- What are tear stains in dogs?
- Why do dogs have tear stains?
- How do I get rid of tear stains on my dog?
- FAQ
What are tear stains in dogs?
Tear stains in dogs, also known as tear troughs or tear ducts, are reddish-brown discolorations below the eyes. They are a sign that the dog has been suffering from watery eyes for a long time.
The reasons for watery eyes in dogs and what you can do about itThe reddish-brown discoloration is particularly striking in dogs with white or very light fur. Maltese, Chihuahua, Bichon Frisé, and West Highland White Terrier are particularly susceptible.
Why do dogs have tear stains?
Tear stains are caused by porphyrins , pigments found in both tears and saliva . Therefore, the discoloration occurs not only around the eyes but also around the mouth. The best-known representative of this pigment group is the pigment heme . This pigment is found in the hemoglobin of red blood cells. In dogs, these pigments are also found in saliva and tears.
If the dog's fur has prolonged contact with these body fluids, for example due to watery eyes , it turns reddish-brown .
How do I get rid of tear stains on my dog?
Important!: There are many reasons for watery eyes in dogs , and thus also tear stains. To rule out any health problems , you should not only remove the tear stains but also discuss the cause with your veterinarian.
Cleansing the eye area
While tear stains on your dog won't be eliminated overnight, regular cleaning of the eye area can help remove even stubborn tear stains.
We recommend Canosept Eye Care or the ready-to-use Canosept Eye Care Pads . These not only gently cleanse and care for the area around the eyes. Regular use also prevents the formation of tear stains .
What to look out for:
- Use a separate cloth or pad for each eye . Otherwise, dirt particles or similar could be transferred from the affected eye to the healthy eye.
- When cleaning the eye area, always make sure to wipe gently from the outer to the inner corner of the eye . This prevents foreign matter from getting further into the eye.
- For stubborn crusts or dirt, first gently dab on the Canosept eye care product . After a short exposure time, these can also be easily removed.
Furthermore, the tear fluid should not be in contact with the fur around the eyes for too long. Keep your dog's eye area dry at all times. This will prevent further tear stains from forming.
Healthy eating
Even if the connection isn't immediately obvious, food can be a trigger for tear stains. This occurs when the intestinal flora is out of balance .
A large part of your dog's immune system is located in the intestinal tract. If this is not functioning properly, the immune system becomes significantly weakened . This can lead to diseases that promote the formation of tear stains. When selecting food, it is important to consider your dog's individual needs. This includes not only food allergies, pre-existing conditions, or other health factors, but also age and breed.
Knowledge to go – Dog nutrition
Did you know that changing your dog's diet daily or weekly can disrupt their intestinal flora? The consequences can include watery eyes and, consequently, tear stains.
Therefore, try to keep your dog's menu and diet as consistent as possible. This will not only support a healthy intestinal flora but also strengthen the immune system .
FAQ
Tear stains are reddish-brown discolorations around the eyes.
What are tear stains in dogsTear stains are caused by certain pigments in the tear fluid. When these come into contact with the fur, they form so-called tear stains. More detailed information on the development of tear stains in dogs
While there are relatively harmless reasons for watery eyes in dogs , it can also be a sign of an eye disease. If increased tear production occurs, the cause should be clarified with your veterinarian.
By regularly cleansing the eye area with an eye solution or eye pads. Removing tear stains takes time. Learn more
For cleansing your eyes, we recommend Canosept Eye Care Pads and Canosept Eye Care Solution. Learn more about what to look for when cleansing the eye area.
.The dog food must be adapted to the individual needs of your dog.
