Different Ways to Treat Tear Stains in Dogs
Tear stains in dogs are not only unsightly and embarrassing, but they’re also a sign that something’s wrong inside your pet’s body. They’re the result of the buildup of pigments in the tears and can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, diet, and eye infections.
So, how do you treat dog tear stains? Well, treating them can be a bit tricky, but there are several things you can do to help reduce their appearance, such as using topical products, altering your pet’s diet, and taking them to frequent vet check-ups. Read on to learn more about how to treat your pet’s tear stains!
Try Pet Eye Care
One of the most common ways to fight tear stains is by using safe and effective pet eyecare products. These are designed to keep your dog’s eyes clean and healthy and they’re particularly useful for breeds with naturally teary eyes or for dogs that are prone to eye infections. However, it’s always best to consult with a vet before using any new product on your pet.
Tear stains are a common problem for many dogs, regardless of their breed. They’re most visible in pets with lighter-coloured fur. They look unpleasant and may indicate an underlying medical condition. Tear stain removers are helpful and efficient pet eyecare products that work by breaking down the pigments in the tears that cause the stains, allowing you to easily wipe them away. Apply the product topically to the affected area and use it together with other eye care products if you need to.
Another product of eye care pets benefit from is the eye wipe. Eye wipes are pre-moistened pads that you can use to gently clean the area around your pup’s eyes. Use them to remove dirt, debris, and tear stains, or to clean and soothe irritated eyes. Eye wipes are easy to use and they’re a convenient way to keep your furry friend’s eyes clean and healthy.
A third helpful pet eye care product is eye gel. These gels help soothe your pet’s irritated eyes. Many of them contain ingredients that reduce inflammation and redness. Eye gels are particularly useful for dogs that are prone to eye infections, as they help keep the area around the eyes clean and healthy.
In any case, these products are effective in removing tear stains, cleaning and soothing irritated eyes, and reducing inflammation around your pup’s eyes. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before using any new product on your pet to ensure that it is appropriate and safe for your dog.
Examine Their Food and Water
In addition to using specific pet eye care products, changing your pet’s water and diet can also help to remove tear stains. One of the main causes of tear stains is the excess yeast and bacteria in your pet’s diet. Changing to a diet that’s low in sugar and processed ingredients reduces the amount of yeast and bacteria in their system, which helps to reduce tear stains.
Another factor that contributes to tear stains is the quality of the water that your pet is drinking. Hard water contains high levels of minerals that can contribute to tear stains. Using filtered or distilled water for your pet reduces the mineral content in their water and reduces tear stains.
It’s important to note that while changing your pet’s diet and water can be helpful in reducing tear stains, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect that your pet has a medical condition causing the tear stains.
Use Vinegar
Does vinegar help remove dog tear stains? A lot of pet owners use this essential pantry ingredient as a natural tear stain remover. Apple cider vinegar is the most commonly recommended type of vinegar for pups. However, it’s always best to dilute it before adding it to your dog’s water. A general guideline is to mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 quart of water. Start with small amounts of vinegar and gradually increase the amount, as dogs often don’t like the taste of vinegar.
Manage Your Pet’s Anxiety
Lastly, stress and anxiety are two other contributing factors in the development of dog tear stains. They can cause your dog to produce more tears, which leads to staining around the eyes. They also lead to other health problems that can cause tear stains. This is why dogs who are prone to anxiety or stress often have a higher chance of developing tear stains.
It’s important to address the underlying causes of stress and anxiety in dogs, such as lack of exercise, or lack of socialization. Consult with a vet or a professional dog trainer to help you create a plan to address your pup’s stress and anxiety.
There are several things that you can do to help reduce stress and anxiety in your pet:
-Provide a comfortable and safe environment: Make sure your pet has a comfortable and safe place to rest, such as a cosy dog bed or crate, and reduce any loud noises or other stressors in the environment;
-Provide a consistent routine: Pets thrive on routine and predictability. So, establish a consistent feeding and exercise schedule to help reduce their stress and anxiety;
-Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for maintaining your pet’s physical and mental well-being. Make sure your pet gets enough physical activity each day, whether that be through walks, playtime, or training sessions;
-Mental stimulation: Provide your pet with plenty of mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzles, and training. This helps to reduce boredom and stress;
-Socialization: Socialization is essential for helping pets feel comfortable and secure in new environments and around new people and animals.