How to Remove Tear Stains on White Dogs: Complete Guide

If you have a white or light-colored dog, you know the struggle: those stubborn reddish-brown streaks running from the eyes down the face. They make your beautiful Maltese, Bichon, or white Poodle look permanently tired or dirty, no matter how often you bathe them.

These tear stains aren't just cosmetic—they can indicate underlying issues and, if left untreated, can develop secondary infections. Let's break down what causes them, how to remove them safely, and how to prevent them from coming back.

What Are Tear Stains?

The Science Behind the Stain

The reddish-brown color is caused by porphyrins—iron-containing molecules that are naturally present in tears, saliva, and urine.

When tears flow over the fur and dry, the porphyrins oxidize (react with oxygen and light), turning from clear to rust-colored. It's literally the iron in the tears rusting on your dog's face.

This is why:

• White and light-colored dogs show it most (the stain is equally present on dark dogs—just invisible)
• The stains darken over time (continued oxidation)
• Sunlight makes it worse (UV light accelerates oxidation)

Normal Tearing vs. Excessive Tearing

All dogs produce tears. But excessive tearing (epiphora) leads to more staining. Causes include:

Anatomical factors:

• Shallow eye sockets (common in brachycephalic breeds)
• Blocked tear ducts
• Ingrown eyelashes (distichiasis)
• Entropion (eyelid rolling inward)
• Small, narrow tear ducts

Environmental factors:

• Allergies (food or environmental)
• Irritants (smoke, dust, perfumes)
• Dry air
• Wind

Health factors:

• Eye infections
• Ear infections (surprisingly linked to eye tearing)
• Teething in puppies
• Stress

Breeds Most Affected

Tear staining is especially common in:

• Maltese
• Bichon Frise
• Shih Tzu
• Poodle (especially white/cream)
• Havanese
• Lhasa Apso
• Pekingese
• Cocker Spaniel
• Bulldog
• Pug

These breeds often have shallow eye sockets, long facial hair that wicks tears, or naturally excessive tear production.

The Red Yeast Problem

If tear stains have a funky smell or the area seems irritated, you may have a secondary issue: red yeast infection.

When the fur stays constantly wet from tears, it creates a warm, moist environment—perfect for yeast to thrive. The yeast (usually Malassezia or a red yeast variant) causes:

• Increased reddish-brown color
• Unpleasant smell
• Itching or irritation
• Skin inflammation under the fur

Treating tear stains also means treating the yeast if it's present.

How to Remove Existing Tear Stains

Daily Maintenance Cleaning

The foundation of stain control is keeping the area clean and dry.

What you'll need:

• Warm water or sterile saline solution
• Soft cotton pads, gauze, or a clean cloth
• Optional: veterinary-approved eye wipe

The process:

1. Dampen a cotton pad with warm water or saline
2. Gently wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward
3. Go over the stained fur, wiping in the direction of hair growth
4. Use a dry cotton pad to thoroughly dry the area
5. Repeat 1-2 times daily

Key point: The drying step is critical. Moisture = more yeast = more staining.

Addressing Stained Fur

For existing stains that won't wipe away:

DIY Solutions:

Contact lens saline solution:

• Use as a daily wipe
• Helps break down porphyrins
• Safe near eyes

Colloidal silver spray:

• Has mild antibacterial/antifungal properties
• Apply to a cloth and wipe (don't spray near eyes)

Diluted apple cider vinegar (1:1 with water):

• Apply to fur ONLY, avoiding eyes
• Helps with yeast
• Test on a small area first—can irritate some dogs

Professional Products:

Look for tear stain removers that are:

• Antibiotic-free (antibiotics shouldn't be used this way)
• Tylosin-free (controversial ingredient)
• pH-balanced
• Designed for use near eyes

Popular veterinary-recommended options include Eye Envy, Angels' Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes, and Burt's Bees Tear Stain Remover.

The "Blueberry Facial"

Groomers often do "blueberry facials" for tear staining. These are:

• Gentle exfoliating treatments
• Antioxidant-rich (blueberry extract)
• Help lift surface staining
• Can be done at home with dog-specific products

Look for products specifically formulated for this—don't DIY with human products.

What About Stubborn Stains?

If staining has been present for months or years, the fur itself may be permanently discolored. In this case:

• Careful trimming of the stained fur (by a groomer)
• Keeping new growth clean and dry
• Time (as clean fur grows in)

You cannot bleach the stains away safely. Products that "bleach" stains are often too harsh for near-eye use.

Preventing Future Stains

Removal is only half the battle. Prevention keeps them from returning.

Step 1: Check the Water

Tap water is often the culprit. Municipal water contains:

• Iron (which adds to porphyrin staining)
• Minerals
• Chlorine

The fix:

• Switch to filtered water (Brita or similar)
• Or use distilled water
• Or use bottled spring water

Many owners report significant improvement from this single change.

Step 2: Upgrade the Food

Diet affects tear production and porphyrin levels:

Avoid:

• Foods with artificial dyes (especially red dyes)
• High-filler foods
• Foods with excessive iron supplements

Choose:

• High-quality protein sources
• Limited-ingredient diets if allergies suspected
• Foods without artificial additives

Consider:

• A food trial to rule out food allergies (common cause of excessive tearing)
• Adding probiotics (gut health affects overall inflammation)

Step 3: Address Allergies

Allergies cause inflammation and excessive tearing:

Environmental allergies:

• Keep face clean after outdoor time
• Wipe paws to prevent face-rubbing with allergen-covered feet
• Consider air purifiers
• Regular washing of bedding

Food allergies:

• Work with your vet on an elimination diet
• Common culprits: chicken, beef, grain, dairy

Step 4: Keep the Face Dry

Moisture is the enemy:

• Wipe and dry face after drinking
• Use a water bottle or drip-reducing bowl
• Clean face after meals
• Dry thoroughly after any cleaning

Step 5: Manage Facial Hair

Long facial hair wicks tears across the face:

• Keep hair around the eyes trimmed
• Regular grooming appointments
• Use a small comb to keep the area neat

What NOT to Use

Hydrogen peroxide near eyes: Can cause chemical burns

Bleach: Absolutely not—toxic and dangerous

Tylosin (antibiotic) powders: Previously sold as "Angel Eyes," now controversial. Routine antibiotic use for cosmetic purposes contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Human makeup removers: Not formulated for dogs, often contain irritants

Alcohol: Painful and drying

Boric acid (in high concentrations): Can be irritating or toxic

Stick to products specifically designed for pet eye area care.

When to See the Vet

See your veterinarian if you notice:

Eye issues:

• Squinting or keeping eye partially closed
• Redness of the eye itself (not just surrounding fur)
• Discharge that's green, yellow, or thick
• Cloudiness in the eye
• Pawing at the eyes

Staining changes:

• Sudden increase in tearing
• Staining that starts appearing on only one side
• Foul smell (may indicate yeast infection)
• Skin irritation or hair loss in the stained area

Underlying problems:

• If tear staining is accompanied by ear infections (they're linked)
• If the dog is uncomfortable or scratching at their face
• If home remedies aren't helping after a month of consistent use

Your vet can check for:

• Blocked tear ducts (can sometimes be flushed)
• Eye infections requiring prescription treatment
• Entropion or other anatomical issues
• Allergy testing and management

A Realistic Timeline

Tear stain improvement doesn't happen overnight:

Week 1-2: With daily cleaning, new staining is prevented Week 3-4: Old stained fur may begin to look lighter Month 2-3: As stained fur grows out and is trimmed, new clean fur dominates Month 3+: Consistent prevention keeps the face clean

Patience is essential. You're waiting for stained fur to grow out and be replaced.

Daily Maintenance Routine

For best results, make this a daily habit:

Morning:

1. Gently wipe eye area with warm water or saline-dampened cotton pad
2. Wipe surrounding facial fur
3. Dry thoroughly with a clean, dry pad
4. Apply preventative product if using one

Evening (optional):

1. Quick wipe to remove daytime accumulation
2. Dry thoroughly

Weekly:

• Check for any redness, irritation, or smell
• Trim facial hair if getting long
• Evaluate progress

The Bottom Line

Tear stains on white dogs are caused by porphyrins in tears oxidizing on the fur. While primarily cosmetic, they can indicate underlying issues and lead to secondary yeast infections if the area stays moist.

The key strategies:

1. Clean daily to remove tears before they stain
2. Dry thoroughly to prevent yeast growth
3. Switch to filtered water to reduce mineral intake
4. Address allergies if present
5. Keep facial hair trimmed to reduce wicking
6. Be patient as stained fur grows out

With consistent care, even severely stained dogs can sport a clean, bright face. It just takes time and daily attention.

Related: Dog Eye Infection vs Allergies Related: Grooming Basics for Dogs