👁️ Tear Stains & Eye Care for Dogs and Cats

Tear staining — the rust-colored marks under the eyes — is one of the most searched pet grooming problems, especially for light-coated breeds like Maltese, Shih Tzus and Persians. It's usually cosmetic, but the moisture involved deserves consistent care.

What causes tear staining?

Stains form when tears overflow onto the fur (epiphora) and pigments called porphyrins in the tears oxidize in sunlight, turning reddish-brown. Contributing factors include shallow tear ducts, eyelash issues, flat-faced anatomy, allergies, and irritation from dust or dander.

Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals — tear duct and eye disorders; Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The 4-step daily routine

1. Flush — an eye wash (sterile-style rinse) clears dust and discharge without touching the eye directly.
2. Dissolve — a stain-remover liquid applied to the fur (never in the eye) lifts existing buildup.
3. Wipe — hypoallergenic wipes dry the area; moisture is what breeds yeast and deepens staining.
4. Maintain — keep the zone dry with grooming wipes 2–3×/week once stains fade.

When staining means 'call the vet'

See a veterinarian if you notice squinting, redness of the eye itself, pawing at the face, sudden heavy discharge, or one-eye-only tearing — those point to medical causes (blocked ducts, ingrown lashes, ulcers) that no cosmetic product should mask.