These look like brown/reddish streaks underneath your dog’s eyes. Certain breeds are more prone to them, such as Malteses and Poodles, as well as dogs with light-coloured coats. Your dog can develop tear stains from a range of factors, but a condition called epiphora is the most common cause. This condition makes your dog produce too many tears. The stains underneath your dog’s eyes are red in colour due to porphyrin, which is a pigment in the tears.

If your dog has brown or rusty coloured stains underneath their eyes, then this might be due to a yeast infection. The moisture from the build-up of tears makes it very easy for bacteria to grow.

However, tear stains can form from a lot of causes, so it’s important to visit a vet if your dog develops them.

Possible Causes

Eye infections – These could happen due to bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other irritants.

Allergies – If your dog has seasonal allergies, they could be more prone to tear stains. Additionally, allergies could be food related. Smoke from cigarettes, air fresheners, washing detergents (ones you use when washing your dog’s bedding) and dusty surfaces could also irritate your dog’s eyes.

Poor Diet and Lifestyle – Make sure your dog is being fed a balanced diet and is given enough exercise. Poor diet and exercise can cause excess stress in dogs, which could lead to epiphora.

Conjunctivitis – If you notice discharge or wet gunk around your dog’s eyes and eyelashes, they may have conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can lead to tear stains.

Glaucoma – This causes a build-up of fluid in your dog’s eyes. If not treated, the condition can damage the optic nerves and make your dog go blind.

Teething – Puppies who are teething can often develop tear stains.

Ear infection – Dogs with ear infections can also develop tear stains, especially in the eye on the same side as the infected ear.

Ingrown Lashes and Blocked Tear Ducts – Ingrown lashes can irritate the eye, which can cause excessive tearing. Additionally, if your dog has blocked tear ducts or ducts that are not emptying efficiently, they could get tear stains.

How to Treat Them

When treating a dog with tear stains, clean the eye area daily. You could trim the fur around your dog’s eyes to stop it getting wet and sticky from the tears. Use a cloth with warm water to clean underneath your dog’s eyes and remove any discharge you see. You could also use an eye cleaning solution or tear stain removal product. The latter can help dissolve and reduce staining from excessive tears when used regularly.

If you notice new or persistent tear stains, a visit to the vet will be needed.