How to Solve Dog Tear Stains? Five Methods Suggested by Experts

Dogs shedding tears and developing tear stains can actually be due to several reasons. First, we need to analyze the situation before taking any action.

Excessive or Overgrown Hair Around the Eyes

• Problem: If a dog’s hair around the eyes is excessive or overgrown, it may irritate the eyes, causing tearing and tear stains.
• Solution: Trim the hair around the eyes with scissors, then use eye drops to clean the eyes. After a few applications, the eyes should be clean.

Abnormal Eyelashes (Entropion)

• Problem: Abnormal eyelashes, such as entropion, can irritate the eyes and increase tear secretion. Entropion directly rubs against the eyeball, causing tearing.
• Solution: This condition cannot be treated at home and requires a minor surgical correction at a veterinary hospital.

Blocked Nasolacrimal Duct

• Problem: Excessive tear secretion in dogs that cannot be drained through the nasolacrimal duct.
• Solution: Gently press the area of the nasolacrimal duct daily to alleviate symptoms. If the effect is not significant, it is necessary to take the dog to a veterinary hospital for nasolacrimal duct irrigation treatment.

Dietary Factors

• Problem: Consuming salty foods, frequently eating human food, and ingesting high-calorie dairy, eggs, and meat can lead to the appearance of tear stains.
• Solution: Improving the diet is key. Avoid foods and dog food with high salt content. It is recommended to regularly feed them cucumbers, bitter melons, and Chinese cabbage, or let them drink water soaked with Isatis root to improve the condition.

Ear Canal Issues

• Problem: The most common source of dog tear stains is ear canal problems. If a dog’s ear canal is not cleaned regularly, it may cause discomfort in the ears. A dog’s ear is L-shaped and surrounded by multiple nerves, including the facial nerve, optic nerve, and trigeminal nerve, etc. When the ear itches, it stimulates these nerves, affecting the surrounding organs. Since the ear is adjacent to the eye, discomfort in the ear can cause the eye to feel uncomfortable, thereby stimulating the eye to produce a large amount of tears.
• Solution: To prevent this, use ear cleaning solution to clean the dog’s ear canal regularly, keeping it clean and itch-free. In this way, the dog will no longer have tear stains.