Is Tear staining a problem for your pet?
Runny eyes in our dogs and cats is surprisingly common – My dog Tula and my last cat Murray both had this problem.
Most often it’s associated with partially blocked tear ducts, and one of the keys is to decrease duct inflammation.
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Tear Staining in Dogs and Cats: What You Need to Know
Tear staining, the reddish-brown discoloration beneath your pet’s eyes, is a common concern, especially for small breed dogs and white-furred animals. While it can also affect cats, it’s most noticeable in dogs with light-colored coats. Tear staining occurs due to excessive tear production (known as epiphora), which keeps the hair under the eyes consistently wet, leading to discoloration.
What Causes Tear Staining?
The root of tear staining is excess tearing. Interestingly, if your pet doesn’t have excessive tearing, they won’t have tear staining. Even within the same litter, one pet might have staining while the other doesn’t. Genetics certainly play a role in this.
It’s crucial to consult your veterinarian or an ophthalmologist first to rule out any underlying medical causes for the excessive tearing. Some of these causes may include:
- Ingrown eyelashes
- Eye infections
- Abnormal tear glands or ducts
- Glaucoma
- Entropion (inverted eyelid)
- Ear infections
- Dental issues
- Certain medications
Additionally, factors such as stress, hormonal changes, allergies, smog, high winds, or even the type of food and water your pet consumes can contribute to tear staining. Things like plastic food bowls or high mineral content in water can also play a part.
The Role of Porphyrins and Yeast
Tear stains are often the result of porphyrins—iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. Some of these porphyrins are excreted through tears, saliva, and even through the pads of your pet’s feet. When porphyrins sit on the fur for a period of time, they can cause staining, which worsens when exposed to sunlight.
In addition to porphyrins, red yeast (Pityrosporum) may also contribute to tear staining. Yeast thrives in moist environments, so the constantly damp fur under your pet’s eyes can encourage yeast growth. This often results in a noticeable odor.
It’s also worth noting that both porphyrins and yeast can be present simultaneously, further complicating the situation. On top of this, bacteria may play a role, although the exact mechanism is not entirely understood. Some pets experience a reduction in tear staining when given certain antibiotics, indicating a bacterial component.
What Can You Do?
Once your vet has ruled out any medical causes, there are several steps you can take to reduce tear staining:
1. Keep the Facial Hair Clean and Dry
Tending to the wet areas under the eyes two to three times a day is key. Avoid commercial liquid products as they may keep the area wet. Instead, use a tissue to blot the area and a flea comb to remove any eye debris.
2. Tear Staining Recipe
One popular remedy involves using a mixture of half cornstarch and half boric acid powder. Work the mixture into the damp fur with your fingers and leave it in place. The cornstarch helps dry the area, while the boric acid gradually lightens the staining. With consistent daily use, you may see noticeable results within a month.
3. Consider a Diet Change
If your pet has an underlying food allergy, it could be contributing to the tear staining. A six-week hypoallergenic food trial might help to determine if diet is the culprit.
4. Add Probiotics
Many pet owners have found that adding probiotics to their pet’s diet can help reduce tear staining. Probiotics like Ultimate Canine and Ultimate Feline appear to combat inflammation, excessive tear production, and bacterial or yeast growth.
5. Switch to Glass or Stainless Steel Bowls
Plastic bowls can harbor bacteria, which may exacerbate tear staining. Switching to glass or stainless steel dishes can help.
6. Trim the Hair Around the Eyes
For pets, trimming the hair at the corners of the eyes can prevent tears from wicking down into the fur and causing staining.
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7. Eye Flushing
For some pets, flushing the eyes daily with an eyewash containing boric acid, such as Collyrium, can be beneficial in reducing tear staining.
8. Reduce Airborne Allergens
Consider using an air purifier to reduce allergens in your home. This has been known to help pets prone to tear staining.
9. Flush the Tear Ducts
If your pet’s tear ducts are blocked, your veterinarian may be able to flush them out. However, this is often a temporary fix, as the ducts may become blocked again over time.
Antibiotic Treatment for Tear Staining
In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to control tear staining. This route should be taken only after all other methods have been explored and ruled out. Tylan (tylosin) is a commonly used antibiotic, though it doesn’t work for all pets. If your pet’s tear staining doesn’t improve after a reasonable length of time, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian for further options.
Tear staining can be frustrating to deal with, but with diligence and proper care, most cases can be managed effectively without resorting to antibiotics. Remember, it’s essential to address the underlying causes of the excessive tearing before focusing on the stains themselves.
A Simple Way to Reduce Inflammation
An easy method to decrease inflammation—which can help with tear staining, as well as allergies and arthritis—is by incorporating Omega 3 supplements into your pet’s diet. My naturally preserved and toxin-free Omega 3 supplement is a great option for this.
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P.S. If you’re consistent with these steps, you’ll likely see an improvement in your pet’s tear staining within a few weeks.
P.P.S. Omega 3 supplements can offer additional support to reduce inflammation and improve overall pet health.
OUr mini schnauzer had 0% tear production and had to have surgery to move his salivary glands to produce tears to keep from having corneal abrasions. His fake tears run if he smells food so he has wet fur around his face all the time, How can we keep that clean?