Do you have a dog that tends to get tear stains on its fur? If so, you are not alone in this common concern.

Tear stains around dogs’ eyes can be a common problem for pet owners, but they don’t have to be permanent.

In this blog post, I will discuss how to naturally remove dog tear stains using simple ingredients you probably already have in your home. I will also provide some tips on preventing these brown stains from occurring in the first place.

So, whether your dog is new to tear staining or has had them for a while, read on for some helpful advice!

Methods Discussed In This Post:

• Hydrogen Peroxide & Water Mixture
• Baking Soda & Water Mixture
• White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
• Coconut Oil
• Burt’s Bees for Dogs Pet Tear Stain Remover
• Angel Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs and Cats
• OPULA Dog Eye Wipes

How to Remove Dog Tear Stains Naturally

You can try a few different methods to remove tear stains from your dog’s fur with natural products. You can remove tear stains without using harsh chemicals that could be dangerous to your dog’s health.

TIP: Before doing any of these natural dog tear stain remover methods, If you have blunt scissors and can safely trim any longer hair around your dog’s eyes, do so to prevent irritation. If you are concerned about removing the tear stains, please speak to your veterinarian to help give clarity to your questions and concerns.

Hydrogen Peroxide & Water Mixture:

Soak a cotton pad in a water-diluted mixture (one part hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts water) and carefully clean the stained area around the dog’s eyes with a paper towel or washcloth. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.

Baking Soda & Water Mixture:

Make a baking soda paste and warm water, and brush it into the stain. Let dry and then wipe off with a damp cloth. If any stain remains, repeat for a few days.

Coconut Oil:

Rub coconut oil onto your dog’s fur, each stain on it until it disappears (usually a couple of days). I like using unrefined and cold-Pressed, coconut oil.

White Vinegar:

Soak a cotton ball in vinegar, then use it to clean the brown-stained area under your dog’s eyes. Always be cautious not to get any of the vinegar in his eyes as it will hurt and could cause long-term damage.

If you would like a less “DIY method” to remove your dog’s tear stains, you can try these commercial products:

• Burt’s Bees for Dogs Pet Tear Stain Remover: This dog eye wash includes 99.9% natural ingredients, including chamomile, which has been shown to help lighten discoloration and increase circulation to reduce puffiness and dark circles. This gentle tear stain remover for dogs is pH balanced, especially for all dogs and puppies.
• Angel’s Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs and Cats: These presoaked and textured wipes can help remove dried mucus, secretions, and tear stains. These wipes can help reduce eye irritations and itching and are safe for puppies and kittens.
• OPULA Dog Eye Wipes: OPULA dog eye wipes can remove tear stains and are safe to use long-term. These wipes do not contain brightening agents and will not irritate the eyes, nose, or mouth. 

What Causes Tear Stains on Dogs

Tear stains around a dog’s eyes can be a common problem for pet owners, but they don’t have to be permanent. There are a number of things that can cause tear stains around your dog’s eyelids, including allergies, infections, and genetics. The most important step is to identify the underlying cause of the tear stains and to address that issue.

For example, if allergies are the culprit, you’ll need to reduce your dog’s exposure to allergens. If an infection causes tear stains, then antibiotics may be necessary. Once the underlying cause has been addressed, there are a number of effective cleaning solutions that can help to remove tear stains.

Most tear stains are due to allergies or underlying health issues, but that’s not the case for all dogs.

Some dogs have tear stains for other reasons, such as:

• Blocked tear duct
• Bacteria Infection
• Allergies (environmental and/or food related)
• Water with excessive mineral content
• Breed (Maltese, Poodles, Shih Tzus, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniels, and Pugs are more prone to tear stains)
• Eye Infection
• Long hair near or around the eyes
• Ingrown hair or ingrown eyelashes
• Excessive tear production
• Eye injury
• Epiphora (The condition of when a dog’s eyes tear and don’t correctly drain)
• Poor Immune System
• Bacterial Infections
• Genetic Shallow Eye Sockets (Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos and Boston Terriers)

How to Prevent Tear Stains Around Dogs’ Eyes

You can do a few things to prevent tear stains from occurring in the first place. First, make sure your dog is getting enough water to drink. A good rule of thumb is to provide one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.

You can also try feeding your dog a diet rich in antioxidants. A poor diet can irritate your dog’s tear ducts, causing them to create excessive tears, which can contribute to the staining around the eyes. This can help to reduce the amount of staining that occurs.

Finally, avoid using products on your dog’s fur that may irritate his eyes or skin. This includes shampoo, conditioner, and other grooming products.

RELATED READ: Dog Mom’s Guide to Keeping Your Carpets Clean

How does coconut oil work to get rid of eye stains?

Coconut oil is a natural anti-fungal, which helps in preventing and resolving specific yeast and fungal infections.

It also acts as a natural barrier to tears. Coconut oil is a natural protectant, allowing the tears to roll off the area instead of saturating the surrounding hair. The oil prevents a buildup of moisture and staining under the eye.

What ingredient in dog food causes tear stains?

Certain foods can cause excess tearing, so talk to your vet about which foods to avoid. Additives and preservatives, red meat, and excess carbs in your pet’s food can cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in tear stains.

Why do white dogs have tear stains?

White dog breeds or light-colored dogs are likelier to have tear stains, regardless of the breed, because their fur holds on to stains more than darker-colored fur. Also, dogs with long hair on their faces may be more prone to excessive tear stains on the fur.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to remove dog tear stains naturally! Do you have any tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments below!

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