Why do dogs have tear stains and how to reduce tear stains

Jul 26,2025
4Min

Dogs have tear stains or eat too much salt

Dogs have lower salt requirements than humans. If they eat salty foods, they will produce more tears. It is very important to choose a good dog food and give your dog plenty of water.

Dogs have tear stains or physiological structures

Some special breeds of pet dogs have a very large curvature of the nasolacrimal duct due to their special appearance, so the amount of tears discharged is limited, even if it is normal The amount of tears secreted by the eyes cannot be overloaded, resulting in unsightly tear stains or even dark eye frames. This condition usually occurs in short-nosed dog breeds, such as Pug, Shih Tzu, and Japanese Dog.

Dogs have tear stains or have been improperly groomed

This is very simple. There are also many cases where dog hair has gotten into the eyes due to improper grooming. All you need to do is get it out.

Dogs have tear stains or disease reasons

1. Ear canal infection. Ear inflammation will stimulate tear secretion and aggravate the obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.

2. The nasolacrimal duct is blocked. Colds, rhinitis or other diseases will aggravate the blockage.

3. Eyelash irritation. Eyelashes always irritate the cornea, causing very serious tear stains.

4. Eye infections, such as dacryoadenitis. Mainly because the lacrimal glands that secrete tears are infected, causing abnormal and large amounts of tear secretion.

5. Genetic disease, primary polycrythymia, is a hereditary disease. Tears are often secreted in excess, which can easily lead to tear stains.

6. Intestinal problems can also cause excessive tears, like getting angry.

How to fade tear stains

For ear canal infections: Ask your doctor to diagnose what is causing the ear canal infection and then choose the right treatment, such as using ear oil.

For nasolacrimal duct obstruction: Generally, antibiotics can be used for treatment, plus minor surgery to unblock the nasolacrimal duct.

For dacryoadenitis: anti-inflammatory eye drops can be used.

For genetic problems: There is no specific method, but you can use tear stain removal cream to eliminate red tear stains.

Adequate nutrition can also improve tear stains. For example, VA and taurine are good for the eyes.

Regulating the intestinal tract and supplementing probiotics can reduce eye irritation from toxins decomposed by harmful bacteria.

[Note]: Dogs should be groomed frequently and their eyes should be checked every day. Don't let tears stay around the eyes, because some dogs have developed tear glands, so don't blindly use eye drops. Paying more attention to all aspects of your dog's health and cleanliness can effectively prevent tear stains.

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