How to clean up tear stains on my dog's fur

MABTR has no recommendation of products that will remove existing stains on your dog's fur, however remember fur sheds so our focus is making necessary changes to protect the new fur growth from staining.

Stained fur under dog eyes, commonly called "tear stains," is usually caused by porphyrin, a naturally occurring, iron-rich pigment found in tears. While common in flat-faced or light-colored breeds,

Excessive tearing can also stem from ...

• blocked tear ducts: if you have access to human breast milk you can apply one drop twice a day for three days to unclog the duct. Trust me it works

• allergies: speak to your vet for options. You can start with over the counter Benedryl 25 mg twice a day to see if that helps. This dose is for dogs 18lbs and greater. benedryl does not make a dog drowsy like it does humans

• ingrown eyelashes: this would require surgery. This condition will also cause red eyes, ongoing scratches and ulcers.

• underlying eye infection: speak to your vet as an eye lub called neo-poly-dex would take care of any infection within a week. Note this is a steroid so if the dog has a scratch or ulcer steroids are a no no. Tobramycin is an antibiotic with no steroid.

How to Clean and Manage Tear Stains

• Daily Wiping: Keep the area dry and clean by wiping under the eyes at least once or twice daily with safe Dog Eye Wipes or a warm, damp cloth. Remember you wash your personal face daily.

• Trim the Fur: Ask your local groomer to trim the hair around your dog’s eyes very short to prevent tears from clinging to the fur and trapping moisture.

• Check the Water Source: High mineral content in tap water can sometimes contribute to staining. Try offering your dog filtered or distilled water.