How to Clean a Dog's Tear Stains

Home
Grooming
How to Clean a Dog's Tear Stains

Easy

10 - 15 Minutes

1 Week

Need regular grooming services?

Browse Wellness Plan Options Browse Wellness Plan Options

Introduction

There is nothing quite as beautiful as a pup with glorious white hair that is kept well-groomed. The only problem is when your pup has those nasty tear stains under his eyes. There are several reasons why these stains appear. It could be a health issue, nutritional issues, centuries of overbreeding, or his eyes being irritated by overgrown hair. Thankfully, there are several ways to remove these stains. It is important that you keep these stains cleaned up as if the hair stays moist, it can lead to a yeast infection that makes it worse

Dog's Perspective

In reality, your pup probably couldn't care less what color the hair under his eyes is. But what he does care about is if this staining leads to any type of infection or damage to his vision. In most cases, tear stains can be easily removed, and their cause prevented.

The White Vinegar Method

Most Recommended

1 Vote

Towel

Step

Go shopping

Go to your local grocery store and pick up a bottle of white vinegar if you don't already have some at home.

Step

Call your dog

Call your dog over to an area of the floor where it won't matter if anything drips on it.

Step

Have him sit

Have your pup sit to help keep him from squirming and fussing.

Step

Dip a cotton ball

Dip a cotton ball in the vinegar and use it to gently clean the tear-stained area under your pup's eyes. Be very careful to keep the vinegar out of his eyes as it will burn and may cause damage.

Step

Work gently

Work through his hair gently to remove the stains. It may take several times before they are gone. In the meantime, add a teaspoon of the white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to his bowl of drinking water. This may help stop the growth of the organisms in his body that are responsible for the stains.

The Hydrogen Peroxide Method

Effective

1 Vote

Towel

Step

Gather your supplies

For this method, you will need some cornstarch and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide.

Step

Mix the paste

Create a mix of one teaspoon each hydrogen peroxide and water with enough corn starch to create a thick paste.

Step

Apply

Apply the paste to the hair under your pup's eyes and allow it to dry. Keep it in the stained areas, do not get it in his eyes.

Step

Wash it out

After the paste has had time to thoroughly dry, use plenty of fresh water to rinse it out and use your hands to help break the paste up and remove the stains.

Step

Repeat as necessary

Repeat this process until the stains are gone and then as necessary to keep them under control. This method works very well over time.

Caution & Considerations

Never allow either of these mixtures to get into your pup's eyes or on the sensitive skin around them, it could burn and cause permanent damage.
Always keep the hair around your pup's eyes trimmed back so that it doesn't irritate his eyes and cause more tearing and staining.
If you must cut some of the hair back, use sharp shears with rounded safety tips.
Be aware of the foods your dog eats. Some contain dyes and other products that will only make the problem worse.
If your tap water is high in mineral content, giving your pup bottled water can also help reduce staining.
If the problem persists or gets worse, be sure to take your pup to see his vet to see if there are any underlying medical conditions causing the staining.

Conclusion

For the most part, tear staining is just unsightly, but there is the risk of infection setting in if you don't keep the hair under your pup's eyes clean. It only takes a few minutes with readily available household products. You owe it to your four-legged friend to take care of this simple task on a regular basis.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Ralphie

Yorkie

15 Years

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

Ralphie

Yorkie

15 Years

When taken to be groomed he barks snarls till tongue turns purple. Therefore no groomer can finish grooming him. My daughter rescued him from California humane society. What can she do she has had him for a year

4 years, 9 months ago

Ralphie's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Thank you for the question about Ralphie. Have you discussed this with the vet? I would; there may be a reason for the aggression (such as arthritis). A check-up may reveal a problem. The vet can also recommend a groomer skilled in working with fearful and aggressive dogs. It may take several short visits to get Ralphie used to someone. Perhaps he had a bad experience years ago. He may be afraid of the clippers and scissors are needed instead. Good luck and I hope the vet visit goes well.

4 years, 9 months ago