If you own a light-colored dog, such as a maltese or bichon frise, you may see dark lines coming down from its eyes on its fur. These unsightly, dark-colored marks are called tear stains. Tear stains are typically red, brown or black in color and usually run from the inner corner of the dogs eyes down to its nose or mouth. Tear stains do not hurt the dog; however, they are often a sign of a possible health condition. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to try to prevent the staining.
Things You'll Need
- Blunt-end scissors
- Hair clippers
- Eye cleanser
- All-natural food
Instructions
Cut the hair around the eyes to a short length. Often, the hair that is around the dog's eyes will enter the eye and cause irritation. This irritation can result in excessive tearing. Take your dog to a groomer to cut the hair around the eyes short, or you can do it yourself. Use blunt-end scissors and carefully cut the hair directly underneath the eyes as short as it will go without harming the dog. You can also use clippers to scoop the hair out from underneath the eye.
Wash your dog's eyes with an eye cleanser. If dirt or other debris enters the eye, it can cause excessive tearing, which often results in staining. Purchase eye cleanser from your pet store or veterinarian, and gently pour it directly into the eye once a day. Wipe the excess solution away from the eyes with a soft towel or gauze.
Protect your dog's eyes. Most dogs enjoy hanging their heads out of windows when in cars; however, doing so can cause irritation from the wind and allows dirt, debris and other objects to potentially enter the eyes. Instead, roll up the windows and keep your pooch's head---and eyes---safely inside.
Boost your dog's immune system by feeding it healthy, all-natural food. Dog tear stains are often caused by yeast or bacterial infections. If your dog has a healthy immune system it will likely not encounter these infections. Add fresh fruits and vegetables to your dog's diet and feed it high-quality food that is void of artificial flavors or colorings, preservatives or by-products.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. Physical defects, such as an abnormal eyelids or large eyes, can cause the eyes to tear excessively. In addition, conditions such as entropion, in which the eyelid turns inward, can cause irritation and tearing as. Consult with your veterinarian as to whether your dog suffers from any of these abnormalities and if they can be medically treated.