What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs and Cats?

Tear stains are a common concern for both dogs and cats, especially in light-colored breeds where reddish-brown staining is more noticeable beneath the eyes. While tear stains are often cosmetic, they can sometimes signal underlying factors such as excess tearing, irritation, breed anatomy, or diet-related sensitivities. Understanding what causes tear stains in dogs and cats helps pet parents address the root issue rather than just the visible discoloration. This guide explains why tear stains develop, what may contribute to them, and natural ways to help manage and reduce staining safely.

Key Takeaways

-Tear stains in dogs and cats are usually caused by excess tearing, irritation, or anatomical factors.

-Light-colored breeds tend to show staining more prominently, but any pet can develop tear stains.

-Staining itself is often cosmetic, but persistent tearing may require veterinary evaluation.

-Gentle cleaning, grooming, and environmental adjustments can help manage mild tear stains.

-Addressing underlying causes is more effective than focusing only on surface stain removal.

What Causes Tear Stains in Dogs and Cats?

Tear stains develop when excessive tears collect under the eyes and soak into the surrounding fur. Over time, this moisture can oxidize and react with naturally occurring compounds in tears, leaving behind reddish-brown or rust-colored staining. While the discoloration itself is often cosmetic, the underlying cause of increased tearing is what matters most.

Several factors can contribute to tear stains in dogs and cats:

Excess Tearing (Epiphora)

Epiphora is the medical term for overflow of tears. When tear production exceeds normal drainage, moisture accumulates beneath the eyes and increases staining. This may happen temporarily due to mild irritation or more consistently in certain breeds.

Breed Anatomy

Some dogs and cats are naturally more prone to tear stains due to facial structure. Breeds with short muzzles, shallow eye sockets, or prominent eyes may experience altered tear drainage. Light-colored coats also make staining more visible.

Blocked or Narrow Tear Ducts

Tears normally drain through small ducts near the inner corners of the eyes. If these ducts are partially blocked or narrow, tears may spill onto the face instead of draining properly.

Eye Irritation or Environmental Triggers

Dust, pollen, grooming products, smoke, and even indoor air dryness can irritate the eyes and increase tear production. Minor irritation may lead to temporary staining.

Diet and Water Sensitivities

In some pets, dietary changes or ingredient sensitivities may contribute to increased tearing. Sudden diet shifts, artificial additives, or inconsistent feeding routines can sometimes affect overall eye and skin health.

Yeast and Bacteria Growth

Constant moisture beneath the eyes can create an environment where yeast or bacteria may grow on the fur. This can deepen staining and cause discoloration to appear darker over time.

Identifying which of these factors may be contributing helps guide a more effective approach, rather than focusing only on surface stain removal.

The Role of Porphyrins

Tears naturally contain compounds called porphyrins, which are iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. While porphyrins are normally eliminated through bile and waste, small amounts can also be released through tears and saliva. When tears containing porphyrins sit on the fur, they oxidize and create the reddish-brown discoloration commonly seen as tear stains.

Why Do Some Puppies Have Tear Stains?

Tear stains are common in puppies and are often temporary. As puppies grow, their facial structure and tear ducts are still developing, which can affect how tears drain. During teething, puppies may also produce more tears due to mild facial and gum discomfort, which can increase staining beneath the eyes.

Changes in diet, new environments, and developing immune systems can also contribute to mild eye sensitivity in young pets. In many cases, puppy tear stains improve as the head and tear ducts mature. However, persistent tearing, swelling, or discharge should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out infection or structural issues.

Natural Ways to Help Reduce Tear Stains

Managing tear stains naturally focuses on reducing excess moisture, minimizing irritation, and supporting overall eye and skin health. Because tear stains are often linked to underlying causes rather than the stain itself, consistency is key.

Gentle Daily Cleaning

Keeping the area beneath the eyes clean and dry can help prevent staining from deepening. Use a soft cloth or cotton pad dampened with warm water to gently wipe away moisture and debris. Avoid harsh products or anything that may irritate the delicate skin around the eyes. Regular cleaning reduces buildup and helps prevent constant dampness.

Keep Facial Fur Trimmed

Long facial hair can trap tears and hold moisture against the skin. Carefully trimming fur around the eyes (or working with a groomer) helps improve airflow and keeps the area drier. This is especially helpful for long-haired breeds.

Use Clean, Fresh Water

Some pet owners choose to offer filtered or purified water, particularly if their local water supply is high in minerals. While not a guaranteed solution, reducing mineral exposure may help minimize staining in certain pets.

Maintain Diet Consistency

Sudden diet changes can sometimes contribute to increased tearing in sensitive pets. Rapid ingredient shifts, artificial additives, or inconsistent feeding routines may affect overall skin and eye comfort in certain dogs and cats. Feeding a consistent, balanced diet helps reduce unnecessary digestive disruption and supports overall wellness.

If you suspect diet may be contributing to excessive tearing, gradual transitions and simplified ingredient profiles are often more helpful than frequently switching foods in search of quick results.

Support Overall Gut and Immune Health

The digestive system plays an important role in overall skin and eye health. A large portion of the immune system is located in the gut, and digestive imbalance can sometimes influence inflammatory responses throughout the body, including the delicate tissues around the eyes.

While tear stains are not always diet-related, some pets with ongoing tearing may benefit from supporting gut balance and digestive consistency. A stable microbiome supports normal immune function and may help reduce sensitivities that contribute to excessive tearing in certain individuals.

Probiotics formulated for dogs and cats can be used to help maintain healthy gut flora, especially during periods of diet change, stress, or digestive sensitivity. They are not a direct treatment for tear stains, but they may support overall balance in pets where gut health plays a contributing role.

As with any supplement, introduce gradually and monitor your pet’s response. Persistent tearing or eye irritation should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Keep the Area Dry

After cleaning, gently pat the fur dry to prevent lingering moisture. Reducing prolonged dampness helps minimize discoloration and irritation over time.

Natural approaches often require patience. Tear stains may not disappear immediately, but consistent grooming and supportive care can help reduce their appearance and prevent worsening.

When to See a Veterinarian About Tear Stains

While tear stains are often cosmetic, certain signs suggest a veterinary evaluation is needed. Contact your veterinarian if you notice thick yellow or green discharge, redness of the eye itself, squinting, swelling, odor, or signs of pain. Frequent pawing at the face, sudden onset of tearing, or staining in only one eye can also signal infection, blocked tear ducts, scratches to the eye surface, or structural concerns.

FAQ

Why are tear stains reddish-brown?

Tear stains often appear reddish-brown due to natural compounds in tears that darken when exposed to air and light. When tears sit on the fur repeatedly, oxidation can cause discoloration to become more noticeable, especially on light-colored coats.

Are tear stains caused by food?

Food can contribute in some cases, particularly if a pet has sensitivities or frequent diet changes. However, tear stains are more commonly related to excess tearing, breed anatomy, or irritation. Diet is just one possible contributing factor, not the sole cause.

Do probiotics help tear stains?

Probiotics do not directly remove tear stains. However, supporting gut balance and immune health may help some pets who experience tearing related to digestive sensitivity or inflammation. Persistent tearing should still be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Why does only one eye have tear stains?

Tear staining in one eye may indicate uneven tear drainage, mild irritation, or a localized issue affecting that eye. If tearing is sudden, excessive, or accompanied by redness or discomfort, veterinary evaluation is recommended.

Do puppies and kittens outgrow tear stains?

Some young pets outgrow mild tear staining as their facial structure and tear ducts mature. However, ongoing tearing, discharge, or irritation should be assessed by a veterinarian.

Are tear stains harmful?

Tear stains themselves are usually cosmetic. However, constant moisture can irritate the skin over time, and excessive tearing may signal an underlying issue that requires professional guidance.