When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
You know those reddish-brown streaks under your dog’s eyes that won’t go away no matter how much you clean them? They’re not just dirt. Tear staining on dogs could be a warning sign.
From gunky tears to hidden health issues, here’s what those stains really mean and what you can do to fix them for good.
What Causes Dog Tear Stains?
Wondering, “Why does my dog have tear stains?” Many people assume tear stains come from too many tears, but that’s only part of the story.
According to experts at MedVet, the real culprit behind those rusty streaks is porphyrin, a natural molecule in your dog’s body. When these porphyrins are exposed to air, they oxidize… and boom: reddish stains appear, especially on light-colored fur.
So, those rusty streaks under your dog’s eyes aren’t just “dirt” or a grooming fail.
What’s In Dog Tear Stains?
Here’s the truth – those reddish streaks are not just dried tears.
Tear staining on dogs is caused by porphyrin, which is naturally found in your dog’s saliva, urine, and tears, is the culprit. Porphyrins are waste products produced when the body breaks down iron.
Add in constant moisture, skin folds, and maybe even a bit of bacteria, yeast, or dirt, and you’ve got the perfect storm for persistent tear stains.
While all dogs have porphyrin in their tears, some dogs have more than others. Porphyrin staining can be a normal cosmetic issue for many dogs rather than a health concern.
Signs Of Tear Stains
Tear stains aren’t always just red streaks, and they’re not always easy to see.
On light-colored dogs, they show up as rusty or reddish discoloration beneath the eyes. Tear stains are much easier to spot on light-colored dogs.
But if your pup has dark fur, the only sign might be constantly damp, matted hair below the eyes. Whatever color your dog’s fur is, here are the main symptoms of dog tear stains:
- Reddish stains on white or light fur
- Wet or gunky fur under the eyes
- Sticky discharge (but not always present)
Constant wetness creates the perfect conditions for yeast and bacteria to grow, leading to skin infections and discomfort for your dog.
If your dog’s stains are brown instead of red, they could have a yeast infection, which often can have a foul odor. If your dog’s tear stains are brown, you should see your veterinarian for treatment to clear up the potential infection.
Next up, I cover other times a vet visit is a must.
When Tear Staining On Dogs Means Something More
If your dog’s eyes are constantly watery, irritated, or producing thick discharge, it might point to an underlying health issue, such as:
- Glaucoma
- Conjunctivitis
- Eye problems
- Eye infections
- Ear infections
- Ingrown eyelashes
- Allergies
You should also be concerned if the stains suddenly appear out of nowhere, smell funky, or seem to spread. These signs could mean bacterial or yeast overgrowth, especially in breeds with facial folds.
📞 When To Call Your Vet
- Yellow or green goop in the eyes
- Brown stains rather than red
- Swelling, redness, or rubbing at the face
- Foul-smelling or rapidly spreading stains
- New or worsening stains in older dogs
Tear Stains vs. Saliva Stains: What’s The Difference?
Both are often reddish-brown because of porphyrins, natural compounds found in your dog’s tears and saliva. Although tear stains and saliva stains can look nearly identical, they often come from completely different causes.
Before you reach for the wipes, make sure you know which type of staining you’re actually dealing with.
| Tear Stains | Saliva Stains | |
|---|---|---|
| Where They Appear | Under the eyes | Around the mouth, on paws, chest, or front legs |
| Main Cause | Excess tearing + poor drainage of porphyrins | Constant licking or drooling — especially from allergies or dental issues |
| Typical Color | Reddish or rust-colored streaks | Reddish-brown patches or matting |
| Common Breeds | Brachycephalic breeds, long-haired breeds | Dogs with allergies, skin irritation, or oral discomfort |
| What It Might Signal | Eye irritation, blocked tear ducts, abnormal facial anatomy | Allergies, boredom, dental problems, or anxiety-related licking |
If the stains are under the eyes, it’s likely tearing. If they’re around the paws or mouth, saliva is the likely culprit. Fixing it means treating the root cause, not just wiping it away.
How Vets Diagnose The Root Cause
If tear stains keep coming back no matter what you try, it might be time to let the pros take a look.
Vets don’t just glance at the stains. They dig into what’s really causing the over-tearing. They’ll look at:
- Tear duct function – Is the eye draining properly, or is fluid building up?
- Eyelid anatomy – Shallow eye sockets or hairy eyelids can trap moisture
- Stain swab – To check for yeast, bacteria, or other irritants
- Allergy screening – Environmental or food-based allergens can trigger excess tearing
Vets don’t treat the stain; they treat the source. Once that’s under control, the stains usually clear up on their own.
How Normal Tear Drainage Works
To understand your dog’s eyes a little more, let’s explore how tear drainage works, which might help you understand why some breeds are more at risk.
Your dog’s eyes naturally produce tears to keep them moist and clean. But those tears are supposed to drain through small ducts in the inner corner of the eyes.
Here’s the basic flow:
- The lacrimal (tear) glands produce tears.
- They wash across the eye’s surface.
- They drain into the puncta, which are tiny holes near the inner corners of the eyes.
- From there, they travel through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity.
But when that system breaks down due to blockages, underdeveloped ducts, or simply overproduction, the tears overflow and soak into the fur instead, causing those familiar red-brown streaks.
Breeds Most Prone To Tear Stains
If it feels like your dog was born to have tear stains… you might be right.
Some breeds are just more prone to this than others, thanks to genetics, shallow eye sockets, and fluffy facial fur that traps moisture. The usual suspects? The cutest dogs with light fur, such as:
- Maltese – practically tear-stain mascots
- Shih Tzus – fluffy faces, wet eyes, constant cleanup
- Poodles & Doodles – tight curls trap moisture and darken stains
- Bichon Frise – light fur + watery eyes = streak city
- Bulldogs & Pekingese – facial folds make drainage tricky
- Cocker Spaniels – known for chronic eye issues
Some dog owners describe their pups as having “permanent eyeliner… applied by a toddler.” I feel you.
Why Some Dogs Stain More
Some dogs are just born leaky. It’s not their fault. It’s in their DNA.
Certain breeds have eye structures that make tear stains almost inevitable. Think oversized tear glands, tiny tear ducts, or ducts that are blocked from birth.
There is also a congenital condition called imperforate punctum that results in underdeveloped tear ducts in some breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors.
And if your pup has a flat face? Game over. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus have shallow eye sockets that don’t drain tears properly. So the moisture just spills down their cheeks.
Long facial fur can poke into the eyes and cause constant irritation. That triggers excess tearing, which leads to staining.
Most prone are Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Pekingese, Poodles, Cairn Terriers, and West Highland Terriers. Keep the hair around the eyes neatly trimmed. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce tear stains, especially in long-haired breeds.
How To Get Rid Of Tear Staining On Dogs
Wiping away the stains is just the start, but keeping them gone takes some daily effort. From wipes to washes to food tweaks, there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. Some dogs respond quickly to gentle cleaning, while others need a full-on routine (plus a little trial and error).
The good news? There are effective options. The key is finding what works for your dog and avoiding anything harsh or gimmicky.
I’m about to cover what works, what’s worth skipping, and the best tear stain fixes out there, both store-bought and DIY. So, stick around…
Best Dog Tear Stain Removers
Let’s start with some of the best products out there for tackling tear stains. Just a heads-up – if your dog has heavy staining, it might take a little time (and consistency) to see real results.
TropiClean SPA Tear Stain Remover For Pets Review
SPA Tear Stain Remover gets excellent reviews from pet parents and groomers. This USA-made solution contains coconut cleanser, vitamin E, oatmeal, white tea, and other all-natural ingredients.
Simply put a few drops on your finger or a cotton ball, gently scrub it onto your dog’s stains, leave it on for about three minutes, and rinse. It also has a pleasant vanilla and blueberry scent.
Price
- Starts from $12.99
Angel’s Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes Review
Angel’s Eyes wipes are a popular choice for many owners because they’re so easy to use. The wipes are pre-soaked and textured and require no rinsing after you use them.
They’re also helpful in removing dried mucus and secretions. This solution is gentle on the fur and skin and contains no bleach, antibiotics, or harsh chemicals. They’re also made in the USA.
Price
Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Powder Review
Many pet parents swear by this product. It’s an all-natural powder that you can apply to your dog’s tear stains after cleaning them (many say using a toothbrush to apply the powder works best).
Although the powder is part of Eye Envy’s three-step tear stain removal kit, many people choose to only use the powder. It contains herbs such as goldenseal, echinacea, and eyebright and boric crystals to cleanse and keep hair dry.
Also made in the USA, it’s cruelty-free and contains no parabens, peroxide, bleach, steroids, antibiotics, or other harmful agents.
Price
- Starts from
Home Remedies To Clean Tear Stains
Wondering, “How to remove tear stains naturally?” The internet is packed with tear-stain “tricks.” But some are questionable, and a few are downright risky.
Here’s what actually helps at home and what you should skip unless your vet says otherwise. You can use these to clean tear stains every day, but make sure you avoid getting them in your dog’s eyes.
- Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts water.
- Boil one tablespoon of boric acid powder in one cup of distilled water (keep refrigerated).
- Contact lens solution includes boric acid that oxidizes the iron in porphyrins and could help to lighten stains (but DO NOT use in the eyes).
- Dab cornstarch over the stains to help absorb moisture.
More Tips To Help Reduce Or Prevent Tear Stains
Other things you can do at home to help minimize tear staining include:
- Keep the hair around your dog’s eyes and nose trimmed short.
- Use stainless steel bowls instead of plastic, which can help reduce bacteria and yeast growth that can worsen staining.
- Clean your pup’s face every day (baby shampoo and a warm washcloth work well) and dry with a towel.
- Clean tear stains daily using one of the products or home remedies above and dry the fur.
- Flush out your dog’s eyes with a dog-friendly saline eye wash, like Burt’s Bees Eye Wash.
5 Tear Stain Myths
Tear stains bring out a lot of strong opinions online and, unfortunately, a lot of bad advice. Let’s set the record straight on a few “remedies” that sound convincing but can do more harm than good.
❌ 1. Tear stains mean your dog is unhealthy.
Not always. Many dogs get tear stains from eye shape, fur type, or mild sensitivities, not illness. But remember, if stains change color or come with swelling or smell, it’s worth a vet visit.
❌ 2. Plastic bowls are fine – it’s all about genetics.
Nope. Bacteria love plastic. Switching to stainless steel or ceramic bowls is a legitimate way to help reduce tear stains.
❌ 3. It’s normal for some dogs to have dark tear stains all the time.
Chronic staining can be a sign of a bigger issue, including allergies, infections, or blocked tear ducts. “Normal” doesn’t always mean harmless.
❌ 4. Only white dogs get tear stains.
False. They’re just more visible on white or light-colored fur. Dark-coated dogs can still have staining, dampness, and yeast buildup, even if it’s harder to spot.
❌ 5. If the stains aren’t bothering my dog, I can ignore them.
Not so fast. Chronic wet fur can cause yeast infections or skin irritation. Even if your pup seems fine, unattended stains can lead to discomfort later.
If you’re ever unsure, skip the forums and ask your vet. Tear stains are manageable, but only with the correct info.
5 Daily Habits To Prevent Tear Staining On Dogs
Once you’ve cleaned up the stains, the next step is keeping them from returning. Good news: a few small changes to your dog’s routine can make a big difference in tear stain prevention, and most take just a minute or two a day.
- Wipe your dog’s eyes daily. Use a damp cloth, saline pad, or tear stain wipe to remove buildup before it sticks.
- Keep eye hair trimmed. Stray hairs can poke the eye and trigger excess tearing. Ask your groomer to keep that zone extra clean.
- Clean food and water bowls daily. Wash stainless steel or ceramic bowls every day to prevent bacteria growth.
- Switch to filtered or bottled water. Some dogs are sensitive to minerals in tap water, which can worsen staining.
- Add a quick eye check to your daily routine. It’s the fastest way to catch problems before they become full-blown stains again.
A Healthier Diet Can Make A Big Difference
You can scrub and wipe all day, but if your dog’s diet is part of the problem, the stains will just keep coming back.
Some dogs develop tear stains because their food causes low-grade inflammation or allergic reactions, which can trigger constant eye-watering.
How Diet May Affect Tear Stains
- Low-quality ingredients → Can lead to inflammation and excess tearing
- Food sensitivities → Trigger watery eyes and skin irritation
- Artificial additives → Some preservatives and dyes may worsen symptoms in sensitive dogs
- Too much sugar or yeast → Can feed the bacteria and yeast that make tear stains darker and smellier
- High-iron proteins like beef → May increase porphyrin production, which causes reddish stains
What To Try Instead
In addition to removing red meat from your dog’s diet, switching to high-quality dog food that’s low in carbohydrate fillers has been shown to help with tear staining. Such ingredients as wheat, corn, meals, by-products, and artificial preservatives can cause inflammation in the eyes, particularly if your pup has allergies.
- Limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diets – Fewer triggers, cleaner response
- Grain-free diet (if recommended by your vet) – Sometimes helps, but not a magic fix
- All-natural dog food – The fewer fillers, the better
- Introduce gradually – Always ease your dog into a new food over 7–10 days
While food won’t solve every case, switching diets made a visible difference for some dogs within weeks.
Dietary Supplements May Help
Some pet parents find that adding a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water or food every day can help minimize tear stains.
Others have found success with the use of daily supplements formulated to help with tear staining. I recommend all-natural USA-made products, such as NaturVet Tear Stain Supplement.
Just keep in mind that it can take up to two months of daily use to see results with most dog tear stain products.
Antibiotics & Vet-Only Fixes
Have you tried everything, but those stains still won’t budge? It might be time to explore some next-level options but proceed with caution. Not every fix is meant for long-term use.
Are Antibiotics Effective?
Antibiotics such as tylosin or tetracycline can be effective in reducing tear staining in some dogs, but there’s controversy about their use for purely cosmetic reasons.
Why? As with humans, there’s concern about dogs building up a resistance to antibiotics, according to Innovative Veterinary Journal and other experts. And long-term antibiotic use isn’t recommended by veterinarians.
Vet Procedures
If your dog has blocked tear ducts, inward-growing lashes, or chronic eye infections, your vet may recommend minor procedures to correct the issue. These are often low-risk and can dramatically reduce or eliminate tearing altogether.
If nothing else is working, talk to your vet. They’ll help rule out underlying problems and may have access to solutions you can’t find over the counter.
Other Eye Problems In Dogs
If you’re concerned that your pup has an eye condition that could be contributing to their tear stains, be sure to check out our article on eye conditions that cause red eyes in dogs. You may also want to see if your dog has allergies that could be exacerbating tear stains. And always consult your vet about any health concerns you have with your pup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tear Staining On Dogs
Do you still have questions about your pup’s tear stains? I’ve answered the most common ones below, but if I’ve missed yours, drop it in the comments! We’d love to help.
Why Do Dogs Get Tear Stains?
Dogs get tear stains when tear moisture reacts with compounds in the tears, especially porphyrins, iron-rich molecules that cause red or brown discoloration. Tear stains are more common in breeds with flat faces, shallow eye sockets, or long facial hair.
Tear staining in dogs can be made worse by allergies, eye irritation, blocked tear ducts, or even diet. While they’re often harmless, chronic staining can sometimes point to an underlying health issue.
How Do I Know If My Dog’s Tear Stains Are A Problem?
If the stains are brown (not red), smell bad, or come with swelling, gooey discharge, or changes in behavior, it could mean a yeast infection or eye issue. In those cases, it’s best to see your vet.
Can Tear Stains Go Away On Their Own?
Not usually. Unless you address the root cause, like eye irritation, diet, or anatomy, the stains will stick around. Cleaning helps, but prevention is key.
Do Tear Stain Wipes Really Work?
Yes, but only if used consistently and paired with daily care like eye wiping, clean bowls, and possibly diet changes. Look for fragrance-free, pet-safe options approved for use around the eyes.
Can Food Really Affect Tear Stains?
For some dogs, absolutely. Foods with beef, fillers, dyes, or poor-quality ingredients can worsen inflammation and porphyrin buildup. Many owners see improvement after switching to a cleaner, limited-ingredient diet or a higher-quality option.
How Can I Reduce Porphyrin In My Dog?
Try giving distilled or filtered water instead of tap water, which may contain iron and other minerals. Avoid red meat-based diets like beef, which are higher in iron and can increase porphyrin production.
Are Tear Stains Harmful To My Dog?
The stains themselves aren’t dangerous, but the moisture they create can lead to skin irritation, yeast infections, or discomfort, especially in dogs with facial folds or long hair around the eyes.
Next Steps For A Healthier, Happier Dog
Keeping tear staining on dogs under control is just one part of keeping your dog healthy and happy. There’s always more to learn, from choosing the right food to building a better grooming routine.
And don’t forget the importance of annual wellness checkups, too. Your vet can catch minor problems before they become big ones.
Ready to dive deeper? Decode what your dog’s poop color might be telling you because, like the color of tear stains, your dog’s poop might be trying to tell you something’s up.
We’re here to help you raise a healthier, cleaner, and totally adorable pup.
Has your household experienced tear staining on dogs? Perhaps you’ve found something that worked for your dog’s tear stains? Share your story in the comments – other pet parents are reading!
