Many people wonder why some dogs and cats eyes water, which causes a stain on the fur just below their eyes. This condition is called epiphora. When the facial hair is wet from excess tearing it is the breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Not only is it unsightly but may be very irritating to your pet. The staining may also emit a moderate to noticeably strong odor.

Up until now these reddish brown stains due to tear pigments were hard to eliminate completely. Tear staining can be traced to health and diet, as well as genetics. Here are some helpful tips to improve your pets well being:

Keep your Pet Healthy - Have your pet checked at least twice a year by your veterinarian for ear infections and ear mites, gum infections, common yeast or bacterial infections of the eye (especially Red Yeast) and for clogged tear ducts.

Check your Pet’s Diet - Artificial food colorings (dyes), artificial food additives and preservatives, cereals such as wheat can cause allergies in cats and dogs. These allergies can cause tear stains. Also check for face rubbing, licking of front paws, head shaking, and ear inflammations these are other signs of allergies. Water minerals can also add to tear staining. Use bottled or filtered water in a stainless steel bowl.

Keep your Pet’s Eyes Clean - Hair in the eyes can cause infections and irritation. Eyelashes can grow at abnormal angles and rub on the eye. Check your pet’s eyes regularly. Also check for collected dust, stray hairs, and dried tears. Any foreign matter in the eye is likely to lead to tear stains.

Hygiene - Keep your pet’s eyes clean. Always wash your hands first before touching the area around their eyes. Wash your pet frequently. Always make sure you comb them first before washing to remove any knots or matt’s. Keep the shampoo out of their eyes to avoid irritation.

What are tear stains?

Tear stains are reddish/brownish marks found on the inside corner and just below the eyes of pets. These are most often found on animals with light-colored fur as this makes them more visible. Tear stains are caused by an overflow of tears which then react with normal bacteria found on the skin to produce the darkened color. Red Yeast is a common culprit in producing tear stains as this organism - like most fungi - thrives in the warm and damp environment just below your pet’s eyes.

Although tear stains do not generally pose any serious health risk, in some cases they may be associated with bacterial or yeast infections and are also unsightly and particularly undesirable on your beautiful dogs face.

The natural way

Unsightly tear stains can sometimes be linked to a low grade bacterial or yeast infection, so it is important to make sure that your pet has a healthy immune system. A varied and balanced diet containing plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit as well as raw meat will help to keep your pet’s immune system in top form. Regular exercise and a constant supply of fresh water is also helpful.

Keep your pet’s eyes clean and trim any hair that falls into the eye or irritates it – as this will cause excessive tearing. For long-haired dogs, have your pet groomer pay special attention to the hair around the eyes. There are also natural remedies that are very effective at maintaining a healthy immune system. Regular cleansing of the area with an herbal solution, followed by carefully drying the area will also help.

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