Puppy Hill - Teacup, Toy & Tiny Toy Poodles

What Causes Tear Staining?

Excessive Tearing & Blocked Tear Ducts
Excessive tearing can be caused by blockage in the tear ducts. When the tears produced are not able to drain properly this causes the tears to overflow onto the muzzle. It is important to keep the muzzle are around the eyes dry because this moisture can cause the eye area to get infected. Moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and/or yeast. Yeast infections can cause a deep reddish-brown stain. Bacteria infections can also cause excessive tearing and staining.

To determine if your dog has blocked tear ducts you will need to set an appointment with your veterinarian ophthalmologist. They can evaluate your dog and see if it would be necessary to flush open the tear ducts.

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Distilled water contains no minerals and is ideal for trying to prevent tear staining. Some areas have very high mineral counts in the water. Minerals like iron can also stain the facial hair on your dog. Always keep your dogs muzzle clean and dry.

Smoking around your dog is not only unhealthy for him but the smoke will irritate the eyes and will cause excessive tearing and staining.

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How to reduce or eliminate tear staining?

When trying to whiten your dogs face keep in mind that without discovering the source(s) you will continue to struggle with this problem. That being said there are many different things you can do to help reduce and/or eliminate tear staining. Here are a few suggestions:

Topical Daily Care:
1st Clean the stained areas with Pure Paws Ultra No Rinse Shampoo mixed with 50% distilled water. Work this into the coat with you fingers avoiding the eyes, nose and mouth. Once the stained area is saturated take a cotton swab, soak it with 3% hydrogen peroxide, and squeeze the hydrogen peroxide over the bridge of the nose taking care not to get into the eyes, nose or mouth. Towel off the excess and blow dry the coat.

2nd Once the coat is dry. Take a make up brush and apply Whitening Powder or Corn Starch to the stained areas. These powders will help keep moisture out of the coat.

3rd Make sure to clean the face once a day and make sure the eye area is free of moisture. Always give extra attention to this area when conditioning your dog.

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