People that haven’t had dogs with tear stains before likely wonder what they are, where they come from, and whether or not they are permanent.
They can look a little strange to some people, but they are actually indicative of a lot of different things.
Does your dog have tear stains? If so, stain removers can help you clear away the discoloration and safely treat the issue.
Finding the best dog tear stain remover is easier than you may think! Here’s what you need to know about tear stains under your French bulldog’s eyes and what you can do about them.
What Are Dog Tear Stains?
Tear stains are the marks that appear under a dog’s eyes. Usually, it looks deep brown or reddish, but it can be something in-between depending on the dog’s fur.
Sometimes, you may notice that there is also discharge that comes with the stains. Even without the discharge, however, the tear stains may still show up.
You will usually see the dog tear stains on dogs that have a light fur color. It’s more noticeable on these dogs and can appear unsightly to some pet owners.
It’s important to note that your dog can still get tear stains even with the best grooming methods. You can bathe your dog the right way and accumulation can still happen in the eye area.
This can happen in almost any breed, but French bulldogs are especially known to have this issue as they grow into adult dogs.
Dog Tear Stain Causes
Many dogs have tear stains, but they don’t all have them for the same reason. A veterinarian is going to be able to help you figure out why your dog has the tear stains in the first place.
Some of the more common reasons your French bulldog may have these stains are:
Genetics
Some dogs are more likely to have tear stains than other dogs because of their breed. Brachycephalic dogs, such as French bulldogs, are prone to this issue.
The shape of their heads and the way that their eyes fit into the eye sockets influences how the tears accumulate. These dogs have more shallow eye sockets and the eyes bulge more than with other breeds.
The tears should flow through the ducts to drain away from the eye, but instead, they just sit and pool in the corners of these breeds.
There is also a genetic basis in other types of dogs that may impact whether or not tear staining occurs.
Environmental Factors
The living situation can cause tear stains as well. One thing to look out for is the amount of iron in the water you give your dog.
Using bottled water can remedy this issue if it’s what happens to be causing the tear stains, so that’s a simple remedy to try at home. I prefer to give my French bulldog bottled water for this very reason.
You also want to consider that some dogs have bad reactions to certain materials. Plastic food bowls, among other things, may cause allergies which show up as something that looks similar to tear stains.
Excess Porphyrin
Porphyrin is something that is excreted in tears, urine, and saliva. The porphyrin in the dog’s tears is what actually is causing the stain that you see.
This pigment is made from iron that is released into red blood cells. Some dogs just have more of this than others and it can impact their tears.
If there is too much of it, it will cause discoloration and it shows up in your dog’s light fur.
Abnormal Tear Ducts
If the tear duct does not empty into the nasal cavity as it should, tear stains will develop as the tears start to build up. A clogged tear duct will cause this issue.
You may also have a dog with ingrown eyelashes that rub on the eye. This may cause the eyes to start making more tears, which influences how the tear ducts react.
If you have any reason to believe this is the problem your dog has, you need to see a vet right away to see if there is anything that can be done to solve the tear duct problem.
Infections
In any dog, an infection around the eye can cause a lot of symptoms that are not pretty. Infections in the skin around your dog’s eyes may look like tear stains, but actually be something else.
Many pet owners worry about the cost when taking their dogs to the vet, but with pet insurance, you won’t have to worry quite as much.
This is a good option for you to look into before any issues like this occur to save some money in the long run.
If the tear stain is more of a brown color, it may be caused by an infection. Always have your vet take a look at your dog’s eyes to see if there is an infection before assuming the tear stains are impossible to avoid.
What Exactly Does Dog Tear Stain Remover Do?
Dog tear stain remover works by removing the stain from the fur. If you think of it like taking a stain out of the carpet or your favorite shirt, it’s a similar process.
Not all stain removers are created equal and you want to be sure that you use the safest options available for your French bulldog.
It’s not a good idea to use any products that impact the way your dog produces tears, but instead, find products that will clear the build-up. This makes the stains less likely to get worse over time.
A dog tear stain remover will clear out the gunk that has accumulated so that the staining will stop. You will want to apply it every day for at least a week. After a week is up, you can see how it looks and continues to do it once a week for maintenance.
There is the chance that your dog’s fur is permanently dyed. If this happens, you can wait for the fur to grow out and simply trim it. Applying the stain remover is still important to ensure the fur doesn’t continue to get stained as it’s growing.
3 Of the best dog tear stain remover Options
1. Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Solution For Dogs
2. Cliny Universal Eye Cleaner For Dogs
3. Segminismart Eye Tear Stain Remover Wipes For Dogs
What Is The Best Dog Tear Stain Remover?
Not everyone wants to make their own stain remover and luckily, there are several on the market that people swear by.
If you are interested in giving your dog a supplement for the tear stains, there are certain ingredients you want to look for. Be sure to find options that include vitamin C and alpha-linolenic acid.
You want to choose a product that is specifically made for dog tear stains because those will have the ingredients you need to see a difference.
It’s always a good idea to go with a product that has ingredients you trust, but sometimes, chemicals are necessary. If you are going with a product that has a lot of chemicals in it, it’s important to be as careful as possible around your pup’s eyes.
Another great product choice, especially if you’d rather have something to apply on the tear stains themselves, are eye wipes. The wipes can be used daily on the area that is stained.
A pet supply store likely has a lot of all-natural tear stain removers that may work for your dog. If you’re still not sure which route is the best for you, you could ask your dog groomer and see if they have any recommendations.
DIY Dog Tear Stain Remover Recipes
If you’re the DIY type of person, you may want to create homemade solutions that will help your dog’s tear stains.
Adding one teaspoon of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar into your dog’s water will increase your dog’s pH acidity. This will help prevent bacteria and yeast infections, which helps your dog’s eyes stop tearing so much.
Another option is using equal parts milk of magnesia mixed and hydrogen peroxide with a little cornstarch. You can make a paste that you rub onto your dog’s stains and let sit for a few hours. Thoroughly wash it off and be sure not to let your dog get his or her paws on it while it’s doing its job.
Hydrogen peroxide alone may work if you heavily dilute it with water. You can apply it to clean off the stains, but be careful – hydrogen peroxide in your French bulldog’s eye is not a good idea.
Does Your Dog Have Unsightly Stains?
If your dog has tear stains and you’d like to get rid of them, you need to choose the best dog tear stain remover.
Our French bulldogs are adorable, but tear stains are not cute. While it may not be something that bothers your pup, it’s still smart to keep him or her well-groomed.
If you need some more tips on keeping your French bulldog healthy and happy, check out our website’s health section to stay informed!
