Tear Stains on Dogs: Causes and How to Clean Them Gently

By the PETME2 Team · Updated October 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice

What are tear stains on dogs?

Tear stains on dogs are the rusty, reddish-brown streaks you may see running from the inner corner of the eyes down the face. They are most noticeable on white and light-colored dogs, such as Maltese, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and white Poodles, but any dog can get them.

Every dog makes tears to keep the eyes wet and clean. Normally, the tears drain through tiny ducts near the inner corner of each eye and flow into the nose. When more tears are made than can drain, or when the drain is too small or blocked, the extra tears spill onto the fur. Vets call this overflow epiphora. The wet fur then slowly changes color.

Why are tear stains red or brown?

Tears, saliva, and urine contain natural pigments called porphyrins. They are made when the body breaks down old red blood cells, and they contain iron. When tears with porphyrins sit on light fur and are exposed to light and air, they leave a pink, red, or rusty brown tint.

Fur that stays damp can also grow yeast or bacteria. This can make stains darker and sometimes gives them a musty smell. That is why keeping the area clean and dry is such a big part of managing tear stains.

What causes tear stains on dogs?

Tear stains happen when tears overflow onto the fur instead of draining away, most often because of face shape, hair near the eyes, eyelid or tear duct problems, or irritation and allergies.

Face shape and breed

Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese often have shallow eye sockets and eyes that bulge a little. Tears do not drain as easily, so they spill over. Small breeds may also have narrow tear ducts.

Hair around the eyes

Long facial hair can poke the eyes or act like a wick, pulling tears onto the face. Hair that grows inward from folds near the nose can rub the eye too.

Eyelid and eyelash problems

Some dogs have eyelids that roll inward or extra eyelashes that rub the eye. This irritation makes more tears. These problems need a vet to diagnose and treat.

Blocked or narrow tear ducts

If the tiny drainage ducts are narrow, blocked, or did not form fully, tears have nowhere to go but out. A vet can check whether the ducts drain properly.

Irritation and allergies

Dust, smoke, pollen, and other allergies can make the eyes water more. So can an eye infection, a scratch on the eye, or something stuck in the eye.

Teething in puppies

Many owners notice tear stains while their puppy is teething. Some puppies' stains get lighter after their adult teeth come in, but not all do.

Water and diet

Some owners notice that stains look better after switching to filtered water, cleaner bowls, or a different food. There is not strong research on this, and every dog is different. It is reasonable to offer fresh, clean water and a complete, balanced diet, and to ask your vet before making big food changes. Plastic bowls can get scratched and hold bacteria, so many people prefer stainless steel bowls or a fountain they clean often.

How do you get rid of dog tear stains? A gentle daily routine

Wipe the area gently once or twice a day, keep the fur dry and trimmed, and let old stained hair grow out or be trimmed away. You may not be able to make old stains disappear overnight, especially stains already set in the hair. The goal is to keep the area clean and dry so new stains have less chance to form. Here is how to get rid of dog tear stains gently, step by step:

1. Use a soft, clean cloth or cotton pad. Dampen it with lukewarm water or a saline eye rinse made for pets.
2. Wipe from the inner corner outward. Use slow, gentle strokes. Never wipe across the eyeball itself.
3. Use a fresh pad for each eye. This avoids moving any germs from one eye to the other.
4. Dry the fur. Pat the area with a dry pad. Dry fur stains less than damp fur.
5. Comb out any crust. A fine flea comb can gently lift dried crust after it softens.
6. Repeat once or twice a day. Consistency matters more than any single product.

Grooming tips to keep the eye area clean

• Keep the hair short around the eyes. A groomer can trim it safely. If you trim at home, use small round-tip scissors and have someone hold your dog still.
• Tie up the topknot. For long-haired breeds, a small clip or band keeps hair out of the eyes.
• Wash the face after meals. Food and water on the beard can add to staining around the mouth too.
• Brush the face regularly. Gentle brushing removes crust and helps you spot redness early.
• Clean the bowls daily. Wash food and water bowls every day with warm, soapy water and rinse well.

Fresh water and clean bowls

Giving your dog fresh, clean water every day is good for overall health. Some owners like a stainless steel fountain because the water stays moving and passes through a filter, and the steel surface is easy to clean. A fountain is not a tear stain treatment, but it can be part of a clean, simple routine. If you use one, clean it about weekly and change the filter on schedule. Our dog water fountain guide explains sizes and cleaning, and you can browse options in our water fountain collection.

When should you see a vet about tear stains?

Most tear stains are a cosmetic issue. But watery eyes can sometimes point to a problem that needs care. Call your vet if you notice:

• Red, swollen, or puffy eyes or eyelids
• Squinting, blinking a lot, or keeping an eye shut
• Pawing at the eye or rubbing the face on the floor
• Discharge that turns yellow, green, or thick
• A cloudy eye or a change in how the eye looks
• Tearing that starts suddenly or only in one eye
• A bad smell or raw, irritated skin under the eyes

Your vet can check the eyelids, lashes, and tear ducts and look for infection, allergies, or an injury. If there is an underlying cause, treating it often helps the staining too.

Do supplements help with tear stains?

There is limited evidence that they do, so a supplement is at most an extra step, not a fix. You will see many chews and powders sold for tear stains. Some contain ingredients like probiotics, cranberry, or antioxidants. A supplement will not fix a blocked tear duct, an eyelid problem, or long hair poking the eye. It can be an extra step alongside daily cleaning and grooming, not a replacement for them.

Be careful with any product that does not list its ingredients clearly. Never use a product that contains antibiotics unless your vet prescribed it. Always ask your vet before starting a supplement, especially if your dog takes other medicines or has a health condition.

PETME2 is preparing Tear Stain Soft Chews for Dogs. They are designed as a daily soft chew that supports a clean, bright eye area as part of a regular care routine. They are coming soon and are not available to buy yet. You can see our full upcoming line in the supplements collection.

Frequently asked questions

What causes tear stains on dogs?

Tear stains are caused by tears spilling onto the fur instead of draining through the tear ducts. Common reasons include a short or flat face, hair poking the eyes, eyelid or eyelash problems, narrow or blocked tear ducts, and irritation or allergies. Natural pigments in tears called porphyrins then tint light fur reddish-brown.

Are tear stains on dogs harmful?

Tear stains are usually a cosmetic issue, not a health problem on their own. But constantly wet fur can irritate the skin, and watery eyes can sometimes be a sign of an eye problem. See your vet if the eyes look red, swollen or uncomfortable.

Why are dog tear stains red or brown?

Dog tear stains are red or brown because tears contain natural iron-containing pigments called porphyrins. When tears sit on light fur and are exposed to air and light, they leave a pink, red or rusty tint. Damp fur can also grow yeast, which can make stains darker.

How do I get rid of dog tear stains fast?

There is no truly fast fix, because old stains in the hair often fade only as the hair grows out or is trimmed. Daily gentle wiping, keeping the fur dry and trimming hair near the eyes help stop new stains from forming. Ask a groomer to trim the area safely.

How often should I clean my dog's tear stains?

Once or twice a day is a good routine for dogs prone to tear staining. Wipe gently from the inner corner outward with a soft, damp pad, using a fresh pad for each eye. Always dry the fur afterward.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide on my dog's tear stains?

It is best not to use hydrogen peroxide near your dog's eyes. It can sting and damage the eye if it gets in. Stick to lukewarm water or a pet-safe eye rinse, and ask your vet about other products.

Should I use tear stain wipes?

Tear stain wipes can be fine if they are made for use around pet eyes and you follow the label. Plain lukewarm water or a saline eye rinse for pets on a soft pad also works for daily cleaning. Avoid human makeup removers, bleach and any product your vet has not approved near the eyes.

Why do white dogs get tear stains more?

White dogs do not necessarily make more tears, but the reddish tint simply shows up more on white and light-colored fur. All dogs have porphyrins in their tears. Many small white breeds also have face shapes that make tears overflow more easily.

Which dog breeds get tear stains the most?

Small, light-colored and short-nosed breeds are most often affected, such as Maltese, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Pugs and Pekingese. Shallow eye sockets and hair near the eyes make tears overflow more. Any dog can get tear stains, though.

Will my puppy grow out of tear stains?

Some puppies have fewer tear stains after teething ends, but many dogs keep some staining for life because of their face shape. A daily cleaning routine helps either way. Ask your vet if the tearing seems heavy or one-sided.

Can food or water cause tear stains in dogs?

There is little research showing that food or water causes tear stains, though some owners notice changes after switching foods or using filtered water. Fresh, clean water, clean bowls and a complete, balanced diet are good habits for every dog. Ask your vet before making big food changes.

Do tear stain chews or supplements work?

There is limited research on tear stain supplements, and they cannot fix a blocked tear duct, an eyelid problem or hair poking the eye. At most they can be an extra step alongside daily cleaning and grooming. Never use a product that contains antibiotics unless your vet prescribed it, and ask your vet before starting any supplement.

When should I take my dog to the vet for tear stains?

See your vet if you notice red or swollen eyes, squinting, pawing at the eye, yellow, green or thick discharge, a cloudy eye, or tearing that starts suddenly or in only one eye. A bad smell or raw skin under the eyes is also a reason to go. Your vet can check the eyelids, lashes and tear ducts.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet seems unwell, talk to your veterinarian.