Tear stains are the reddish-brown discoloration that appears in the fur beneath a dog's or cat's eyes, caused by porphyrins — iron-containing compounds naturally present in tears — oxidizing when exposed to air and light. In the large majority of cases this is a cosmetic issue rather than a sign of illness. Common, usually harmless causes include breed-related tear duct shape (especially in flat-faced and small breeds, where tears pool and run down the face instead of draining normally), diet and water mineral content, and teething in puppies, which temporarily increases tearing. A few signs point to something that needs a vet visit instead of a wipe: sudden onset of heavy tearing, tearing from only one eye, visible redness or swelling, or a change in the color or thickness of eye discharge. Those can indicate an infection, a blocked tear duct, or an irritant, rather than routine staining that responds to regular cleaning.
Managing the cosmetic staining
- Wipe the area daily rather than every few days — stains set into fur and become harder to remove the longer they sit
- Wipe in one direction, away from the eye, rather than scrubbing back and forth near the eye itself
- Keep the fur around the eyes trimmed short if your pet's breed allows it, which reduces how much fur is exposed to tears in the first place
Our Pet Tear Stain Wipes are pre-moistened and sized for daily use around the delicate eye area.