What causes tear stains in dogs? A complete guide

Eye Care · Tear Stains

Why light-coated dogs get red-brown streaks under the eyes, which breeds are most prone, what actually helps, and when tearing needs a vet.

By SPLOOT Grooming, Aarhus · 9 min read

Tear stains are one of the most common things owners ask us about in the salon. Those rusty streaks running from the inner corner of the eyes are usually harmless, but they are a sign that tears are not draining the way they should.

The good news: once you understand why they happen, most stains can be reduced a lot with simple daily care and the right trim. This guide covers the causes, the breeds most affected, what works, and the signs that mean it's time for a vet.

What are tear stains?

Tears normally drain through two tiny openings at the inner corner of each eye, then down a duct into the nose. When a dog makes more tears than the duct can carry, or the duct can't drain properly, tears spill onto the face instead. This overflow is called epiphora.

The colour comes from porphyrins, iron-containing pigments the body produces when it breaks down old red blood cells. Dogs pass porphyrins out in tears, saliva and urine. On a white or cream coat, they stain the hair red-brown, and the colour deepens with exposure to light.

The constant moisture also lets yeast and bacteria grow in the damp fur. That is why some stains turn darker brown, feel crusty or start to smell.

The stain is the symptom. The real question is why the tears are overflowing.

The main causes

1Face shape and anatomy

Small dogs with shallow eye sockets, prominent eyes or short muzzles often have narrow or kinked tear ducts. Tears pool at the inner corner instead of draining. This is the most common cause in small breeds, and it is mostly built in.

2Hair around the eyes

Long hair at the inner corner acts like a wick. It draws tears out of the eye and onto the face, and hair that pokes into the eye irritates it and makes it water more. In curly-coated breeds, this is often the biggest factor we can change.

3Eyelid and eyelash problems

Eyelids that roll inward (entropion), extra eyelashes growing from the lid margin (distichiasis) or hairs rubbing the eye all irritate the surface and trigger constant tearing. These need a vet to diagnose.

4Blocked or narrow tear ducts

Some dogs are born with a tear duct opening that never formed properly, or one that is very narrow. Others develop a blockage from inflammation or debris. A vet can test drainage with a harmless dye.

5Allergies and irritation

Environmental allergies, food allergies, dust, smoke and shampoo in the eyes can all cause watery eyes. Allergic tearing often comes with itchy paws or ears too.

6Infection and eye disease

Conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and glaucoma all cause tearing, usually with redness, squinting or discharge. These are not cosmetic problems. Read more in dog eyes watering: when to worry.

7Teething in puppies

Many puppies tear more while their adult teeth come through, roughly between four and seven months. This often settles once teething is over.

Which breeds get tear stains?

Any dog can get them, but they are most visible and most common in small, light-coated breeds:

Dark-coated dogs make the same tears. You simply can't see the stain.

Does food cause tear stains?

Diet is one of the most searched questions, and the honest answer is: sometimes, indirectly. There is little evidence that ordinary dog food causes tear stains, but a food allergy can inflame the eyes and increase tearing. We cover food, water and supplements in detail in diet and tear stains in dogs.

How to reduce tear stains at home

1. Wipe daily. Use a soft pad or cloth with lukewarm water or a dog eye-care product, wiping away from the eye. Trixie Eye Care Wipes and Vet's Best Clean Eye Care Pads are made for this.
2. Dry the area. Moisture feeds yeast. Pat the fur dry after wiping.
3. Comb out crust. A fine-toothed comb, such as the Aesculap steel comb, gently lifts dried tears from the fur. Hold the comb away from the eye.
4. Keep the inner corners trimmed. Short hair at the inner corner stops the wicking effect. This needs a steady hand and rounded scissors, so it is safest done by a groomer.
5. Keep the face dry after meals and walks. Food, rain and drool all add to the problem.

Existing stains grow out rather than wash out. With good daily care, you will see cleaner new growth within a few weeks, and the stained hair is trimmed away over the next grooms.

What to avoid

• Bleach, hydrogen peroxide or whitening shampoo near the eyes. They can burn the eye and the delicate skin around it.
• Human make-up remover or face wipes. Fragrances and alcohol irritate dog eyes.
• Supplements containing antibiotics. Some tear-stain products, mainly sold outside the EU, contain antibiotics such as tylosin. They can lighten stains while hiding the real cause and add to antibiotic resistance. Avoid them unless a vet prescribes treatment.
• Cutting near the eye yourself with pointed scissors. One sudden head movement can cause an injury.

What we see in the salon

In curly-coated breeds like Cavapoos and Cockapoos, the hair at the inner corner of the eye is often the single biggest cause of stains we see. It grows fast, curls inward and soaks up tears all day.

A tidy, short inner-corner trim every four to six weeks, combined with a daily wipe at home, makes a visible difference for most dogs. When the eye itself looks red or irritated, we'll tell you it's a job for your vet, not for scissors.

This guide is general advice. Tearing can be a sign of eye disease, so always have new or changing eye symptoms checked by a vet.

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