Tear stains? What, why, and how to treat them?

Tear stains in dogs are a common concern for many dog owners. These reddish-brown streaks that appear under your dog's eyes can be caused by various factors such as discharge, yeast or bacterial infections, and... genetics. In certain breeds like Maltese, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs, there is a predisposition to these stains due to their facial structure or coat type.

The good news? With the right approach and consistent care, they can be effectively cleaned and the area kept well-groomed and hygienic. How? There are many tips and techniques to help eliminate tear stains and prevent their recurrence. And in the next blog post, we will discuss some of them.

"Angel Tears" - Why Does It Happen?

Tear stains develop when tears produced by your dog's tear ducts overflow and come into contact with the fur around their eyes. Tears contain a substance called porphyrin, and sometimes its accumulation around the eye can stain the fur. Factors such as eye irritation, bacterial buildup, or yeast may worsen the staining and make the problem chronic and unpleasant.

So, What To Do?

Here are 5 simple tips to remove your furry friend's tear stains and help prevent them in the future:

Tip #1: Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft cloth or a dedicated eye wipe. For dogs prone to chronic stains, we recommend doing this daily. For effective removal and soothing the area, you should try Arava's Pet Eye Wipes. Our wipes allow safe removal of tear stains with one wipe and contain natural extracts that will benefit the area over time.

Tip #2: For dogs with a history of severe stains or recurrent eye infections, it is recommended to clean with a special tear stain remover once a week or as needed. Arava's Healthy Eye Drops, formulated with natural ingredients, including minerals from the Dead Sea and essential oils with antibacterial and antifungal properties. In other words, the product is gentle and effective for dealing with stubborn tear stains and also for improving the overall health of the eye area.

Tip #3: Maintain the fur around your dog's eyes by trimming it. Consistent trimming of the fur around the eyes will prevent tear accumulation in this area and facilitate cleaning.

Tip #4: In some cases, consuming filtered water instead of tap water may help reduce stains. Tap water often contains a high mineral content - switching to filtered water in drinking bowls may minimize the minerals your dog consumes and reduce stains.

Tip #5: In extreme cases, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help control excessive tear production. This option should only be considered under the guidance of a professional, as each dog's condition is unique, and the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment must be determined by a veterinarian.

"My job is to wipe your tears"