Dog Tear Stains: Causes, Safe Removal & Prevention Guide 2026

Dog tear stains are the reddish-brown discoloration that appears under a dog’s eyes, caused by a compound called porphyrin found in dog tears. While tear staining is primarily a cosmetic concern, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue like blocked tear ducts, allergies, or eye infections that deserve veterinary attention.

This guide is for informational purposes. Consult your vet before using any tear stain removal products, especially near your dog’s eyes.

What Causes Dog Tear Stains

The reddish-brown color of tear stains comes from porphyrins — iron-containing molecules produced as byproducts when the body breaks down red blood cells. Porphyrins are excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. When tears sit on the fur around a dog’s eyes, porphyrins oxidize in sunlight and turn reddish-brown.

Common causes of excessive tearing that leads to staining:

• Genetics and face shape — brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds have shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes that don’t drain tears effectively
• Blocked or absent nasolacrimal ducts — these drain tears away from the eye; if blocked, tears overflow onto the fur
• Eye irritation — eyelid problems (entropion, ectropion), distichiasis (extra eyelashes), or corneal ulcers
• Allergies — environmental or food allergies can cause excessive tearing
• Ear infections — surprisingly, ear problems can trigger increased tearing
• Teething in puppies — increased tearing during teething (3–6 months) is common and usually temporary
• Diet and water quality — high iron content in water or food can worsen staining

Breeds Most Prone to Tear Staining

Safe Tear Stain Removal Methods

Always be gentle near the eye area. Never use hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or human makeup remover near your dog’s eyes.

Daily Maintenance

• Use a soft, damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipe to clean the area under the eyes daily
• Dry the area after cleaning — moisture promotes yeast and bacteria growth, which worsens staining
• Trim the fur around the eyes (or ask your groomer) to reduce the surface area that traps moisture

Tear Stain Removers

• Commercial tear stain wipes — products like Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes or TropiClean SPA Tear Stain Remover are formulated specifically for dogs
• Saline solution — sterile saline can gently flush the eye area; ask your vet which type is appropriate
• Colloidal silver — some owners use this cautiously; consult your vet first

Avoid products containing tylosin, an antibiotic that was previously a common ingredient in tear stain supplements. The FDA has not approved tylosin for this use and its long-term use can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Prevention Tips

• Use filtered or bottled water — high-mineral tap water can increase porphyrin production
• Feed a high-quality diet — some owners report reduced staining after switching to grain-free or limited-ingredient diets (consult your vet on this)
• Regular grooming — keep the fur around the eyes short and clean; professional grooming every 6–8 weeks helps with breeds prone to staining
• Stainless steel or ceramic bowls — plastic bowls harbor bacteria that may contribute to staining; switch to stainless steel or ceramic
• Manage allergies — if allergies are triggering excessive tearing, work with your vet to identify and address the allergen
• Eye checks — have your vet check for eyelid abnormalities or blocked tear ducts, which can be corrected surgically

Find professional dog groomers near you on HeiBob who specialize in keeping tear-prone breeds clean and comfortable.

When to See a Vet

See a vet if tear staining is accompanied by:

• Yellow, green, or thick discharge (may indicate eye infection)
• Redness, swelling, or squinting of the eye
• Pawing at the eye
• Sudden increase in tearing
• Visible eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball

These symptoms suggest an underlying eye condition that needs treatment, not just cosmetic management.