Dog Tear Stains: What Causes Them, and Is Food Involved?

Dog tear stains happen when tears overflow and keep the fur under the eyes wet. The reddish-brown color comes from a pigment in tears called porphyrin, and it shows most on pets with light-colored fur. Cat tear stains form the same way. Food can be only one of many causes, through allergies, so have your vet check your pet before you change food.

What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs and Cats?

Tear overflow (epiphora) is a sign, not the name of a disease. It happens when the eyes make too many tears, or when tears cannot drain into the nose fast enough. Common causes are:

• Face shape: flat-faced pets, such as Persian and Himalayan cats and some flat-faced dog breeds, do not drain tears well.
• Blocked tear ducts: from inflammation debris, a foreign object, or a lump pressing on the duct.
• Hair or eyelashes irritating the eye: eyelashes growing in the wrong place, or eyelids that roll inward/outward.
• Infections and eye diseases: such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and glaucoma. Cats with herpesvirus or calicivirus (cat flu) can have eye discharge, sneezing and a runny nose.
• Allergies: your vet needs to check what your pet is allergic to. Don’t guess.

Are Tear Stains Linked to Food?

In some cases, yes, but it is only one of many causes. A food allergy is one type of allergy, and allergies can cause heavy tearing. If you change food yourself before knowing the cause, you may miss an eye disease that your vet should look after.

• Food cannot replace a check-up by your vet.
• If your vet suspects a food allergy, they will plan a food trial. Research recommends at least 8 weeks.
• During the trial, give only the food your vet recommends, and ask before giving any snacks.

Dog Tear Stains Won’t Wipe Off. What Can You Do?

If the root cause has not been looked after, the tears keep flowing and new stains form. So wiping only keeps the area clean while your vet finds the cause.

• Gently wipe around the eyes with a clean cloth dipped in warm water, then pat dry every time.
• Ask a groomer or your vet to trim the fur around the eyes short.
• Never use products containing hydrogen peroxide near the eyes. They may cause serious eye damage.
• Never use leftover eye drops from a previous time, or medicine meant for another pet.

Which Tear Stains Need a Vet Visit?

Whenever you see tear stains, have your vet check for a hidden disease. Go soon if you see these signs:

• More tearing than usual, or red or swollen eyes
• Squinting, keeping the eyes closed, or blinking often
• Cloudy, yellow, green or reddish eye discharge
• Red, smelly or infected-looking skin under the eyes
• A cat with eye discharge plus sneezing and a runny nose

Summary

Tear stains form when tears overflow and wet the fur, turning it reddish-brown. There are many causes, and food is only one of them.

Care for the area by wiping it clean and patting it dry, and let your vet find the cause before you change food.

If your pet has more tearing, red eyes, squinting, or yellow-green eye discharge, take them to see a vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read more: Choose the ‘Right’ Food by Reading the Label Like an Expert · Which Cat or Dog Food Brand Is Best? 7 Checks Before You Choose

References: VCA Animal Hospitals, Merck Veterinary Manual, Cornell Feline Health Center, BMC Veterinary Research