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What causes tear staining in Maltese dogs?

Author

Ava Hall

Updated on April 09, 2026

The cause can be related to health issues, shape of the eye, blocked tear-ducts, puppy teething, ear infection, allergies (either food or environmental), and so on.

Also, what causes tear staining in dogs?

This discoloration is caused by a chemical called porphyrin. Porphyrins are excreted primarily through bile and the intestinal tract, but in dogs a significant amount of porphyrin is excreted through tears, saliva and also urine.

Also, can dog food cause tear stains? Secretions of dietary impurities are the #1 cause of Tear Stains. Fighting embarrassing stains with topical creams and drops only removes the symptom of liver toxins from your dog's eyes, but not the cause of excess toxins. Rusty tears return day after day because they are caused from the inside out.

Keeping this in view, what is the best tear stain remover for Maltese?

Petpost | Tear Stain Remover For Dogs - Best Natural Eye Treatment For White Fur - Soothing Coconut Oil - Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua Angels Approved - Chemical And Bleach Free - 8 Oz.

How do you stop tear staining in dogs?

Wash the muzzle hair with dry shampoo or waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth. You may also try 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Comb and blow-dry afterwards. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to avoid it irritating the eye and causing tearing.

Related Question Answers

How do I get rid of brown tear stains on my dog?

White Vinegar/Apple Cider Vinegar: Add a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to your dog's water daily to increase the acidity of your dog's body pH. Not only will it take care of tear stains, the alkalinity of your dog's body will help to prevent bacteria or yeast infections from recurring.

What home remedy can I use to clean my dog's tear stains?

Wash the muzzle hair with dry shampoo or waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth. You may also try 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Comb and blow-dry afterwards. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to avoid it irritating the eye and causing tearing.

What causes brown tear stains in dogs?

The reddish stains appear when porphyrin, a pigment found in tears, builds up under the eyes. Stains that are brownish or rust colored may be the result of a yeast infection on the skin under the eyes that is able to thrive because of the constant moisture from tears building up on the skin.

Does coconut oil help tear stains on dogs?

The Petpost Tear Stain Remover for Dogs is the only treatment on the market that effectively remove tear stains with a powerful coconut oil and juniper berry formula.

How do I treat my dogs tear stains?

Wash the muzzle hair with dry shampoo or waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth. You may also try 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Comb and blow-dry afterwards. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to avoid it irritating the eye and causing tearing.

What dog food is good for tear stains?

Encourage well-being through nutrition with the Forza10 Nutraceutic Sensitive Tear Stain Plus Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Designed to help dogs with ocular issues, including excessive tearing, it also offers complete and balanced nutrition for healthy dogs.

Is it better to give my dog distilled or regular water?

Because distilled water is so pure, many nutritionists refer to it as “empty” water. This characteristic makes distilled water an excellent cleanser and detoxifier, with plenty of “room” or “power” to carry away impurities from a person's or a dog's body. Detoxification is the most important function of water.

What's the best Tear Stain Remover for Dogs?

Petpost | Tear Stain Remover For Dogs - Best Natural Eye Treatment For White Fur - Soothing Coconut Oil - Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua Angels Approved - Chemical And Bleach Free - 8 Oz.

How do I get rid of tear stains on my Maltese?

Milk of Magnesia: In a bowl, mix equal parts milk of magnesia and hydrogen peroxide, and then add a bit of cornstarch to make a paste. Rub the paste into the stained area and let it set for four hours before thoroughly washing it out. You may need the “cone of shame” to keep your dog from rubbing it off with his paws.

Do dog tear stains go away?

When the dog reaches maturity, tear staining should lessen. Now, assuming you and your veterinarian have ruled out medical causes of excessive tear production, what now can be done for the stains that often result?

Does apple cider vinegar help dog tear stains?

TIPS FOR TEAR STAIN PREVENTION AND REMOVAL Replace any plastic dog bowls with stainless steel ones, and add a teaspoon of white or apple cider vinegar to your dog's drinking water. In some cases, oral medication can be used to make tear stains less visible, but this is generally not necessary.

How do you get brown stains out of a white dog?

Try using baking soda on a very grey or stained coat. Baking soda is excellent at removing stains, and complements whitening shampoos well. It is also suitable for use on most skin and hair types. Put directly into the bath water, or mix into a paste and apply directly to any stains.

Are dog tear stains normal?

What Are Tear Stains? Tear stains are dark brown or reddish marks that appear beneath a dog's eyes. The stains are often accompanied by discharge, but not always. They're typically more visible on dogs who have white or lightly-colored fur.

How do you get a stain out of a white dog?

If the stains are very serious, get out the baking soda, a natural bleaching agent that doesn't damage a dog's coat. Make a paste of baking soda and water, and brush it into the stain. Let dry and then wipe off with a damp cloth. If any stain still remains, repeat.

Is apple cider vinegar good for dogs?

Apple cider vinegar is made from just apples and water, making it completely safe for dogs. It is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.1 to 5, which gives it properties that can soothe a dog's overly alkalized digestive tract. Add a teaspoon of ACV to your dog's water bowl and see if he'll drink it!

How do I get rid of tear stains on my Chihuahua?

Keep the fur around the eyes trimmed so that it doesn't cause irritation. Clean the area affected by excess tears with a paper towel soaked in warm water. Use a dog-safe eyewash to remove irritants, and you may want to consider an Elizabethan collar if your dog is pawing at their eyes to avoid further damage.

Does chicken cause tear stains in dogs?

Tear stains: if your dog is white or has white on their cute little face, you've probably come across these pesky dark marks before. Believe it or not, animal proteins (including chicken and beef) are among the most common allergens in dogs.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for dogs?

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for my dog's skin? The short answer is that it's best to avoid using hydrogen peroxide on your dog's skin. It may also damage or kill your dog's own cells in and around the wound site. This means it may take longer for any wounds to heal.

Are tear stains harmful?

Although tear stains in themselves are not harmful to dogs, in some cases they are indicative of other problems, such as ingrown eyelashes, teething problems in puppies, corneal ulcerations, ear infections, a pH imbalance, certain medications, poor diet, unusually large tear glands or unusually small tear gland

How can I soften my dogs eye boogers?

Wet wipes. Unscented baby wipes are OK, or look for wipes made for dogs. These wipes may include ingredients to help dissolve the crusty gunk that can form under your dog's eyes. Just like with the washcloth, gently wipe around your dog's eyes without touching your dog's eyeball.

Should you wash your dog's paws after a walk?

Use a Wet Towelette for Minor Cleanups To be safe, Adler recommends using all-natural, veterinarian-approved grooming wipes to wipe away dirt between baths. "For a no-frills and cost-effective approach, a paper towel or washcloth soaked in warm water is a perfect way to clean your pet's feet after a walk," Adler says.

Do Maltese dogs have eye problems?

Eye Problems Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Maltese and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Maltese.

Are dog tear stains permanent?

Fact: Thanks to modern science we know tear stains are caused by toxic build up bio-accumulated in the liver. The only way to permanently eliminate tear stains is to remove excess toxins and keep them out of your dog's body.

What causes dogs eyes to tear stain?

Epiphora, a condition that comes from excessive tear production or the inability to properly drain tears, is usually the source of the stains. Epiphora can have a variety of causes and can be acute or chronic. The reddish stains appear when porphyrin, a pigment found in tears, accumulates under the eyes.

How do I clean my dogs infected eye?

Treatment for eye problems sometimes requires eyedrops or ointments, both easier to administer with a few quick tips:
  1. Have the eyedrops or ointment close at hand, then clean away any discharge around your dog's eyes with warm water and a cotton ball.
  2. For eyedrops, tilt your dog's head back a little.

How do you get rid of shih tzu tear stains?

Swabbing the stains with hydrogen peroxide or using special grooming products designed for pet fur may help with tear stains. Just make sure not to get any in the eyes. Regular washing of your dog's face.