29.09.2023 - Prof. Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke, veterinarian
29.09.2023 - Prof. Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke, veterinarian
3 tips and tricks against tear stains dog
Tear stains on dogs are particularly unattractive on light-colored fur. You can find out how to remove and prevent tear stains in this blog article. Find out more now.
Content
- 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 are also known as tear ducts and are reddish-brown discolorations under the eyes. They are a sign that the dog has been suffering from watery eyes for some time.
The reddish-brown discolorations look particularly impressive on dogs with white or very light coats. Maltese, Chihuahuas, Bichon Frisés or West Highland White Terriers, for example, are particularly susceptible.
Why do dogs have tear stains?
Tear stains are caused by porphyrins, i.e. dyes that are found in both the tear fluid and saliva . For this reason, the color changes occur not only around the eyes, but also in the mouth.
The best-known representative of this group of dyes is the dye heme. This is found in the hemoglobin of red blood cells.
In dogs, these dyes are also found in saliva and tear fluid.
For example, if the dog's coat has watery eyes longer contact with these body fluids, it turns reddish-brown.
How do I get rid of tear stains on my dog?
Important: The The reasons for watery eyes in dogs and therefore tear stains, are varied. So that you can rule out health problems, you should not only remove the tear stains, but also clarify the cause with your vet.
Cleansing the eye area
You can't get rid of tear stains on your dog overnight. But by regularly cleaning the eye area, even the most stubborn tear stains can be removed.
We recommend the 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 ensure that you wipe carefully from the outer to the inner corner of the eye. This will prevent foreign bodies from getting any further into the eye.
- For stubborn crusts or impurities, first carefully dab the Canosept eye care on. After a short exposure time, these can also be easily removed.
In addition, the tear fluid should not come into contact with the fur around the eye area for too long. The area around your dog' s eyes should always be kept dry . This will prevent the formation of further tear stains.
Healthy diet
Even if the connection is not immediately obvious, food can be a trigger for tear stains. This is the case if 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 in balance, the immune system is significantly weakened. This can lead to diseases that promote the formation of tear stains.
When choosing food, it is important to consider your dog's individual needs. This includes not only food allergies, previous illnesses or other health factors, but also age and breed.
Knowledge to go - dog nutrition
Did you know that a daily or weekly change in diet can upset your dog's intestinal flora? This can lead to watery eyes and tear stains, among other things.
Therefore, try to keep your dog's diet and nutrition as consistent as possible. This will not only support a healthy intestinal flora, but also strengthen the immune system.
FAQ
Relevant products in the blog post
About the author:
Professor Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke has been working as a veterinary scientific advisor for Ardap Care GmbH since 2020. As a veterinarian and dog owner for many years, he knows the problems and questions that dog parents have from a professional and personal perspective. As an expert on the subject of dog health, Norbert Mencke provides you with helpful information and tips. You can reach Norbert Mencke at mencke@ardapcare.com.
Prof. Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke, Veterinarian
About the author:
Professor Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke has been working as a veterinary scientific advisor for Ardap Care GmbH since 2020. As a veterinarian and dog owner for many years, he knows the problems and questions that dog parents have from a professional and personal perspective. As an expert on the subject of dog health, Norbert Mencke provides you with helpful information and tips. You can reach Norbert Mencke at mencke@ardapcare.com.
Prof. Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke, Veterinarian
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