Tear stains in dogs

Tear stains in dogs are a common problem, visible as reddish-brown marks around the dog’s eyes, most easily seen on dogs with white or light-coloured hair. They are usually the result of the dog producing too many tears, or their tears not draining away as normal.

In this article, we will look at the causes of tear stains, as well as how you can treat them at home.

What are tear stains in dogs?

Tear stains are caused by a pigment-containing molecule called porphyrin, which is found in your dog's tears. When your dog’s body breaks down old red blood cells, porphyrin is left as a waste product. These molecules contain iron, which is what creates the reddish-brown colour you see on your dog's fur. This colour often gets darker when it's exposed to sunlight.

While porphyrins are normally removed from the body through digestion, they are also present in a dog's urine, saliva, and tears. This is why you might see staining around their eyes. Although these stains are most obvious on light-coloured dogs, darker-coated dogs can get them too, they’re just harder to spot. It’s always a good idea to check your dog’s eyes regularly for any issues.

What causes tear stains in dogs?

The simple answer is that tear stains are caused by an excessive amount of tears on your dog’s face. This can happen either because their eyes are producing too many tears (a condition called epiphora), or because the tears aren’t draining away properly.

Because this can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical issue or infection, it’s always important to see your vet if you notice tear stains for the first time.

Possible medical causes

·       Glaucoma: A serious condition that causes a build-up of pressure in the eye and can damage the optic nerve.

·       Eye infection: Infections by bacteria, viruses or parasites can cause a discharge from the eye.

·       Conjunctivitis: Inflammation in the eye’s lining can cause mucus, pus or discharge.

·       Ear infection: May cause the eye on the same side of the head to tear more than is usual.

·       Ingrown eyelashes: These can rub against the surface of the eye, causing irritation and damage.

·       Entropion: A condition where the eyelid rolls in, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye and causing irritation.

Mechanical causes, due to the dog's body construction

·       Large tear glands: Larger glands produce larger volumes of tears.

·       Small tear duct openings: Each eye has a tube running from the eye into the nasal cavity to drain the excess tears via the nose. Small openings to these ducts reduce their effectiveness and the excess spills over into the hair.

·       Blocked tear ducts: As for small duct openings, blocked ducts cannot remove the excess liquid from the eye. Some breeds of dog such as Poodles and Cocker Spaniels have a tendency for the drainage holes not to develop properly. 

·       Scarring: If there has been previous infection or eye damage, tear drainage may reduce.

·       Hair around the eyes: If hair keeps getting into the eyes, it can wick the tears away, drawing the moisture from the eye and down to the skin.

·       Shallow eye sockets: Particularly in brachycephalic dogs (breeds with short muzzles such as Pugs, French Bulldogs or Pekingese), eyes can bulge and protrude, sometimes so much that the eyelids never close completely, even when sleeping.

Other possible causes:

·       Irritant exposure: Irritants like dust or smoke can cause the eye to water attempting to remove the irritating substance.

·       Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause the eye to water excessively. These allergies can be seasonal, something in the environment or a reaction to the dog’s food.

·       Poor diet and stress: Anxiety and stress can cause a number of issues. A poor-quality diet filled with unsuitable or indigestible ingredients places stress on the dog’s body. Cheap, low-quality foods can often be a problem, too.

·       Teething: When puppies are teething, they produce more tears and tear stains may become apparent. It is a good idea to have your vet check that there are no other issues causing the tears but, once they have finished teething, the problem often goes away.

Signs and symptoms of tear stains in dogss

The most obvious sign is, of course, the reddish-brown marks under your dog’s eyes. However, there are a few other things to look out for, especially on darker-coated dogs where the stains aren't as visible, such as:

• Dampness in the fur around the eyes

• A musty odour, which could indicate a secondary yeast infection caused by the constant dampness

• Brownish stains, rather than red, can also point to a yeast infection

• Your dog pawing or rubbing at their face

• Eye discharge or gunk in the corners of the eyes

How to treat tear stains in dogs

How you treat your dog’s tear stains will depend on the underlying cause, but a combination of veterinary care and good home management is usually the best approach.

• Treat medical issues: If the cause is a medical one, like an infection or entropion, your vet will prescribe the necessary medication or recommend surgery to correct the problem.

• Manage allergies: If an allergy is to blame, identifying and removing the allergen is key. This might mean switching to a high-quality, hypoallergenic diet that’s free from common irritants.

• Keep the face clean and dry: Gently wipe your dog’s face with a warm, damp cloth at least twice a day. This removes the tear residue and helps prevent staining.

• Regular grooming: Keep the hair around your dog’s eyes trimmed short to prevent it from causing irritation or wicking tears onto the skin. A professional groomer can help with this if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

• Use safe, natural barriers: A tiny amount of organic, unrefined coconut oil applied under the eyes can act as a gentle water repellent, protecting the skin and fur. Also, stick to stainless steel, glass, or ceramic food bowls, as plastic can harbour bacteria.

• Clean stains gently: For existing stains, the safest method is to use a cotton pad soaked in warm water. Never use harsh chemicals or products not specifically designed for use around a dog’s eyes.

What is the best dog food for tear stains?

A high-quality, filler-free diet is often the best place to start when tackling tear stains. Many common allergens and irritants found in processed dog foods, like grains and artificial additives, can cause inflammation and lead to excessive tearing. Switching to a diet that includes natural dog food recipes can help minimise these reactions.

Even if your dog’s tear stains are due to their breed’s conformation, like shallow eye sockets, a better diet can still help. A healthy, balanced diet strengthens their immune system and improves their overall skin health. This can help prevent the secondary infections and irritations that often make tear staining worse.

Emma Passman, our qualified nutritionist on our Pet Panel, says: "A diet that is gentle on digestion and free from common irritants can make a real difference. By improving a dog's overall health from the inside out, you can often reduce the inflammation that contributes to excessive tearing and staining."

What foods should I avoid when treating tear stains in dogs?

When trying to reduce tear stains, it’s a good idea to avoid ultra-processed foods like kibble. These often contain a long list of ingredients, including fillers like wheat and corn, as well as artificial preservatives and flavours. These components can be hard for a dog to digest and may trigger sensitivities that lead to inflammation and excessive tearing.

To ensure your pup is getting the best dog food for tear stains, Emma Passman recommends our range of personalised dog food: “Pure’s recipes are gentle on digestion, while containing a minimal number of fresh ingredients least likely to cause a flare-up. Our food is made a short list of wholesome ingredients, so you always know exactly what your pup is eating. You can be confident their dinner is healthy, easy to digest, and won’t cause any skin or tummy troubles.”

Tackling tear stains can take a bit of patience, but combining good hygiene with the right diet can make a huge difference. A healthy, natural diet is one of the best ways to support your dog’s overall wellbeing and keep them looking and feeling their best.

If you’re ready to see how a personalised, high-quality diet could help your dog, you can tell us about them and we’ll create the perfect dog food subscription. For more tips on dog health and nutrition, from dealing with sensitive skin to how often you should feed your dog, head over to our Help page.