Tear staining is a common problem in Maltese. It causes a bigger buildup of pressure behind the eye and can not only damage the optic nerve itself but can also plug up tear ducts and cause tear staining as highlighted earlier. Any dog can get tear stains, but they show up most on white or cream colour dogs. In some cases, crusty stains can cause eye irritation for dogs and cats. However, in dogs and cats, porphyrin can also be excreted through tears, saliva, and, urine. They can also be allergic to dust or household cleaners. What Causes Watery Eyes & Stains? In order to prevent tear stains you may need to implement a change in diet, use filtered water and create a daily face cleansing routine for your Maltese dog. Check the tear stain remover’s instructions so you don’t use it too often. Plus, there are other, similar home remedies that call for ingredients that can cause pain, burning, and possible damage to the eye if they get too close. Because all dogs are different, causes vary from one dog to another. Since I started home-grooming a little more than one year ago, I’ve made it my mission to always keep her face stain-free and clean. Dog tear stains may be caused by a blocked tear duct, epiphora, or other health issues. Also, dogs with light-colored fur will … Causes of Dog Tear Stains. In order for the eyes to stay healthy, lubricated, and protected, the body naturally produces a thin film of tears. Most dogs with tear staining have normal tear production and do not have an underlying ocular problem. It is normal for a dog’s eyes to water a bit, like our own. In that case, switching to a food such as Leader Sensitive or Go Native can solve the problem. It’s best to start slowly. If your dogs has short, sleek hair and is mostly inside the house, a quick weekly brush is enough. “There is a genetic basis for dogs that get tear stains and we do see it in certain types of dogs more than others,” says Klein. Tear staining is caused by excessive tear … Your vet will ensure your pup isn’t suffering from any underlying medical conditions. It's the most common cause of tear stains in dogs. There is no simple answer to these questions. Red yeast, which produces a reddish brown discoloration of the face, is a common cause of tear stain problems. Whether your dog’s tear stains appear slowly and gradually or out of the blue, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your vet. In fact though, tear stains have many different causes, and figuring out the root of the problem could end up saving you some work and also improve your dog’s life. Some breeds are particularly prone to runny eyes and tear stains because of the structure of their anatomy. They can also be allergic to dust or household cleaners. What Causes Tear Staining in Dogs? Tearing can be from many causes and you will need to work with your veterinarian to find the reason for the excess tearing. This has worked wonders for me. One of the most frequent questions about Bichons is how to deal with excess tearing and tear stains on the face. Feed your pooch a fresh food diet – one that isn’t loaded with common allergens and cheap fillers that can make the tear situation worse. It occurs in other breeds as well, but with the white face, does make it show up more in the Maltese. Always follow the instructions carefully and avoid getting the product in your dog’s eyes. Irritant exposure- Secondhand smoke, dust, and allergens can … Use stainless steel, glass, or porcelain bowls for feeding. Ear Infections . Tear stains in dogs are caused by an overflow of tears that accumulate below the dog’s eye. Some dogs react to plastic food and water bowls and need stainless steel or ceramic dishes. Both eye infections and dry eye are easily treated, and your vet’s prompt attention can solve the problem. 1. There can be many reasons for this increased production of tears, ranging from eye infections over allergies to blocked tear ducts or ear infections. It’s simply more obvious on white coats. https://www.dogsfortheearth.com/blogs/blog/what-causes-a-dogs-tear-stains are prone to tear stains. The most common cause of tear stains in dogs is excess tearing or epiphora, which makes the hair and skin around the eyes damp. Myths include avoiding beet pulp or switching to a raw diet. The water helps dilute any tears. Your vet will ensure your pup isn’t suffering from any underlying medical conditions. Some dogs produce excessive tears – primarily because when humans turned wolves into today's best friend selective breeding created short noses and protruding eyes that contribute to abnormally narrow and often crooked tear ducts. These ducts drain tears into the back of the nose and throat. People always ask me how I keep my toy Poodle’s eyes and face so clean. Allergies, infections and other issues can cause your dog’s eyes to water, but regardless of the reason, it can cause tear stains. Excessive tearing can occur as a result of irritation to your dog’s eyes or because your dog’s tears are not draining properly. Moreover, it is essential to know that the condition can be either acute or chronic. Tropical Treasures: Gluten-Free Dog Treats Recipe, 12 Adorable Dog Accessories For Holiday Photos, Review: Personalized Collars by Styleash Shop, Review: PACK&DEN Luxury Dog Beds & Throws. In that case, pinpointing what is triggering your dog’s allergic reaction is key. that cause the over-stimulation of excessive tear production, or also known as Epiphora. When everything is functioning normally, any excess fluid drains into the tear ducts, which are located in the corner of your dog’s eye (next to the snout). Most of the time, tear stains appear gradually. The actual cause of stains is the porphyrin in the tears and saliva. Red yeast, which produces a reddish brown discoloration of the face, is a common cause of tear stain problems. They have sensitive skin and coat and are prone to food allergies which can cause paw-licking, tear stains and other skin issues. If your pooch is experiencing excessive tearing, the first step is to schedule a vet visit. Tear stain removers can be used to address set-in tear stains. Many dogs have reddish-brown tear stains under their eyes and on their muzzles. Tear staining can be linked back to ear infections, so it’s important to keep your dog’s ears as clean and dry as possible. But sometimes a dog will develop a problem suddenly with excessive tearing or discharge. The main cause of this problem is an excessive production of tears, a condition known as epiphora. While you work with your vet to determine the underlying cause, here are some tips to help prevent rust stains from forming: People always ask me how I keep my toy Poodle’s eyes and face so clean. They can also be easily prevented once they have been removed. Since my Gigi’s fur is white as snow, trust me when I say: It’s a lot of work. But, sometimes there’s an overproduction of tears, the natural drainage pathway becomes blocked/obstructed, or a combination of both. Before using the tear stain cleaning product, get your dog used to you cleaning around their eyes. Your dog is stinkin’ cute. Dogs do suffer from seasonal allergies, so if tear stains appear in the spring, that’s a likely cause. Some dogs are more prone to drainage problems and, if you have a white or a light-colored dog, staining will be much more visible. All dogs need regular grooming, but their grooming schedule depends on many factors. It's important for pet parents to understand the differences between innocuous stains and warning signs. Then, I take a plain cotton ball and wipe the area dry. Tear stains are dark or reddish brown stains under a dog's eyes. 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