Tear Stains on Dogs: Health Warning or Just Cosmetic?

What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs?

Tear stains are often caused by bacteria thriving in moist areas around a dog’s eyes, especially in breeds with wrinkled faces (like pugs or bulldogs) or short muzzles (like shih tzus or Maltese). Constant moisture from tears, saliva, or water from a bowl can create a breeding ground for bacteria. In some toy breeds—such as Toy Poodles, Lhasa Apsos, and Pomeranians—tears may pool too much due to a small tear lake, leading to reddish-brown stains when the tear chemicals react with light.

Dogs with flat faces are especially prone because moisture collects in facial folds. Dirt, sand, or debris can also clog tear ducts, causing discomfort and more tearing. If the tear ducts are misaligned—sometimes due to skull changes during teething in small dogs—excess tears may not drain properly, worsening stains.

When Tear Stains Signal a Medical Issue

While many stains are cosmetic, they can also point to underlying health problems. One-sided tearing may indicate a blocked tear duct, caused by entropion (inward-turning eyelid), scarring from past infection, or a foreign body like a grass seed. Infections in the duct can also lead to blockages and require antibiotics.

Signs that a vet visit is needed include redness, cloudiness, excessive discharge, crusting, squinting, or a visible third eyelid. If your dog is scratching its face or rubbing it on the ground, it may be trying to relieve irritation from clogged ducts or debris. A vet can test the drainage system using fluorescein dye—if the dye doesn’t appear at the nostril, the duct is blocked.

Safe and Effective Cleaning Practices

Daily cleaning around the eyes helps prevent stains and bacterial growth. Use a clean, damp washcloth or lint-free cotton pad to gently wipe the area. Avoid dry brushing, which can irritate the skin. For dusty or sandy environments, flush the eyes with a vet-approved eyewash before wiping.

Never use chlorine bleach or strong chemicals near the eyes—fumes can cause chemical conjunctivitis. A diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (1:10) may help remove stains, but keep it away from the eye. Avoid powders or chalk near the face, as they can irritate the eyes and trigger more tearing.

Treatment Options: From Diet to Surgery

If stains persist, your vet may recommend internal or external treatments. Some owners use alkaline supplements like apple cider vinegar or calcium to change the pH of tears and reduce bacteria. However, always consult your vet before adding anything to your dog’s food.

For persistent staining, a vet may prescribe oral tetracycline for three weeks. This binds the chemicals in tears that cause staining and can reduce discoloration. Long-term low-dose tetracycline may be used if stains return.

In severe cases, surgery may be considered—such as removing part of the tear gland of the third eyelid. This reduces tear volume but carries a risk of dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), so it’s only done if tear production is already high (over 15mm per minute on a Schirmer test).

When to See a Vet

If you notice any of the following, contact your vet: - One-sided tearing or discharge - Redness, swelling, or cloudiness in the eye - Squinting or sensitivity to light - Excessive rubbing or scratching of the face - New or worsening stains after grooming or diet changes

A vet can determine whether the issue is cosmetic or medical—and recommend safe, effective treatment.