Have you started to notice dark discoloration in the fur around your dog’s eyes? If so, you likely have a pet that is dealing with tear staining. The stains are typically the result of excessive tear production, also known as epiphora. Normally, a dog’s tears drain through an area called the nasolacrimal duct, eventually emptying into the nose. In some breeds, it is common for this duct to become blocked causing the tear flow to end up in your dog’s fur, causing the discoloration.
What Causes Tear Staining?
Allergies – Maybe the most common reason for the nasolacrimal duct to become blocked, allergies can be a nuisance that effects your pup in many different ways. From your pet’s food, the changing of seasons, and even the grass in your yard, there are many different allergens your dog can be exposed to.
Ingrown Hair or Eyelashes – In many small breeds, hair can accumulate in excess around the eyes which can lead to improper tear drainage. It is important to have your dog properly groomed on a regular basis to ensure this doesn’t continue to be a problem.
Shallow Eye Sockets – Through hundreds of years of breeding, some dogs just don’t have the genes to keep the tears at bay. Breeds with sunken eye sockets or shorter noses can lead to excess tear staining.
Infections – Some instances of tear staining can be linked to other health issues. If you notice brown tear stains that have a foul odor, you may be dealing with a yeast infection which will need the help of your veterinarian.
Whatever the reason, dog tear staining is common and typically manageable. The products listed below make up our favorites for dealing with tear staining in dogs.
Angel’s Eyes Wipes
In our opinion, Angel’s Eyes is the best in the business. They are super easy to use and have great results with all fur types. The presoaked and textured wipes are a good start to getting rid of tear stains and build-up. Many users get results so great with the wipes that they never have to move onto supplements. Angel’s Eyes wipes are safe for puppies and kittens as young as 6 weeks.
Angel’s Eyes wipes can also help with eye irritation and itching. You should apply daily to get the best results and reduce the risk of eye irritation. The unique formulation requires no rinsing after application.
Angel’s Eyes Tear Stain Powder
If you are looking to solve the tear stain problem from the inside out, our recommendation is the Angel’s Eyes Tear Stain Powder. This anti-tear stain formula does not include any antibiotics and is safe for all dog and cat breeds. It is also safe for all shedding and non-shedding breeds. With many different flavor options, your pet won’t be able to resist the taste!
Angel Eye’s tear stain powder is easy to use too! Simply, sprinkle some onto your pet’s food daily and you will begin seeing improvements quickly. If you don’t believe us, read some of the reviews! Many owners saw improvements in as little as a week. While it isn’t listed as a use, some users claimed to see whiter paws and cleaner areas around their pet’s mouth. This could be due to the effect of the formula on invasive bacteria that causes the discoloration.
Angel’s Eyes Tear Stain Soft Chews
Similar to the Angel’s Eyes Powder, the Soft Chews also work from the inside out. This patented formula of antioxidants works by reducing oxidation released through tear ducts which can cause the discoloration associated with tear stains. Angel’s Eyes Natural Soft Chews help give your pet’s tear stain free eyes and a bright coat naturally.
Angel’s Eyes Natural Soft Chews don’t include food dyes, wheat, corn, or soy. They are safe to give to pregnant pets and puppies or kittens as young as 6 weeks old. Like the powder, many pet owners saw improvements with their overall pet’s coat color.
Tear Stain Combs
Finally, no list for tear stain pet care would be complete without including a tear stain comb. While Angel’s Eyes products are great, a simple comb can really help when matting and crust begins to build up. We personally keep these combs around the clinic because you never know when they will come in handy. They help with not only build up around the eyes, but also untangling hair from “hot spots”, cleaning areas around wounds, or thinning the hair around the paws.
Our mission is to provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision when purchasing products for your pets. To support this effort, this page may contain affiliate links. When affiliate links are used, we earn a commission for qualifying purchases – at no expense to our readers.