| Are you battling tear stains on your white or | | | | MEDICALLY INDUCED |
| light-colored dog? As a professional groomer, I see | | | | Dog owners need to evaluate the food they are |
| many, many dogs that exhibit unsightly tear stains | | | | feeding to their pets and be sure that they are using |
| and beard stains. In addition, some of these dogs are | | | | a high-quality dog food that is not rampant with |
| even discoloring their feet, legs and body with the | | | | sugar, salt, preservatives and chemicals. If you are |
| saliva they leave on their fur from licking and | | | | feeding canned food to your dog, consider |
| chewing. | | | | introducing a high-quality dry food to provide optimal |
| Possible Causes of Tear Stains | | | | nutrition. |
| Staining is usually of a reddish color and sometimes | | | | The next item to look closely at is the water that |
| emits an odor. It is important to attempt to | | | | your dog drinks. Tap water can be high in minerals |
| determine the cause of the staining. Some possible | | | | and well water can be high in various items such as |
| causes are: | | | | copper and iron which could contribute to the tear |
| * genetic predisposition | | | | staining. A popular suggestion as of late is to train |
| * high mineral content in drinking water | | | | your dog to drink from a water bottle (thus |
| * eye infection | | | | preventing high-mineral water from sitting on the |
| * ear infection | | | | coat). Another idea it to use distilled water. |
| * irritating eyelashes or hair that rub against the eye | | | | There are several products currently on the market |
| * yeast infection (from the area around the eye | | | | that address the tear staining problem. Many of |
| remaining wet) | | | | these products contain a percentage of antibiotic. |
| * blocked tear ducts | | | | Unless you are specifically dealing with an infection in |
| * diet | | | | your dog's eyes or ears, it would be wise to discuss |
| * parasites such as fleas and mites | | | | the ramifications of extended antibiotic usage with |
| * allergies | | | | your veterinarian. |
| You should consult with your veterinarian or groomer | | | | TEAR STAIN MANAGEMENT NATURALLY |
| to try to narrow down the potential cause of the | | | | There are two possible solutions to tear staining that |
| tear staining. Once you have ruled out some of the | | | | can easily be implemented. The first is to add a small |
| obvious medical conditions such as infections, extra | | | | amount of white vinegar (1 teaspoon) to your pet's |
| eyelashes, and blocked tear ducts, you will be able to | | | | water. Start with a smaller amount in the water until |
| address the conditions that you may well have | | | | your pet can adjust to the taste. The vinegar |
| control over. | | | | changes the pH of the water. |
| If your dog is experiencing ear irritation or infection, | | | | Secondly, include a 1/2 teaspoon of cream cheese |
| there is a high incidence of the infection completely | | | | (yes, like Philadelphia brand) in your dog's food or as |
| running through their body and resulting in multiple | | | | a treat on a daily basis. Customers who have tried |
| issues throughout. Many dogs we see that have tear | | | | this method have found that the tear staining cleared |
| staining are also affected with inner ear infections. So | | | | up in three to four weeks. |
| be sure to confirm that your dog's ears are clean and | | | | In any event, please check with your vet to rule out |
| free from infection. Your vet will prescribe the | | | | any medical conditions, allergies or infections that may |
| appropriate ear drops and/or antibiotics. You will have | | | | be causing the tear staining in your dog. Once you've |
| to be diligent in treating the ears as prescribed in | | | | ruled out those possibilities, you can address the |
| order to alleviate the condition. | | | | other options. Always consult with your veterinarian |
| HOW TO MANAGE TEAR STAINING NOT | | | | when trying a new regimen. |