Tear stains on dogs: causes & how to remove

Here’s everything you need to know about tear staining in dogs, from common causes to safe removal and prevention, as well as advice for when to see your vet.

In this article: 

1. What is tear staining?
2. What causes tear stains in dogs?
3. Which dog breeds are prone to tear stains?
4. Do tear stains go away on their own?
5. How to get rid of dogs’ tear stains: removal and prevention tips
6. Conclusion

What is tear staining?

Tear stains are the reddish-brown or rusty marks that appear under a dog’s eyes or across their muzzle. They’re caused by tears spilling onto the fur rather than draining properly through the tear ducts.

The staining is usually linked to porphyrins – naturally occurring molecules that contain iron. When porphyrins in tears sit on your dog’s fur, they leave behind that familiar rusty colour (particularly visible on light coats).

Tear stains are most visible in dogs with an excess amount of hair around the eyes and nose. They’re also more likely to impact dogs with short noses due to their eyes being more exposed.

What causes tear stains in dogs?

There are a whole host of reasons why your pet pooch may have tear stains. Though dog tear stains are a widespread commonality in dogs and are usually nothing to worry about, there are some instances where dog tear stains are related to your furry friend's health.

Common causes can include:

Allergies

If your dog is allergic to something, like pollen, dust, or certain foods, it can cause extreme tear production. Pollen allergies are often heightened during a change in season, so it’s good to be aware of this.

Blocked puncta (tear drainage holes)

Whether down to scar tissue or a pre-existing infection, these holes can get blocked up and prevent tears from draining properly.

Ingrown hairs

Hair surrounding the eyes, as well as eyelashes, can become ingrown and, as a result, cause your dog’s eyes to tear up more aggressively.

Shallow eye sockets

Dogs with flatter faces, shorter noses, and less pronounced or sunken eye sockets tend to tear up more frequently.

Stress

Just like humans, dogs can show physical signs of stress or anxiety - one of them being watery eyes.

Ear or eye infection

Both eye and ear infections can trigger excessive tearing, leading to noticeable stains around your dog’s eyes. Red, swollen, or irritated eyes, along with head shaking or scratching at the ears, are warning signs that it’s time to see your vet.

Teething

Puppy tear stains can sometimes be caused by teething. Luckily, these stains often improve as your puppy’s teeth grow in and their tear ducts develop.

Which dog breeds are prone to tear stains?

While tear stains on dogs can affect any breed, they’re most visible on light-coated breeds and those with flat faces, shallow eye sockets, large eyes, or congenital tear duct issues. These physical traits make it harder for tears to drain properly, leading to noticeable staining.

Research from 2023 shows that small, white-coated breeds are the most severely affected. For example, Maltese, Toy Poodles, and Bichon Frises almost always show some level of tear staining, with many cases rated moderate to severe.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers are also prone, often due to their eye shape and facial structure.

Although larger dog breeds have thicker eye discharge, the research shows that breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Great Danes are much less likely to suffer from tear staining, and when it does appear, it’s usually mild.

Breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers fall somewhere in between, with staining present but generally less severe than in smaller 

Do tear stains go away on their own?

The short answer is yes, sometimes they can. Puppy tear stains are never usually permanent and almost always go away as your dog continues to grow and develop. Healthy adult dogs also tear up every now and then, and it’s usually a sign that their eyes are flushing out unwanted bacteria.

Sometimes, dog tear stains can stick around a little longer in certain breeds, but can be often maintained with regular care and cleaning. However, if you notice that tear staining is persistent, gets worse, or is accompanied by yellow/green discharge, redness, or swelling, you should seek veterinary advice to rule out infection.

How to get rid of dogs’ tear stains: removal and prevention tips

Many owners want to know how to remove their dog’s tear stains easily at home. Here are some methods for keeping your dog’s eyes clean and preventing pesky tear stains from forming:

Daily cleaning

Gentle cleaning on a regular basis can help you to keep on top of visible staining, and it’s also one of the best ways to stop dog tear stains from forming.
Use cotton wool and warm water, or a dog-safe eye wipe, to gently clean around your dog’s eyes. Always wipe away from the eye to avoid irritation, and dry the area afterwards to reduce the risk of yeast or bacteria build-up. A small dab of Vaseline under the eye may help stop tears from sitting on the fur.

Grooming

Excess hair around the eyes can trap moisture, which can make tear staining in dogs worse. Ask your vet or groomer to carefully trim the fur in this area if needed.

Dietary changes

Your dog’s diet can play a big role in managing tear staining. Simple changes like switching to a higher-quality dog food can sometimes help reduce the problem. If you’re concerned that food allergies may be behind your dog’s tear stains, speak to your vet about running allergy checks or trying an elimination diet.

Water caution

If your dog drinks water from a plastic bowl, try switching to a stainless steel, glass, or ceramic bowl instead, which are less likely to harbour bacteria and cause an eye infection. You could also consider switching mineral-rich tap water for filtered or bottled water as this may help to reduce tear stains over time in sensitive dogs.

Supplements

Some oral supplements claim to reduce porphyrins (the compounds that cause staining). Always check with your vet before using these, as not all products are safe or effective.

Veterinary treatments

In some cases, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, probiotics, medicated drops, or other treatments. These should only be used to treat tear staining in dogs under veterinary supervision.

Please note: While there are lots of methods out there for removing dog tear stains naturally, we recommend avoiding home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide, milk of magnesia, or human makeup wipes and eye drops as they can be harmful to your dog. 

Conclusion

Tear stains on dogs are very common. While they’re usually a cosmetic issue that can be addressed easily, they can sometimes signal an underlying condition. If in doubt, you should always seek your vet’s advice if your dog has any other symptoms of infection or discomfort.

Related resources

Brachycephalic dogs and the health risks
How to spot early signs of illness in dogs
Dog health problems