Quick answer: Tear stains are reddish-brown marks under a dog's eyes caused by tears that overflow onto the fur. The color comes from porphyrins, iron-containing pigments in tears and saliva, and from yeast that grows in damp fur. They're most common in small, light-colored and flat-faced breeds. Causes include blocked tear ducts, shallow eye sockets, hair or eyelashes rubbing the eye, allergies, teething and eye infections. Wipe the area daily with a soft damp cloth, keep the face dry and trimmed, and see your vet if staining is new, one-sided, smelly or comes with redness, squinting or discharge. Avoid bleach, hydrogen peroxide and products that contain antibiotics without a vet's advice.

What are tear stains?

Tear stains are reddish-brown or rust-colored marks in the fur below the inner corners of a dog's eyes. They form when tears overflow and soak the fur instead of draining through the tear ducts into the nose.

The color comes from porphyrins, iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. Porphyrins are excreted in tears, saliva and urine, and they turn reddish-brown when exposed to air and light. That's why you might also see staining around the mouth or on paws dogs lick a lot.

Damp fur can also grow yeast, which can make stains darker, more brown and sometimes smelly.

Which dogs get tear stains most?

Any dog can get tear stains, but they're most noticeable on light-colored and white dogs. Breeds commonly affected include Maltese, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug, French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian and West Highland White Terrier.

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds often have shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes, which make it harder for tears to drain properly. Small breeds may have narrow tear ducts. Long-haired breeds can have facial hair that wicks tears onto the fur or irritates the eye.

Common causes of tear stains

Here are the most common reasons dogs develop tear stains:

• Face shape. Shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes make tears overflow more easily.
• Blocked or narrow tear ducts. Tears can't drain into the nose properly.
• Hair around the eyes. Long facial hair can wick tears or irritate the eye.
• Eyelash problems. Extra or inward-growing lashes (distichiasis, entropion) irritate the eye.
• Allergies. Environmental or food allergies can cause watery eyes.
• Teething. Puppies often have more tearing while teething.
• Eye infections or irritation. Conjunctivitis, dust or smoke can cause excess tearing.
• Yeast. Damp fur can grow yeast that darkens stains.
• Water. Some owners notice changes with tap water high in minerals, though evidence is limited.

Blocked tear ducts and eye shape

Each eye has small openings near the inner corner that drain tears into the nose. If those openings are narrow, blocked or positioned unusually, tears spill onto the face instead. Some dogs are born with this; others develop blockages from inflammation or infection.

Your vet can check whether tears drain properly using a special dye test. In some cases, they may flush the tear ducts or recommend other treatment. For many flat-faced dogs, tear overflow is part of their anatomy and needs ongoing gentle care rather than a cure.

Hair and eyelash irritation

Long hair around the eyes can poke the eye, trap moisture and wick tears onto the fur. Keeping the hair around your dog's eyes trimmed short and neat can reduce irritation and staining.

Some dogs have eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction or rows of extra lashes. Others have eyelids that roll inward, called entropion. These conditions can rub the eye and cause tearing, squinting and discomfort, and they need a vet's attention.

Allergies and tear stains

Allergies are a common cause of watery eyes in dogs. Pollen, dust mites, mold and certain food ingredients can trigger tearing, itching and redness. You may also notice your dog licking their paws, scratching or rubbing their face.

If tear staining gets worse in spring or fall, or comes with other itchy signs, talk to your vet about allergies. Our guide to seasonal allergies in dogs explains treatment options.

Puppies and teething

Many puppies develop tear stains while teething, usually between about three and six months of age. Teething can cause extra tearing. Some puppies' stains fade once their adult teeth come in; others keep them as adults.

Wipe your puppy's face gently every day and keep the area dry. Our puppy teething survival guide has tips for this stage.

The science of porphyrins, simply explained

When red blood cells break down, the body produces waste products, including iron-containing molecules called porphyrins. Dogs excrete some porphyrins through tears, saliva and urine. When these fluids sit on fur and are exposed to light and air, porphyrins oxidize and turn the familiar rusty red-brown.

That's why tear stains are so much more visible on white or cream-colored coats. Dark-coated dogs have just as many porphyrins in their tears, but the staining doesn't show up as clearly.

Porphyrin staining itself isn't harmful. The bigger concerns are why tears are overflowing in the first place and whether the constantly damp fur is developing yeast or bacteria, which can cause odor and skin irritation.

Is it yeast or porphyrin staining?

Porphyrin stains are usually reddish or rust-colored and have little smell. Yeast stains tend to be darker brown, may feel greasy and often have a musty or sour odor. The skin underneath may look red or irritated.

Yeast, often Malassezia, thrives in warm, moist areas, which is why it's common in tear-stained fur. Keeping the area dry is the most important step. If you notice a strong smell, crusting, redness or your dog rubbing their face, your vet can check for yeast or bacterial infection and recommend treatment.

Don't assume a product will fix yeast on its own. A vet can confirm what's going on with a quick skin test.

Tear stains on different coat colors

Tear stains are most noticeable on white and light coats, but they happen on every color. On dark coats, you may notice crustiness or a damp, matted patch rather than a reddish color.

• White and cream coats. Reddish brown streaks from porphyrins, the iron-containing pigments in tears and saliva.
• Apricot and red coats. Stains blend in but fur may look darker and wetter below the eyes.
• Black and dark coats. Staining is hard to see. Watch for crust, odor and damp fur.
• Gray and silver coats. Can show a rusty tinge.

Whatever your dog's color, the goal is the same: keep the area clean and dry and find the cause of extra tearing.

Is it tear staining or an eye problem?

Most tear staining is cosmetic, but extra tearing can be a sign of a problem with the eye itself. Call your vet if you notice:

• Squinting or holding an eye closed. A sign of eye pain that needs a same-day vet visit.
• Red, swollen or cloudy eyes. Can point to infection, injury or glaucoma.
• Thick yellow or green discharge. Can be a sign of infection.
• Pawing or rubbing at the face. Often means the eye is itchy or sore.
• Staining on only one side. Especially if it's new.
• A sudden increase in tearing. Especially after a walk in grass or brush, which can leave seeds or debris behind.

Conditions like blocked tear ducts, inward-turning eyelids, extra eyelashes, eye ulcers and allergies all cause extra tears. Treating the cause is the best way to reduce staining for good.

How to clean tear stains safely

Daily, gentle cleaning is the best way to manage tear stains. Here's a simple routine:

• Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton pad. Warm water or a saline solution made for eyes works well.
• Wipe gently away from the eye. Start at the inner corner and wipe outward and downward.
• Dry the area thoroughly. Moisture encourages yeast and darkens stains.
• Comb the fur. A small flea comb helps remove crusts and debris.
• Keep hair trimmed. Ask your groomer for a neat trim around the eyes.
• Use a dog-safe tear stain wipe if needed. Choose products made for use near the eyes.

Be patient. Existing stains often take weeks to grow out, even with good care, because the stained fur needs to be trimmed or replaced by new growth.

Make it part of a calm daily routine, ideally after a walk when your dog is relaxed, and reward them with a small treat afterward.

Products and home remedies to avoid

Some popular remedies can be harmful. Avoid these:

• Bleach or hydrogen peroxide near the eyes. Can burn the skin and damage the eyes.
• Makeup remover or human face products. Not designed for dogs and may irritate eyes.
• Lemon juice or vinegar. Acidic and irritating to the eyes.
• Supplements or powders with antibiotics. Some tear stain products have contained antibiotics such as tylosin. Using antibiotics without a vet's guidance can contribute to resistance. The FDA has warned about unapproved products.
• Anything that stings. If your dog squints or paws after using a product, stop and call your vet.

The FDA has warned companies about marketing unapproved tear stain products containing antibiotics. Always ask your vet before giving any supplement.

Does diet or water make a difference?

Some owners notice that tear staining improves after switching foods or using filtered water, but scientific evidence is limited. Food allergies can contribute to tearing in some dogs, so a vet-guided diet trial might help if allergies are suspected.

Make sure your dog eats a complete and balanced diet, and ask your vet before switching foods or adding supplements. Our guide to how to choose the right dog food explains what to look for.

Working with your groomer

Your groomer can be a great partner in managing tear stains. Ask for a "face trim" or "eye trim" to keep the hair around the eyes short and tidy, which reduces wicking and irritation. Many groomers can also gently trim away the most stained fur so new, clean hair can grow in.

Regular grooming visits every four to eight weeks help keep the face neat. Between visits, a small rounded-tip pair of scissors and a fine comb let you keep the area tidy at home. Always point scissors away from the eyes and keep your dog calm and still.

If your groomer notices redness, discharge, eyelash problems or a strong smell, they may suggest a vet visit. Our guide to grooming your dog at home in winter covers safe home trims.

When to see the vet

Tear stains are usually cosmetic, but see your vet if you notice:

• Sudden or new tear staining in an adult dog
• Staining in only one eye
• Redness, swelling or squinting
• Thick, yellow, green or cloudy discharge
• A bad smell from the stained area
• Pawing or rubbing at the eye
• Cloudiness, changes in the eye's surface or vision changes
• Raw, irritated skin under the eyes

These signs can indicate an infection, corneal injury, eyelash problem, blocked duct or other eye condition that needs treatment.

What your vet may do

Your vet will examine your dog's eyes, eyelids and tear ducts. They may do a tear production test, a dye test to check drainage and a stain test to look for scratches on the cornea.

Treatment depends on the cause. It might include allergy management, treating an eye infection, flushing tear ducts, treating yeast in the fur or, for eyelid or eyelash problems, minor surgery. For many dogs, the answer is simply regular, gentle cleaning.

Preventing tear stains

You may not be able to prevent tear stains completely, especially in prone breeds, but you can reduce them:

• Wipe daily. A quick wipe after meals and in the morning helps.
• Keep the face dry. Moisture encourages yeast and staining.
• Trim facial hair. Keep hair out of the eyes.
• Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Easier to keep clean than plastic.
• Manage allergies. Work with your vet.
• Keep up with grooming. Regular grooming visits help.
• Watch for eye problems. Catch issues early.

Small, steady habits work far better than occasional deep cleans.

Choosing tear stain products wisely

The pet aisle is full of tear stain wipes, powders and supplements. Some help keep the area clean, but none fix an underlying medical cause.

• Gentle eye wipes. Look for products made for use around dog eyes, without fragrance or alcohol.
• Saline eye wash. Useful for flushing debris. Ask your vet first.
• Avoid antibiotics in supplements. Some tear stain supplements have contained antibiotics, which shouldn't be given without a vet's advice.
• Skip bleach and peroxide. Never use household bleach, hydrogen peroxide or human makeup removers near the eyes.
• Be cautious with powders. Loose powders can get into the eyes. Use sparingly and away from the eye itself.

Ask your vet before trying any new product, especially supplements. Our how to choose a dog groomer guide covers questions to ask about face trims and products.

Tear stain myths

A few common beliefs can lead you in the wrong direction:

• Tap water causes tear stains. There's little evidence for this. Fresh, clean water is what matters.
• Tear stains are always cosmetic. Often, but sometimes they signal allergies, infection or eye problems.
• Only white dogs get them. All dogs can have extra tearing. It's just easier to see on light coats.
• A product will remove stains overnight. Existing stained fur usually needs to grow out and be trimmed.

Why tear stains can get worse with the seasons

Many owners notice staining flares at certain times of year. Spring and fall pollen, summer dust and winter heating can all increase tearing. Dogs with seasonal allergies may also rub their faces more, spreading moisture and bacteria.

Wipe the eye area once or twice a day during flare seasons, keep facial hair trimmed and run an air purifier if your home is dusty or dry. If staining comes with itchy paws, ear problems or red skin, ask your vet whether allergies are the root cause. Our ear infections guide explains how allergies often affect several parts of the body at once.

A simple weekly routine

Daily: wipe under the eyes morning and evening with a damp cotton pad, then dry gently. Wipe the mouth area after meals if your dog has beard staining.

Weekly: comb the fur around the eyes with a fine flea comb to remove crusts, check for redness or discharge and wash your dog's bowls and bedding. Monthly or every grooming visit: trim the hair around the eyes and remove heavily stained fur.

Taking photos every couple of weeks can help you see progress, since tear stains often fade slowly as stained fur grows out. Celebrate small improvements.

Staining around the mouth and paws

The same porphyrins in tears are also in saliva, which is why dogs who lick their paws a lot may have reddish-brown paws, and dogs who drool may have stains around the mouth.

Excessive licking is often linked to allergies, skin infections or anxiety. If your dog licks their paws often, talk to your vet. Our guide to why does my dog lick everything explains common causes.

• Usually cosmetic. Tear stains come from porphyrins and yeast in damp fur.
• Common in certain breeds. Small, white and flat-faced breeds are most affected.
• Clean gently every day. Wipe, dry and keep facial hair trimmed.
• Avoid harsh remedies. Skip bleach, peroxide and unapproved antibiotic products.
• See the vet for changes. New, one-sided, smelly or painful staining needs a checkup.

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What causes tear stains in dogs?

Tears overflowing onto the fur. Porphyrins in tears turn reddish-brown, and yeast can darken stains.

Are tear stains harmful?

Usually not, but they can be a sign of eye problems. See your vet if they're new, one-sided or come with other symptoms.

How do I get rid of my dog's tear stains?

Wipe gently every day with a damp cloth, keep the area dry and trimmed and be patient while stained fur grows out.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide on tear stains?

No. It can irritate or damage the eyes and skin.

Which dogs get tear stains?

Small, white and flat-faced breeds like Maltese, Shih Tzus, Bichons and Poodles are most prone.

Do puppies get tear stains?

Yes, often while teething. Some fade as the puppy grows.

Do tear stain supplements work?

Some contain antibiotics, which the FDA has warned about. Ask your vet before giving any supplement.

Can diet cause tear stains?

Food allergies can contribute in some dogs. Ask your vet about a diet trial.

Why are my dog's paws reddish-brown?

Porphyrins in saliva stain fur when dogs lick a lot. Excessive licking can signal allergies.

When should I see a vet about tear stains?

If staining is new, one-sided, smelly or comes with redness, squinting or discharge.