Get your dog groomed regularly at a professional groomer and ensure that they don’t have excess hair around their eyes that could cause irritation.

But yes, dog tear stain removers definitely work. And yes, you can use them with your pet. Many dog owners do! Looking for a tear stain remover that is both all-natural and safe? The Burt’s Bees for Pets Natural Tear Stain Remover comes recommended by Dr. Woodnutt for its gentle ingredients that are both safe to use on puppies and adult dogs. The formula is also made to be left on—no rinsing required—which makes cleaning tear stains much easier on both pets and pet parents.Your groomer may be able to trim carefully around the eyes to add some relief, or in extreme cases a vet may need to perform surgery to remove the hair roots completely. Genetics Hydrogen peroxide will likely be effective at treating existing dog tear stains. However, you’d need to be extremely cautious when using it around your dog’s eyes. Additionally, while peroxide is safe to use topically, using it undiluted could dry out your dog’s skin, leading to other issues.

You could also experiment with other food additives, such as the plain, unsweetened yogurt or apple cider vinegar we discussed above, although we’re unsure of their effectiveness. Better water Believe it or not, tear stains can also be possible indicators of issues with diet. That is why ACV may actually help with tear stains. As we’ve explained above, the first step to preventing dog tear stains is cleaning them early and often. Some amount of discharge will always mark your dog’s face, and you need to wipe it clean before it has a chance to set in. Keep a container of high-quality dog eye wipes on hand to make this a part of your nightly routine. Wipes: These pre-soaked pads are very easy to use. You'll just need to wipe the affected area with the pads to remove any sightlyIf you’re considering hydrogen peroxide, you’d be better off using Bodhi Dog’s Tear Stain Remover, which includes peroxide supplemented with other ingredients, such as lemongrass oil and tea tree oil, to help fight the bacteria without being so harsh on your dog’s skin. Apple cider vinegar An incorrectly formed tear duct can also cause tear staining. Instead of draining the tears from the eye to the nose for swallowing, a tear duct that is abnormal or clogged won’t work properly, allowing eyes to spill over and cause staining. Abrasion to the Eye Environmental allergies to pollen, dust, or dirt can lead to tear stains. Some dogs even develop tear stains due to an allergic reaction caused by drinking from plastic bowls. Sample buyer review:“These pills truly work! My maltese had horrible stains under her eyes and I could not get rid of them, no matter what. Enter [these] pills and one month later, she is a brand new dog! I highly recommend this product.” During allergy season, be especially cautious. Allergies affect dogs in the same way that they affect humans. Excessive watering of the eyes can be caused by allergies. If your dog raced through newly raked leaves or breezed in a pollen-filled field during your stroll, he or she is likely to tear up excessively a few hours later.

Tear stains in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, anatomy, medical conditions, and grooming habits,” says Denver-based Dr. Alejandro Caos, veterinarian with The Vets, an in-home vet service.In addition to removing red meat from your dog’s diet, switching to high-quality dog food that’s low in carbohydrate fillers has been shown to help with tear staining. Such ingredients as wheat, corn, meals, by-products, and artificial preservatives can cause inflammation in the eyes, particularly if your pup has allergies. We recommend a limited-ingredient, all-natural dog food. Some owners find grain-free dog food helps as well. Some Find Dietary Supplements Help Similar to apple cider vinegar, some dog owners and experts suggest giving your dog a teaspoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt each day to improve their gut bacteria, thereby preventing tear stains. Again, we haven’t seen hard evidence that this will help staining, but yogurt is a healthy and safe treat for your dog (as long as they’re not lactose intolerant!), so feel free to try it out. Natural brightening solutions:The American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests moistening a cotton gauze pad with gentle saline solution, and lightly rubbing around/underneath each eye. You can also mix one part hydrogen peroxide to four parts water. Over time, this can have a subtle brightening effect. Use a cotton swab or makeup sponge to carefully dab this diluted mixture beneath (not in) the eye area, along the sides of the nose.

For example, dogs exposed to secondhand smoke and eating plastic dog food bowls are more likely to have tear stains.Our favorite is Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes. They’re lightly textured and contain aloe vera and chamomile to soothe irritated skin. If you prefer an eye wash, Burt’s Bees Natural Eye Wash is a simple saline solution that is pH balanced for dogs. What to Look For in Dog Tear Stain Removers Active Ingredients If the product comes with a warranty, ensure that it covers the period you expect to see results. If you don’t see results within the specified time frame, you can return the product and try another. Sets I also feed my dog a natural tear stain supplement and clean my dogs face every day with tear stain wipes.