Eye Care & Tear Stains · 2026-10-03
Tear stains are the reddish-brown marks under a dog's eyes, caused when tears spill onto the fur and the pigments in those tears oxidize in sunlight. They're usually cosmetic — but the moisture underneath is worth managing, and some staining actually points to a real eye problem.
Tears are meant to drain through small ducts into the nose. When they overflow (epiphora), they run down the face instead. Light-colored breeds show the staining worst because the pigments, called porphyrins, turn rusty as they oxidize. Contributing factors include flat-faced anatomy, shallow ducts, allergies, dust, and even the type of water bowl.
A light, consistent touch does more than aggressive scrubbing, which only irritates skin and can worsen tearing. Four steps:
1. Flush — a sterile-style pet eye wash clears dust and loose discharge without touching the eye. Use a soft cloth or cotton pad, never a pointed swab near the eyeball.
2. Dissolve — a stain-removing liquid applied to the fur (never in the eye) loosens built-up pigment. Let it sit per the product directions.
3. Wipe — hypoallergenic wipes dry the area. Moisture is what lets yeast and bacteria grow, so keeping it dry is the real secret.
4. Maintain — once stains fade, a 2–3× weekly wipe-down holds the line.
For the full product approach, see our eye care guide, or browse cleansers in the shop.
Curious about the underlying causes? Our piece on why dogs get tear stains breaks down the triggers.
Rubbing hard, using human makeup remover, or putting any product in the eye itself can inflame the skin and increase tearing. Treat the zone gently and keep it dry — that combination outperforms any stronger product.
A quick vet evaluation rules out the medical causes and tells you whether you're dealing with cosmetics or a condition that needs treatment.
Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals — Tear Stains and Eye Discharge in Dogs; Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Ophthalmology.
This article is educational and not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your pet shows pain, sudden behavior change, or emergency signs, contact a licensed veterinarian.
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Open TikTok ShopExplore Eye Care & Tear Stains guides →No. Human products aren't formulated for the thin skin around a dog's eyes and can sting or inflame it, which increases tearing. Use only pet-specific eye wipes and rinses.
Because stained fur has to grow out, expect 3–8 weeks of consistent daily care. Keeping the area dry speeds it up far more than scrubbing harder.
Yes. Maltese, Shih Tzus, Poodles, Bichons, and Persians stain more due to facial anatomy and shallow tear drainage, so maintenance is usually lifelong.
Lightly trimming the hair under the eyes reduces the surface that stays damp and catches pigment, but use round-tip scissors and go slowly — or let a groomer do it to avoid accidents near the eye.
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