If you have a light-colored pooch, then you may have noticed discoloration around his eyes.  Known as “tear stains,” this discoloration is caused by excessive tearing.  The tearing can be caused by a number of things.  Knowing the cause of the tearing can help tackle the problem, but it is often difficult to identify the culprit.  There are products and home remedies that claim to get rid of the stains; but are they safe, and do they work?

There are many reasons why your pet may have tear stains.  First, it is important to understand that the stain is caused by excessive tearing.  The question is:  what is causing the excessive tearing?  Eye irritation, eye duct problems, genetics, diet, health, fleas, bacterial infection, and certain minerals found in water can all lead to staining.  As the eyes tear, the tears get caught in the fur.  The constant moisture acts as a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.  If the stains are reddish-brown, then the color has been caused by “red yeast.”  If the stains are emitting a foul odor, then you should take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.  Your vet can help you get rid of the bacterial buildup.

Many owners get irritated with veterinarians when they say that the stains are not a big deal.  Although they are probably not hurting your pooch’s health, it does not mean that they are not a big deal to you.  If your pet has tear stains, then you still need to make a trip to the veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.  If fleas, infected tear ducts, or allergies are the culprit, then your vet can help you take care of the problem.  You may also want to consider making an appointment with a holistic veterinarian.  A holistic vet can tackle the root of the problem, including your pet’s diet, water consumption, and general health.

If there are no medical causes of the stains, then it is up to you to try to find a solution using a process of reduction.  The most obvious cause of eye irritation would be hair falling into the eyes.  If this is the case, then have the hair clipped.  If the stains are noticeable other places besides the eyes (such as around the mouth or genital area), then your pet’s drinking water may be the culprit.  Often, minerals found in drinking water can cause the stains.  If you think this is the case, then try to give your pet purified water for a couple of months and watch to see if the stains lessen.  Additives found in your pet’s food have been known to cause discoloration around the mouth area.  Consider implementing an all-natural, raw, or BARF diet (with the help of your veterinarian, of course).  Also, check your pet for fleas.  Fleas often use tears to acquire the moisture they need, leaving behind dirt and other material around your pet’s eyes.  Getting rid of the fleas may help get rid of the stains.

If you are looking for a temporary solution to the stains, then consider taking your pet to the groomer.  The groomer can clip or shave the hair around the pet’s eyes.  Also, ask your groomer what he or she uses to remove stains.  There are over-the-counter and at-home remedies that claim to make the tear stains less noticeable.  Your groomer can provide you with further insight, since he or she deals with the problem on a regular basis.  If you decide to use either of these remedies, then be extremely careful!  You should never use bleach or alcohol for removal, because of the harm these substances can cause.  Always follow the instructions carefully, and never let the mixture get into your pet’s eyes.

Pet stains may not be a serious medical problem, but they can be a problem for owners.  There are many reasons why your pet’s eyes tear excessively and cause stains.  It’s best to start with your veterinarian who can rule out any medical problems.  If there are not health problems, then you can start finding the cause using a process of reduction.  You can also take advice from your groomer on how to get rid of the stains.  No matter what you use or try, make sure that your pooch will not be harmed!

This article was provided by pet super store, which is an online pet site featuring orthopedic dog beds, pet crates and electronic pet doors