How to manage tear stains in dogs

Tear stains, those reddish-brown stains that form beneath a dog’s eyes, can be quite a nuisance to pet parents, especially to owners of small white colored dogs or of certain breeds that are predisposed to this issue.

Make no mistake though, these stains can go beyond aesthetics and may be related to health issues such as ear infections, food allergies or even blocked tear-ducts. 

In some breeds, such as (but not limited to) Yorkies, Pugs, Shih Tzus and American Staffordshire, this may be caused by a condition called entropion, in which the eyelids fold inward, causing the lashes to rub against the eyeballs. 

If your pet is experiencing epiphora, scientific definition for having excessive tears or watery eyes,  it is best to contact you veterinarian to rule out any health-related problems.

Understanding Tear Stains
The tear stain marks that form under your pet’s eyes can be triggered by different factors such as genetics, allergies or even the shape of its eyes.

Even though this issue  can occur in dark colored pets, this is more visible in white-colored ones and in certain breeds that are more likely to develop them such as Maltese, Shih Tzu, Poodles and Bichon Frise. This is mostly attributed to their facial hair and to the anatomy of their tear duct.

Managing and cleaning tear stains
Once you have consulted your veterinarian and are sure that there are no health issues causing the stains, it’s time to establish a daily cleaning routine, by following these tips:

• Gentle wiping: Use a soft cloth or pet designated wipe to clean tear stains.
• Try specialized tear stain removers. Make sure to use only dog specific products and designed for this purpose.
• Practice good eye hygiene and proper grooming around the interested area.
• Consistency is the key to help manage and prevent the formation of stains. So be sure to stick to your routine. 

A little help from N&D White
If you are a pet parent of a small white breed dog such as West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, Pomeranian, or Poodle, then Farmina’s N&D White can help in reducing the formation of brown tear stains, thanks to the innovative Color Protection Formula.

The choice of a fish mono protein recipe, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, allows to reduce the risk of adverse food reactions, and so of inflammation which is at the root of excessive lacrimation or skin rashes, thus keeping your pet’s coat soft and shiny

Find out more about N&D White by visiting the dedicated page or contact a Farmina Genius Consultant for further nutritional advice.

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