📌 Key Points
- ✅ Tear stains are mostly related to tear gland secretion, blocked nasolacrimal ducts, or ingrown eyelashes.
- ✅ Clean with gauze, wiping from the inner corner outwards; never use cotton as it can scratch the cornea.
- ✅ If discharge turns yellow-green and eyelids become red and swollen, see a vet immediately and do not self-medicate.
- ✅ Use dry gauze daily to absorb excess tears and keep the fur around the eyes dry.
- ✅ Fur that has already oxidised can only be replaced by new growth; daily cleaning helps slow down new stains.
Have you noticed red-brown streaks gradually appearing under your dog's eyes, becoming more obvious over time? They are particularly noticeable on white-coated Poodles and Maltese. Many owners think it's just a matter of not cleaning properly, but tear stains can actually signal excessive tear gland secretion, ingrown eyelashes, or even diseases like canine distemper. Today, the PetChill editorial team will teach you how to correctly clean your dog's eyes and tackle troublesome tear stains.
Why do dogs get tear stains? Understanding the 4 main causes
Occasional tearing is normal for dogs, and a small amount of dried eye discharge at the corners is not a major concern. But if your dog tears frequently and the fur at the inner corners is constantly wet, watch out for these causes:
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Breed characteristics: Breeds with large eyes and high tear production, such as Pekingese, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu and Poodle, are naturally prone to tearing and need more frequent eye cleaning than other breeds.
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Ingrown eyelashes: Some breeds like the Shar-Pei have excessive skin folds on the head, which can cause eyelashes to turn inward and irritate the eyeball, leading to constant tearing.
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Blocked nasolacrimal ducts: Tears normally drain through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity. If blocked, tears overflow from the eyes and, over time, oxidise into red-brown tear stains.
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Disease warning: When a dog has an infectious disease such as canine distemper, especially with eye problems, the eyelids may become red and swollen, and a large amount of mucus or even purulent discharge may accumulate at the corners. Do not handle this yourself; see a vet immediately.
The correct 4-step eye cleaning method
Both the books The Complete Guide to Raising a Dog for the First Time and Practical Dog Care Manual describe a standard eye cleaning procedure. The materials are simple: gauze, eye wash (or saline solution), 2% boric acid solution, and vet-prescribed eye drops.
Step 1: Gently hold the eye open. Use your thumb and index finger to gently open your dog's eye, moving slowly. You can do this when your dog is relaxed or asleep.
Step 2: Wipe with damp gauze from the inside out. Moisten the gauze with eye wash and gently wipe from the inner corner outwards. Note: do not rub back and forth on the eye! Use a new cotton ball once it is dirty, until the area is clean.
Step 3: Remove excess discharge. If there is a lot of discharge at the corner, wash it away with 2% boric acid solution (or cool boiled water). Be careful when rinsing; if it drips onto the fur, it may leave stains and affect appearance.
Step 4: Apply eye drops for protection. After cleaning, apply a few drops of vet-recommended eye drops or eye ointment to reduce mild inflammation. Never use human eye drops without veterinary advice.
3 common mistakes that make it worse
Mistake 1: Using cotton to clean. Never wipe the eye directly with cotton or cotton buds! Cotton easily sheds fibres that stick to the eyeball, causing great discomfort and even scratching the cornea. Gauze is the correct choice.
Mistake 2: Rubbing tear stains vigorously. Trying to quickly wipe away red-brown marks by rubbing hard will only irritate the skin around the eyes and worsen inflammation and secretion. Tear stains improve slowly with daily gentle wiping and keeping the area dry.
Mistake 3: Treating only the appearance without finding the cause. Persistent tearing in one eye, redness of the white of the eye, or yellow-green discharge may indicate eye disease or nasolacrimal duct problems. No amount of grooming can replace a vet check.
Daily prevention: keeping the area dry is key
For daily care, use dry gauze to absorb excess tears at the inner corners every day and keep the fur around the eyes dry. After meals, wipe away saliva and food residue around the eyes. For long-haired dogs, trim the hair around the eyes slightly to reduce tear adhesion. For drinking, consider using a hanging water bottle to avoid wetting the fur and worsening oxidation. If tear stains suddenly worsen, accompanied by red swollen eyelids or your dog constantly scratching its eyes, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
PetChill's Reminder
The secret to tackling tear stains is simple: use gauze instead of cotton, wipe from the inner corner outwards, and keep the area dry every day. If redness, swelling or purulent discharge appears around the eyes, see a vet before grooming. To learn more about dog care, visit PetChill HK to shop for professional eye care products and keep your furry friend's eyes bright and clear!