Last updated: May 6, 2026

Dog Tear Stains: What Causes Them and How to Get Rid of Them

Those reddish-brown streaks beneath your dog’s eyes are one of the most common cosmetic concerns dog owners face. Known as tear stains, these discolored tracks are especially visible on dogs with white or light-colored fur, and they can make even the happiest, healthiest dog look perpetually tired or unwell. While tear stains are usually harmless, understanding what causes them is important because they can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.

Whether you are dealing with stubborn stains on your Maltese, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, or any other breed, this guide covers everything you need to know about why tear stains form, how to safely remove them, and what steps you can take to prevent them from coming back. From daily cleaning routines to dietary adjustments, you will find practical, vet-approved strategies to keep your dog’s face looking clean and fresh.

What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs

Tear stains are caused by a substance called porphyrin, an iron-containing molecule that is a natural byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. Porphyrins are excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. When tears containing porphyrins sit on the fur around the eyes, the molecules oxidize upon exposure to air and sunlight, producing that characteristic reddish-brown discoloration.

All dogs produce tears containing porphyrins, so why do some dogs develop noticeable tear stains while others do not? The answer comes down to a combination of factors:

Excessive tear production (epiphora): Dogs that produce more tears than their tear drainage system can handle will have overflow tearing that runs down the face. This excess moisture keeps the fur perpetually damp and provides a constant supply of porphyrins that stain the coat. Excessive tearing can be caused by eye irritation, allergies, corneal injuries, or conditions that stimulate tear production. For more on excess tearing and related issues, see our guide on dog eye discharge.

Blocked or shallow tear ducts: Normally, tears drain from the eye through small openings called puncta, travel through the nasolacrimal ducts, and empty into the nasal cavity. When these ducts are blocked, narrowed, or anatomically shallow, tears cannot drain properly and overflow onto the face. This is extremely common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds whose compressed facial structure affects the drainage pathway.

Breed predisposition: Certain breeds are significantly more prone to tear staining. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese often have shallow eye sockets and compressed tear ducts. Small white breeds like Maltese, Bichon Frise, and West Highland White Terriers show stains more prominently due to their coat color. Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are also frequently affected.

Eye irritation and infections: Anything that irritates the eye, whether it is ingrown eyelashes (distichiasis), entropion (eyelids that roll inward), allergies, conjunctivitis, or foreign bodies, can trigger increased tear production and subsequent staining. If the staining is accompanied by redness, swelling, squinting, or discharge, an eye infection or other condition may be to blame.

Teething in puppies: Many puppies develop temporary tear staining between four and six months of age during the teething process. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that teething causes changes in the head and mouth that can affect tear drainage. The staining typically resolves once the adult teeth are fully in.

Diet and water quality: Some veterinarians and groomers have observed that certain dietary factors can influence tear staining. Water with high mineral content, food dyes, and certain food additives may contribute to increased porphyrin production or tear staining in sensitive dogs. While the scientific evidence for these connections is limited, many dog owners report improvement after making dietary changes.

Ear infections: Surprisingly, ear infections can sometimes cause increased tearing on the same side as the affected ear. The proximity of the structures involved means that inflammation in the ear can affect tear production and drainage.

How to Safely Remove Existing Tear Stains

Removing tear stains that have already set into the fur requires patience and gentle, consistent care. Stained fur must grow out and be replaced by new, clean growth, so do not expect overnight results. Here are the safest and most effective approaches:

Daily gentle cleaning: The foundation of tear stain management is daily cleaning of the area beneath and around the eyes. Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton pad dampened with warm water to gently wipe away any fresh tears and discharge each morning and evening. This prevents new staining from developing while existing stains grow out.

Tear stain removal solutions: Many pet-safe tear stain removal products are available, including wipes, liquid solutions, and pastes. Look for products with gentle, non-irritating ingredients such as colloidal silver, coconut oil, or chamomile. Avoid products containing bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh chemicals that could irritate the delicate skin and eyes.

Contact lens solution method: Some groomers recommend using contact lens solution containing boric acid as a gentle tear stain remover. Apply it to a cotton ball and gently wipe the stained area, being careful to avoid getting the solution in the eye. The boric acid helps break down porphyrin deposits. Always check with your vet before trying this method.

Cornstarch paste: For stubborn stains, make a paste with equal parts cornstarch and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (or pet-safe tear stain solution). Apply the paste to the stained fur, avoiding the eyes, and let it dry for several hours or overnight. Gently brush out the dried paste. This method works best on longer fur that can hold the paste. Use sparingly to avoid skin irritation.

Professional grooming: A professional groomer can carefully trim stained fur from around the eyes and apply professional-grade tear stain removal products. Regular grooming appointments help manage tear stains, especially in long-coated breeds. For more grooming tips, see our guide on how to groom your dog at home.

What to avoid: Never use human makeup remover, rubbing alcohol, or bleach-based products near your dog’s eyes. Do not attempt to scrub stains aggressively, as this can damage delicate skin and cause pain. Avoid products containing tylosin (an antibiotic sometimes marketed for tear stain removal), as using antibiotics for cosmetic purposes contributes to antibiotic resistance and can cause health problems.

Preventing Tear Stains from Forming

Prevention is always better than removal when it comes to tear stains. By addressing the underlying causes of excessive tearing and maintaining a consistent cleaning routine, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate tear staining.

Keep the eye area clean and dry: This is the single most important preventive measure. Wipe the area around your dog’s eyes at least once daily, or twice daily for breeds prone to heavy staining. After wiping, make sure the area is dried thoroughly, as persistent moisture promotes both staining and skin infections. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil or a pet-safe eye area balm to create a moisture barrier.

Keep facial hair trimmed: For breeds with long facial hair, regular trimming of the fur around the eyes helps in two ways. It prevents hair from irritating the eyes and triggering tear production, and it reduces the surface area where tears can wick and stain. Ask your groomer to keep the eye area neatly trimmed.

Use filtered or distilled water: Switching from tap water to filtered or distilled water eliminates excess minerals that may contribute to tear staining in some dogs. Use stainless steel or ceramic water bowls rather than plastic, which can harbor bacteria and cause chin acne and irritation.

Consider dietary adjustments: Feed a high-quality diet free from artificial colors, flavors, and unnecessary fillers. Some dog owners report reduced tear staining after switching to a limited-ingredient diet or a different protein source. Adding a probiotic supplement may also help, as gut health can influence inflammation throughout the body, including around the eyes.

Address allergies: If your dog’s tear staining is related to allergies, identifying and managing the allergen is key. Environmental allergies, food sensitivities, and seasonal triggers can all cause increased tear production. Your vet can help determine whether allergies are playing a role and recommend appropriate management strategies.

Treat underlying eye conditions: If your dog has an eye condition causing excessive tearing, such as entropion, distichiasis, or a blocked tear duct, treating the underlying condition will often resolve or reduce the tear staining. Some of these conditions may require surgical correction for a permanent solution.

When Tear Stains Signal a Health Problem

While most tear stains are a cosmetic issue rather than a medical one, there are circumstances where tear staining indicates a problem that needs veterinary attention. Schedule a vet visit if you observe any of the following:

Sudden onset of tear staining in a dog that previously had none. A new appearance of tear stains suggests something has changed, such as the development of an allergy, eye irritation, or a blocked tear duct.

Tear staining accompanied by thick, colored, or foul-smelling discharge. Clear tears that cause staining are different from yellow, green, or cloudy discharge, which indicates infection.

Redness, swelling, or squinting along with the tearing. These signs of eye irritation or pain need professional evaluation to determine the cause.

Staining on only one side. Unilateral tear staining is more likely to indicate a specific problem with that eye or its drainage system, such as a foreign body, blocked duct, or structural abnormality.

Fur loss, skin irritation, or sores in the stained area. Chronic moisture from excessive tearing can cause secondary skin infections. The skin may become red, raw, or develop a yeasty odor. This creates a cycle where the skin infection causes more discomfort, which triggers more tearing.

Changes in your dog’s eye appearance, such as cloudiness, color changes, visible blood vessels, or asymmetric pupils. Any alteration in the eye itself warrants prompt veterinary assessment.

Tear Stain Products: What Works and What to Skip

The pet industry offers a dizzying array of tear stain products, from supplements and wipes to powders and rinses. Here is a realistic assessment of what tends to work and what you should approach with caution:

Products that generally help: Gentle, fragrance-free cleaning wipes designed for the eye area are convenient and effective for daily maintenance. Colloidal silver sprays have antimicrobial properties and are generally safe for use near the eyes. Coconut oil applied to the fur (not the eye) creates a barrier that can reduce staining. Probiotic supplements may help some dogs by improving overall health and reducing inflammation.

Products to approach with caution: Angel Eyes and similar products containing tylosin, an antibiotic, should be avoided for cosmetic use. While they may reduce staining, the routine use of antibiotics for non-medical purposes contributes to antibiotic resistance and can disrupt gut bacteria. The FDA has actually warned against the use of tylosin in these products.

Products to avoid entirely: Any product containing bleach, hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations, or other harsh chemicals should not be used near your dog’s eyes. Products with unverified or vague ingredient lists should also be avoided. If a product claims to eliminate tear stains “from the inside out” without clearly explaining how, approach it skeptically.

The most effective tear stain management program combines consistent daily cleaning with addressing any underlying causes. No product can replace this fundamental approach.

Special Considerations for Rescue Dogs

At Walk Me Home Rescue, we often see dogs come in with significant tear staining, particularly breeds that have been neglected or living in suboptimal conditions. For rescue dogs, tear staining may be related to untreated eye conditions, poor nutrition, stress, or chronic allergies that were never managed.

If you have recently adopted a rescue dog with tear staining, start with a veterinary eye exam to rule out any underlying conditions. Once any medical issues are addressed, begin a gentle daily cleaning routine and allow time for the stained fur to grow out and be replaced. Depending on the length of the fur, this can take several weeks to a few months.

Be patient with the process. It takes time for a rescue dog’s overall health to improve with proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a stable home environment. Many adopters find that their rescue dog’s tear staining naturally decreases over the first few months as the dog’s health improves and stress levels decrease in their new loving home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tear stains harmful to my dog?

Tear stains themselves are not harmful; they are simply a cosmetic discoloration caused by porphyrins in the tears oxidizing on the fur. However, the chronic moisture that causes tear stains can lead to secondary problems if not managed. Persistently damp fur around the eyes can develop bacterial or yeast infections, causing skin irritation, redness, and discomfort. Additionally, the excessive tearing that causes the stains may be a symptom of an underlying eye condition that does need treatment. So while the stains are harmless, the conditions causing them deserve attention.

Why does my white dog have tear stains but my dark dog does not seem to?

In most cases, both dogs may have the same amount of porphyrin in their tears, but the staining is simply invisible on dark fur. Porphyrins produce a reddish-brown color that blends in with darker coat colors but stands out starkly against white or light-colored fur. That said, some breeds are genuinely more prone to excessive tearing due to their facial structure, so breed plays a role alongside coat color. If your dark-coated dog is producing excessive tears, check for dampness or matting around the eyes even if you do not see visible staining.

Will my puppy’s tear stains go away on their own?

If your puppy developed tear staining during the teething phase, which typically occurs between four and six months of age, the staining often reduces significantly or disappears entirely once the adult teeth are fully in, usually by around nine to twelve months of age. However, if your puppy belongs to a breed predisposed to tear staining due to facial structure, such as a Maltese or Shih Tzu, some degree of staining may persist throughout their life and require ongoing management with daily cleaning and preventive care.