Dog Tear Stains: Causes, When They're Concerning, and How to Help

If you've been wiping rusty-red streaks from beneath your dog's eyes, you've met one of the most asked-about cosmetic concerns in companion-dog medicine. In 2026, veterinary ophthalmologists continue to remind owners that tear staining is sometimes cosmetic and sometimes medical — and the difference matters. Here's how to tell what's behind the stains, and when it's time for a closer look.

What Are Tear Stains?

Tear stains, technically called epiphora staining, are the reddish-brown discoloration of the fur beneath a dog's eyes caused by excess tearing. The color comes from porphyrins — natural compounds in tears that oxidize on contact with air and turn fur rust-colored. White and light-coated breeds show the staining most dramatically: Maltese, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are classic examples.

According to AKC experts, the staining itself is rarely harmful, but the tearing that causes it can have many root causes — some of them medical and treatable.

Why Is My Dog Producing So Many Tears?

Excess tearing (epiphora) generally happens for one of two reasons:

Reason 1: The Eye Is Producing More Tears Than Normal

Triggers include:

• Eye irritation (dust, smoke, shampoo, hair rubbing the cornea)
• Allergies — environmental or food (see our guide on why dogs itch)
• Conjunctivitis or infection — see signs of dog eye infections
• Corneal ulcer or scratch
• Glaucoma (a serious condition causing increased eye pressure)
• Foreign body in the eye

Reason 2: Tears Can't Drain Properly

Triggers include:

• Blocked tear ducts (congenital narrow ducts in many small breeds)
• Shallow eye sockets (common in flat-faced breeds — Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus)
• Eyelid abnormalities (entropion, ectropion)
• Cherry eye — the gland of the third eyelid prolapses. See our explanation of dog cherry eye
• Hair growing into the eye (eyelash issues like distichiasis)

Cosmetic vs. Concerning: How to Tell

Make a vet appointment if you see any of the following alongside tear stains:

• Redness in the whites of the eyes
• Yellow, green, or pus-like discharge (rather than clear tearing) — see causes of watery eyes in dogs
• Squinting or holding one eye closed
• Pawing or rubbing at the face
• Sudden onset of staining where there wasn't any before
• Cloudiness, swelling, or visible third eyelid
• Strong odor or skin irritation under the eye

If staining is gradual, symmetrical, and your dog seems comfortable, it's more likely cosmetic — though a single vet check is still worthwhile to rule out duct problems.

How To Manage Tear Stains at Home

For cosmetic staining in healthy eyes:

Daily Eye Cleaning

• Wipe under the eyes once or twice daily with a damp, soft cloth or a vet-approved eye wipe
• Use sterile saline (the same kind used for human contact lenses) — never harsh shampoos or soaps near the eyes
• Pat the fur dry afterward to prevent yeast and bacteria buildup

Keep Fur Trimmed

Hairs that rub the cornea trigger more tearing. Have a groomer or your vet trim the fur around the eyes regularly with blunt-tipped scissors.

Watch Their Food and Water

• Some dogs stain more on diets high in dyes, beef, or certain proteins. Try a limited-ingredient food and see if staining lessens over weeks.
• Use a ceramic or stainless bowl rather than plastic (plastic can harbor bacteria and trigger contact dermatitis)
• Filtered water sometimes helps in areas with high mineral content

Avoid Unsafe Home Remedies

Skip products that contain antibiotics (like tylosin-based supplements) unless prescribed by your vet — repeated low-dose antibiotic use contributes to resistance and is increasingly discouraged in 2026.

Skip bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar on the face. The skin under the eye is delicate, and these can cause chemical burns.

How Voyage Can Help

Not sure whether the staining you're seeing is cosmetic or a sign of an eye problem? Voyage AI Vet can help you compare the look, smell, and pattern with what your breed typically experiences — and tell you whether it's worth a vet check. Plans start at $4.99/month, 24/7.

When To Worry

Some causes of tearing require urgent care:

• Sudden cloudiness or blue tint to the eye
• Visible pain — squinting, pawing, hiding
• Bulging eye or visibly different eye sizes
• Bleeding from the eye
• Sudden vision loss (bumping into things)

Glaucoma and severe corneal ulcers are time-sensitive emergencies. If in doubt, head to an emergency vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do white dogs have tear stains more visibly? A: The porphyrins in tears stain any color fur — but you can only see the rust color on light-coated dogs. Dark dogs likely have the same tearing without visible staining.

Q: Will tear stains go away on their own? A: If the underlying cause is treated (blocked duct opened, allergy controlled, eyelid issue fixed), new fur will grow in clean. The already-stained fur won't change color — but it will grow out and be trimmed away.

Q: Are tear stains painful for dogs? A: The staining itself isn't painful, but the moisture under the eyes can cause skin irritation, yeast infections, and dermatitis if not cleaned. The underlying tearing may or may not be painful.

Q: Do certain breeds get tear stains more? A: Yes — flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds and small breeds with narrow tear ducts are most prone. Maltese, Shih Tzus, Poodles, Bichons, Cocker Spaniels, and Bulldogs are common examples.

Q: Can diet really change tear staining? A: For some dogs, yes. Trying a higher-quality, limited-ingredient diet for 8–12 weeks may help — but if staining is caused by a duct or eye problem, food won't fix it.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Any eye pain, sudden changes, or discharge that isn't clear should prompt a vet visit.