thoroughly.

    • 4

      Mix equal parts of milk of magnesia with hydrogen peroxide. Add in corn starch slowly until it reaches a paste consistency. Apply this paste to the tear-stained area, being careful not to get the mixture directly in your dog's eyes. Work the mixture into the fur well, leave it on overnight, and wash and condition the dog again. Repeat this paste application every other day for about a week to remove discoloration from excessive tears.

    • 5

      Add one tsp. of white vinegar to your dog's water to prevent stains from coming back. If your dog will not drink the water with vinegar in it, try adding a smaller amount first and working up to the full amount.