Why Does My Dog Have Tear Stains? Possible Causes and What to Do
Tear stains on dogs are common and usually cosmetic, but they can sometimes point to an underlying issue that deserves attention.
Quick Answer
Tear stains are reddish-brown discolourations that form when tears overflow and moisten the fur around a dog's eyes. The colour comes from porphyrins, iron-containing molecules in the tears. Common contributing factors include brachycephalic skull shape, blocked tear ducts, allergies, and eye irritation. Many cases are harmless, but persistent or worsening stains should be discussed with a veterinarian.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
Answer a few questions about your dog's signs and receive general guidance on how urgently to seek veterinary care.
This tool does not diagnose conditions or replace a veterinarian.
What Can Tear Stains Look Like?
Tear stains typically appear as reddish-brown, rust-coloured, or dark streaks running from the inner corner of one or both eyes down the side of the muzzle. The discolouration follows the path that overflow tears take through the fur.
Key observable features may include:
- Colour range -- stains can range from light pink to deep reddish-brown
- Moisture -- the affected fur may feel damp or look matted
- Skin changes -- the skin underneath may appear reddened, and in some cases, a mild odour can develop if yeast begins to colonise the moist area
- Location -- stains usually appear below the inner corner of the eye and may extend toward the nose or down the cheek
Some breeds, particularly those with prominent eyes or flat faces, may develop stains more visibly because tears do not drain efficiently through the nasolacrimal duct.
What May Be Associated With Tear Stains?
Tear stains themselves are not a diagnosis. Several factors can contribute to excessive tearing or poor drainage, and the same visible signs can have different underlying causes.
Anatomy and Breed Predisposition
Brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese often have shallow eye sockets and compressed facial structures. This anatomy can prevent tears from draining normally through the tear ducts, causing overflow onto the fur. Breeds with prominent eyes, such as Poodles, Maltese, and Bichon Frises, may also experience increased exposure and tear production.
Eye Irritation and Infection
Foreign material, eyelash abnormalities (such as distichiasis or ectopic cilia), corneal scratches, or conjunctivitis can irritate the eye and stimulate excess tear production. Chronic irritation from conditions like dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) can paradoxically lead to reflex tearing, where the eye overproduces watery tears in response to insufficient lubricating components.
Allergies
Environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites, mould) and food sensitivities can cause inflammation around the eyes, leading to increased tearing. Dogs with allergic skin disease often develop tear stains alongside other signs such as paw licking, ear infections, and general itchiness.
Tear Duct Obstruction
The nasolacrimal duct drains tears from the eye into the nasal cavity. If this duct becomes blocked -- by inflammation, scarring, or developmental abnormalities -- tears have nowhere to go but overflow onto the face. Some puppies may be born with partially developed or absent tear ducts.
Diet and Water Quality
High mineral content in drinking water or certain dietary components may influence the concentration of porphyrins in tears, potentially intensifying the stain colour. However, diet alone is rarely the sole cause of tear staining, and changes to food or water should be made in consultation with a veterinarian.
What Should You Monitor?
When you notice tear stains on your dog, keeping track of the following details can help your veterinarian assess the situation:
- Onset and progression -- did the stains appear suddenly, or have they developed gradually over weeks or months?
- One eye or both -- unilateral stains (on one side only) may suggest a localised issue such as a blocked duct or a foreign body, while bilateral stains often point to breed-related or systemic factors
- Changes in the eye itself -- note any redness of the conjunctiva, squinting, cloudiness, swelling, or visible discharge beyond normal tears
- Pain or discomfort -- signs such as pawing at the eye, rubbing the face on furniture, or reluctance to open the eye may indicate pain
- Accompanying signs -- itching, sneezing, nasal discharge, paw chewing, or skin changes elsewhere on the body
- Response to cleaning -- whether the stains return quickly after wiping may suggest ongoing excessive tearing
What Can You Safely Do Next?
A few low-risk steps may help manage the appearance of stains while you determine whether veterinary attention is warranted:
- Gentle daily cleaning -- use a clean, damp cloth or a pet-safe eye wipe to gently clean the area around the eyes. Avoid touching the eye surface directly. Do not use human tear-stain removal products without veterinary guidance, as some contain ingredients that may irritate the eye.
- Keep facial fur trimmed -- for breeds with long facial hair, keeping the hair around the eyes neatly trimmed (or tied back with a small bow) can reduce contact between fur and tears.
- Provide fresh, filtered water -- some owners find that offering filtered water rather than tap water reduces stain intensity, though this is not supported by strong clinical evidence.
- Monitor and document -- take photos of the stains and surrounding eye area every few days. This record can be valuable during a veterinary visit.
- Avoid self-treating with antibiotics -- some over-the-counter tear-stain products contain the antibiotic tylosin. Using antibiotics without veterinary supervision is not recommended and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Contact a veterinarian if:
- The stains appear suddenly or worsen rapidly
- Only one eye is affected and the dog shows signs of discomfort
- The eye itself is red, swollen, squinting, or producing thick or coloured discharge
- Your dog is pawing at the eye, rubbing its face, or showing signs of pain
- There is a change in vision, such as bumping into objects or hesitancy on stairs
- Stains are accompanied by skin infection, odour, or crusting around the eyes
- The dog has not had a recent veterinary examination, and this is a new finding
A veterinarian can perform a fluorescein stain test to assess tear duct function, examine the eye for corneal damage, and determine whether an underlying condition requires treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tear stains harmful to my dog?
In most cases, tear stains are a cosmetic concern rather than a health risk. However, the underlying cause of excessive tearing may require attention. Chronic moisture around the eyes can also create an environment where yeast or bacterial infections develop, which may need treatment.
Can tear stains be permanently removed?
Tear stains can often be managed and reduced, but they may recur if the underlying cause -- such as breed anatomy or an allergy -- persists. Regular gentle cleaning and addressing any contributing factors under veterinary guidance offer the best long-term results.
Should I change my dog's food to reduce tear stains?
Some owners report improvement after switching to a limited-ingredient or grain-free diet, but there is limited scientific evidence directly linking specific ingredients to tear stain severity. Any dietary change should be discussed with a veterinarian to ensure nutritional needs are met.
Do tear stains mean my dog has an infection?
Not necessarily. Many tear stains are caused by normal tear overflow related to facial structure. However, if the stains are accompanied by redness, swelling, odour, thick discharge, or discomfort, an infection may be present and veterinary evaluation is recommended.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
Not sure how urgent your dog's symptoms are? Use PawAI Symptom Triage to get general guidance based on your dog's specific signs.
Sources
- American Kennel Club (AKC). "Tear Stains in Dogs: Causes and Solutions."
- American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). Epiphora and Tear Duct Disorders.
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. "Eye Problems in Dogs."
- Royal Canin. "Tear Stains: Understanding the Causes."
- VCA Animal Hospitals. "Epiphora (Excessive Tearing) 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.