Last updated: April 8, 2026

Dog Tear Stains: Causes, Removal & Prevention

Those reddish-brown streaks running down your dog’s face beneath their eyes are more than a cosmetic concern. Tear stains, while common in many breeds, can sometimes signal underlying health issues that need veterinary attention. Whether you have a pristine white Maltese whose face is marred by dark trails or a Bulldog with constantly damp facial folds, understanding why tear stains develop is the first step toward effectively treating and preventing them.

Tear staining affects dogs of all breeds, ages, and coat colors, though they are most visible on light-colored fur. The discoloration is caused by a pigment called porphyrin, which is naturally present in tears, saliva, and urine. When tears overflow from the eyes and sit on the fur, porphyrins react with light and oxidize, creating the characteristic reddish-brown color that deepens over time. This guide covers everything you need to know about identifying the root cause of your dog’s tear stains and eliminating them safely.

What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs

Tear staining occurs when tears overflow from the eyes onto the surrounding fur, a condition known as epiphora. In a healthy eye, tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, spread across the eye surface with each blink, and drain through tiny puncta in the inner corner of the eyelids into the nasolacrimal duct, which empties into the nasal cavity. When this drainage system is overwhelmed or blocked, tears spill over and run down the face.

Excessive tear production is one of the most common causes of staining. Anything that irritates the eye will trigger increased tearing as a protective mechanism. Environmental irritants like dust, pollen, and smoke are frequent culprits. Allergies, whether environmental or food-related, cause chronic eye irritation and excessive tear production in many dogs. Even wind exposure during car rides with the window down can lead to increased tearing.

Blocked or underdeveloped tear ducts are another major cause. Some dogs are born with abnormally narrow nasolacrimal ducts that cannot drain tears efficiently. Others develop blockages from chronic infections, inflammation, or scar tissue. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus often have shallow eye sockets and compressed facial anatomy that distorts the normal tear drainage pathways, making them especially prone to epiphora and subsequent staining.

Eyelid and eyelash abnormalities contribute significantly to tear staining. Entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward, causes lashes to rub against the cornea and triggers excessive tearing. Distichiasis involves extra eyelashes growing from abnormal locations on the eyelid margin. Ectopic cilia are lashes that grow through the conjunctiva on the inside of the eyelid. All of these conditions cause chronic irritation, pain, and reflexive tear overproduction that stains the surrounding fur.

Other factors include teething in puppies, which temporarily increases tear production due to pressure on the developing jaw and sinuses. Ear infections can cause increased tearing on the affected side due to shared nerve pathways. Poor water quality with high mineral content has been anecdotally linked to worsened tear staining, though scientific evidence is limited. Stress and diet also play a role in the volume and composition of a dog’s tears.

Breeds Most Prone to Tear Staining

While any dog can develop tear stains, certain breeds are genetically predisposed due to their facial structure, eye shape, and coat type. Understanding your breed’s specific risk factors helps you take proactive steps before staining becomes severe.

Small white and light-colored breeds are the poster children for tear staining. Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Havanese frequently display prominent reddish-brown streaks that stand out starkly against their pale fur. These breeds often have a combination of factors working against them: shallow eye sockets, narrow tear ducts, long facial hair that wicks tears away from the eyes, and light-colored coats that make every trace of porphyrin visible.

Brachycephalic breeds face unique challenges. Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Boston Terriers have prominent, bulging eyes with limited eyelid coverage. Their compressed facial structure often means the nasolacrimal ducts are shortened or kinked, reducing drainage efficiency. The combination of greater eye surface exposure and reduced drainage makes chronic tearing almost inevitable in many flat-faced dogs.

Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and other breeds with large, round eyes also experience higher rates of tear staining. Their eye shape creates a larger surface area that requires more tear production to keep moist, and the tears are more likely to overflow the lower eyelid. Some giant breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs develop tear staining due to loose lower eyelids that sag and create a pocket where tears pool before overflowing.

It is worth noting that tear staining in these breeds, while extremely common, should not simply be accepted as normal without veterinary evaluation. Many dogs of these breeds live with treatable conditions like chronic low-grade infections, allergies, or structural problems that a veterinarian can address. Reducing the underlying cause will not only improve appearance but also improve your dog’s comfort.

How to Remove Existing Tear Stains

Before attempting to remove tear stains, have your veterinarian examine your dog to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Treating the stains without addressing the root cause is like mopping the floor while the faucet is still running. Once medical issues are resolved or managed, you can work on removing the existing discoloration.

Daily gentle cleaning is the foundation of tear stain removal. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton pad dampened with warm water to gently wipe the stained area beneath each eye. Clean from the inner corner outward, using a fresh section of cloth for each eye to avoid spreading any bacteria. Pat the area dry after cleaning, as moisture left on the fur perpetuates the staining cycle. Doing this two to three times daily gradually lightens existing stains over several weeks.

A diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can help bleach superficial stains on white dogs. Mix one part three-percent hydrogen peroxide with ten parts water and apply carefully to the stained fur using a cotton ball, taking extreme care to avoid the eyes. Leave the solution on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. This method should be used sparingly, no more than once or twice a week, as peroxide can dry and irritate the skin. Never use hydrogen peroxide near the eyes without veterinary guidance.

Commercial tear stain removers are widely available in pet stores and online. These products typically contain mild cleansing agents, sometimes with lightening compounds. When selecting a commercial product, choose one that is specifically formulated for use around the eyes, free of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, and has positive reviews from owners of similar breeds. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and discontinue use if you notice any redness, swelling, or irritation.

Trimming the stained fur is the most immediate solution for severe, deeply set stains. Using blunt-tipped grooming scissors or having your groomer carefully trim away the discolored hair gives you a fresh start. As new, clean fur grows in, maintain a daily wiping routine to prevent restaining. Many owners find that combining a trim with a consistent cleaning regimen produces the best results. If you are not comfortable trimming near your dog’s eyes, have a professional groomer or your veterinarian handle it. You can learn more about grooming approaches in our guide on dog coat types and grooming by breed.

Some owners use a cornstarch-based paste applied to clean, dry fur beneath the eyes to absorb excess moisture and prevent new staining while existing stains grow out. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of coconut oil to form a paste, apply a thin layer to the clean fur under each eye, and brush out after a few hours. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps the fur drier between cleanings.

Preventing Tear Stains from Returning

Prevention is far more effective than repeated removal. Once you have addressed the underlying cause and cleaned up existing stains, implementing a daily prevention routine will keep your dog’s face clean and stain-free long term.

Maintain a daily face-cleaning routine. Wipe the area beneath your dog’s eyes at least once daily, preferably twice, with a damp cloth or unscented baby wipe formulated for sensitive skin. Keep the facial hair trimmed short so it does not wick tears away from the eye and hold moisture against the skin. Dry the area thoroughly after cleaning, as persistent moisture is the primary driver of staining and the secondary bacterial and yeast growth that worsens discoloration.

Address dietary factors that may contribute to tear staining. Some owners report improvement after switching to a higher-quality diet free of artificial colors, preservatives, and common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. While scientific evidence specifically linking diet to tear staining is limited, improving overall nutrition supports immune function and may reduce inflammatory processes that contribute to excessive tearing. Adding a probiotic supplement designed for dogs may also help by supporting healthy gut flora and immune balance.

Provide filtered or purified drinking water. High mineral content in tap water, particularly iron, has been associated with worsened tear staining in some dogs. Switching to filtered water removes excess minerals and may reduce the intensity of staining. Use stainless steel or ceramic water bowls rather than plastic, which can harbor bacteria and potentially cause chin acne and facial irritation that worsens tearing.

Manage allergies proactively. If your dog has environmental allergies, work with your veterinarian to develop a management plan that may include antihistamines, immunotherapy, or prescription diets. Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water. Wipe your dog’s face and paws after walks to remove pollen and irritants. Run an air purifier in rooms where your dog spends the most time. Controlling allergies reduces excessive tear production at the source.

Keep facial hair groomed. For breeds with long facial hair, regular trimming of the hair around the eyes prevents it from acting as a wick that draws tears onto the face. Many owners schedule professional grooming every four to six weeks and maintain the eye area between appointments with careful trimming at home. If your dog resists facial grooming, read our tips on handling a dog that hates grooming.

Products and Methods to Avoid

The tear stain removal market is flooded with products and home remedies, and not all of them are safe. Some popular approaches can actually harm your dog or create new health problems. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what works.

Avoid any product containing tylosin, an antibiotic sometimes marketed in tear stain supplements. While tylosin can reduce tear staining by altering the bacterial composition of tears, using an antibiotic for a cosmetic purpose is inappropriate and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Long-term antibiotic use can also disrupt your dog’s gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues and weakened immune function. The FDA has issued warnings against unapproved products containing tylosin marketed as tear stain removers.

Do not use undiluted hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or any harsh chemical near your dog’s eyes. Even diluted solutions must be applied with extreme caution. The cornea and conjunctiva are delicate tissues, and chemical burns to the eye can cause permanent damage, pain, and vision loss. If any cleaning solution gets into your dog’s eye, flush immediately with copious amounts of clean water and contact your veterinarian.

Apple cider vinegar added to drinking water is a widely circulated home remedy for tear stains. While a very small amount is unlikely to cause harm, larger quantities can upset the stomach, erode tooth enamel, and irritate the esophagus. There is no scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar reduces tear staining, and the potential risks outweigh the unproven benefits.

Be skeptical of supplements claiming to eliminate tear stains from the inside out. Many of these products contain ingredients with no proven efficacy for tear staining. Some contain antibiotics or other active ingredients that are not disclosed on the label. Always discuss any supplement with your veterinarian before adding it to your dog’s regimen, and be wary of products that promise dramatic results without scientific backing.

When to See the Veterinarian About Tear Stains

While tear stains are often a cosmetic issue, they can sometimes indicate conditions that require veterinary treatment. Knowing when to seek professional help ensures your dog gets appropriate care and prevents minor problems from becoming serious.

Schedule a veterinary appointment if the tearing is new or has suddenly worsened, as this may indicate an eye infection, foreign body, corneal ulcer, or developing glaucoma. If only one eye is affected, the cause is more likely to be a structural problem, blocked duct, or localized irritation rather than a systemic issue. Thick, yellow, or green discharge mixed with tears suggests bacterial infection rather than simple epiphora. Squinting, pawing at the eye, redness of the white part of the eye, or cloudiness of the cornea are all signs that something more serious than simple tearing is occurring.

Your veterinarian can perform specific tests to evaluate tear production and drainage. The Schirmer tear test measures tear production volume. Fluorescein stain applied to the eye checks for corneal damage and can also be used to evaluate nasolacrimal duct patency. If the duct is functional, the fluorescein dye will appear at the nostril within a few minutes. If it does not, the duct may be blocked and may need to be flushed under sedation.

For dogs with chronic tear staining unresponsive to home management, your veterinarian may recommend referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Specialists can perform advanced diagnostics including dacryocystorhinography, an imaging study of the tear drainage system, and surgical procedures to correct eyelid abnormalities, open blocked tear ducts, or address other structural problems contributing to chronic epiphora. Keeping up with routine ear and face cleaning also supports overall facial hygiene.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Tear Stains

Are tear stains harmful to my dog?

Tear stains themselves are not harmful and are primarily a cosmetic concern. However, the chronic moisture that causes staining can create an environment conducive to bacterial and yeast growth, which may lead to skin irritation, dermatitis, or infection in the folds beneath the eyes. The underlying cause of excessive tearing may also involve conditions like eye infections, corneal irritation, or blocked tear ducts that cause discomfort and need treatment. If your dog’s tear staining is accompanied by redness, odor, thick discharge, or signs of discomfort, veterinary evaluation is warranted to rule out secondary problems.

Why are my dog’s tear stains reddish-brown?

The reddish-brown color comes from porphyrins, which are iron-containing pigment molecules naturally present in tears, saliva, and urine. When tears overflow onto the fur, porphyrins are deposited and react with light through a process called photooxidation, turning the fur a rusty reddish-brown color. The staining darkens over time with continued exposure. In some cases, secondary yeast infections, particularly with the organism Malassezia, can add a deeper brownish or reddish tinge to the staining. This is why stains that have been present for a long time are much darker than fresh tear trails.

Can I use coconut oil to remove tear stains?

Coconut oil can be a gentle, safe option for loosening and cleaning mild tear stains. Its natural antimicrobial properties may help control bacterial and yeast growth on the damp skin beneath the eyes. Apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently wipe away with a warm, damp cloth. Coconut oil will not bleach or chemically remove deep stains, but it can soften the crusted material and condition the skin and fur in the area. It works best as part of a daily cleaning routine rather than as a standalone stain remover.

Do tear stain supplements actually work?

The effectiveness of tear stain supplements varies widely, and many lack scientific evidence to support their claims. Some supplements contain ingredients like cranberry extract, Oregon grape root, or marshmallow root that proponents believe alter tear chemistry to reduce staining. Others previously contained tylosin, an antibiotic, which the FDA has cracked down on. Probiotics and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help indirectly by supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. The most reliable approach to tear stain management remains addressing the underlying cause, maintaining daily cleaning, and working with your veterinarian rather than relying on supplements alone.

My puppy suddenly developed tear stains. Is this normal?

Sudden tear staining in puppies is very common and often related to teething, which typically occurs between three and six months of age. The pressure and inflammation in the developing jaw and sinuses during teething can temporarily increase tear production and cause overflow onto the face. In most cases, the excessive tearing resolves on its own once the adult teeth are fully erupted, usually by seven to eight months of age. Maintain a gentle daily cleaning routine during this period to prevent deep staining. If the tearing persists beyond teething or is accompanied by eye redness, discharge, or squinting, consult your veterinarian to rule out other causes.

How long does it take for tear stains to go away?

Once the underlying cause is addressed and you begin a consistent cleaning routine, it typically takes two to four weeks to see noticeable improvement and six to eight weeks for significant fading. Deeply set stains that have been present for months may take longer to fully resolve, as the stained fur needs to grow out and be replaced by new, clean growth. Trimming the stained fur provides an immediate cosmetic improvement and gives you a clean starting point. Consistency is key: missing even a few days of cleaning allows new porphyrin deposits to accumulate and set into the fur.