Dog Tear Stains: Types, Causes, and When to Worry

Tear stains on dogs range from mild cosmetic markings to signs of an underlying eye condition, and knowing the difference can help you respond appropriately.

Quick Answer

Dog tear stains are discoloured marks -- usually reddish-brown -- that form when tears overflow onto facial fur. The colour is caused by porphyrins, molecules that contain iron. Stains are most often linked to breed anatomy, eye irritation, blocked tear ducts, or allergies. While many cases are harmless, stains that appear suddenly, affect only one eye, or come with eye redness or pain may require veterinary evaluation.

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Types of Tear Stains

Not all tear stains look the same, and the appearance can offer clues about the possible underlying cause.

Reddish-Brown Porphyrin Stains

The most common type, reddish-brown staining is caused by porphyrins -- naturally occurring molecules that contain iron and are excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. When tears containing porphyrins sit on light-coloured fur, oxidation turns them a noticeable rusty colour. This type of stain is frequently seen in breeds with white or light coats, such as Maltese, Bichon Frises, and white Poodles.

Wet or Moist Stains

Some dogs have chronically wet fur under the eyes, even before visible staining develops. This wetness suggests that tear production exceeds drainage capacity. The persistent moisture can soften the skin and promote local yeast or bacterial overgrowth, sometimes leading to a mild odour or crusty texture.

Crusty or Scabby Stains

When moisture persists long enough, the affected area may develop crusts, flaking skin, or a scabby texture. This is often a sign that secondary infection -- either bacterial or yeast-related -- has developed in the warm, damp environment. The skin may appear reddened or irritated beneath the crusts.

Yellow or Green-Tinged Stains

Stains that appear yellowish or have a greenish hue may suggest the presence of mucopurulent discharge mixed with tears. This type of staining can be associated with conjunctivitis or other eye infections and warrants closer attention.

What May Be Associated With Tear Stains?

Understanding the possible contributing factors can help you determine the next steps. Similar visible signs can have different causes, so professional evaluation is important when anything seems unusual.

Structural and Anatomical Factors

Certain breeds are predisposed to tear staining due to the shape of their skull and eye placement:

Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos) have compressed facial bones that can narrow or distort the tear drainage pathway
Breeds with prominent eyes (Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Pekingese) have eyes that sit further forward, increasing exposure to irritants and reducing natural drainage efficiency
Breeds with heavy facial folds (Shar-Peis, Bulldogs) may trap tears within skin folds, keeping the area moist

Eye Conditions

Several eye-related conditions can stimulate excess tear production or alter tear drainage:

Conjunctivitis -- inflammation of the conjunctival membrane, which can be caused by infection, allergies, or irritants
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) -- paradoxically, insufficient tear film quality can trigger reflex overproduction of watery tears
Corneal ulcers or scratches -- damage to the corneal surface stimulates increased tearing as a protective response
Eyelid and eyelash abnormalities -- entropion (inward-rolling eyelid), ectropion (outward-rolling eyelid), distichiasis (extra eyelashes), and trichiasis (misdirected eyelashes) can cause direct irritation
Glaucoma -- elevated pressure within the eye can cause excessive tearing alongside other more serious signs

Allergies and Environmental Factors

Dogs with environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis) may develop inflammation around the eyes, contributing to tear overflow. Common allergens include pollen, grass, dust mites, and mould spores. Food allergies or sensitivities may also play a role in some cases, though this is less common than environmental triggers.

Tear Duct Issues

The nasolacrimal duct is the channel that carries tears from the eye to the nasal cavity. Blockages can result from inflammation, infection, scarring from prior injury, or congenital abnormalities. When the duct cannot drain properly, tears spill over onto the face. Some puppies are born with imperforate (not fully opened) tear ducts, which may resolve with time or require a minor procedure.

What Should You Monitor?

Observing and recording specific details about your dog's tear stains can help a veterinarian determine whether investigation is needed:

Bilateral versus unilateral -- stains on both eyes often relate to breed structure or systemic factors; stains on one side may indicate a localised problem
Duration -- how long have the stains been present, and are they getting worse?
Discharge quality -- is the overflow clear, or is there mucus, yellow-green material, or blood-tinged fluid?
Eye appearance -- note any redness of the sclera (white part of the eye), swelling of the eyelids, cloudiness of the cornea, visible third eyelid protrusion, or changes in pupil size
Behavioural signs -- squinting, excessive blinking, pawing at the face, rubbing against furniture, or head shyness
Skin condition around the eyes -- redness, hair loss, crusts, odour, or texture changes in the stained area

What Can You Safely Do Next?

While determining whether veterinary care is needed, a few safe measures may help keep the area clean and reduce staining:

Clean the area daily -- use a soft, damp cloth or a commercially available pet-safe eye wipe. Wipe gently from the inner corner outward. Avoid any product that has not been recommended by a veterinarian, as many tear-stain removers contain unlisted or potentially irritating ingredients.
Keep facial hair managed -- for breeds with long hair around the eyes, regular trimming or careful tying back can reduce fur contact with overflowing tears.
Check water bowls -- some owners transition to filtered or bottled water to reduce potential mineral contributors, though evidence for this is limited.
Avoid home remedies -- do not apply hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, or human skincare products near your dog's eyes, as these can cause chemical irritation or corneal damage.
Document changes -- photograph the staining every few days and note any changes in your dog's behaviour or eye appearance.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Seek veterinary attention promptly if you observe any of the following:

Sudden onset of heavy tearing or staining with no prior history
Staining on one side only, especially if new
Red, swollen, or squinting eye(s)
Thick, yellow, green, or blood-tinged discharge from the eye
Visible corneal cloudiness, blue-tinted eye, or changes in pupil size
Signs of pain: pawing, rubbing, head shyness, or whimpering
Skin infection, crusts, odour, or hair loss around the eye area
Vision changes: bumping into objects, hesitation on unfamiliar surfaces, or reluctance to navigate in low light
Stains that worsen despite regular cleaning

A veterinary ophthalmologist can perform specialised tests, including fluorescein dye evaluation, Schirmer tear test, and nasolacrimal duct flushing, to identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some breeds get tear stains more than others?

Breeds with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds), prominent eyes, or heavy facial wrinkles are more prone to tear overflow because their anatomy interferes with normal tear drainage. Light-coloured coats also make stains more visible, even though dogs with dark fur may produce the same amount of porphyrin-containing tears.

Can I use over-the-counter tear-stain removers?

Many tear-stain products are available, but not all are safe or effective. Some contain antibiotics such as tylosin, which should only be used under veterinary supervision. Others may include ingredients that irritate the delicate eye area. Always consult a veterinarian before applying any product near your dog's eyes.

Do tear stains go away on their own?

Tear stains that are caused by breed anatomy may persist indefinitely and require ongoing management. Stains caused by a temporary issue -- such as a mild allergy flare or a passing eye irritation -- may fade once the underlying cause resolves. Stains that do not improve or worsen over time should be assessed by a veterinarian.

Can tear stains cause blindness?

Tear stains themselves do not cause blindness. However, some of the conditions that lead to excessive tearing -- such as glaucoma, corneal ulcers, or severe dry eye -- can result in vision loss if left untreated. This is why persistent or worsening tear stains, especially with accompanying eye changes, should be evaluated by a professional.

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Sources

American Kennel Club (AKC). "Tear Stains in Dogs: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment."
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). Client Resources: Epiphora.
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. "Ocular Discharge and Tear Staining."
Merck Veterinary Manual. "Disorders of the Nasolacrimal System."
VCA Animal Hospitals. "Tear Stains in Dogs."
Royal Canin. "Managing Tear Stains in Dogs."

Disclaimer

This article and the PawAI Symptom Triage tool provide general educational information only. They cannot examine your pet, make a diagnosis, or replace advice from a licensed veterinarian. Contact a veterinarian promptly if symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, or accompanied by emergency warning signs.