What Causes Tear Stains on Dogs? | Beyond the Reddish Marks

The reddish-brown tracks under a dog’s eyes look like a staining problem, but they’re really a tearing problem. When tears overflow the eye instead of draining normally, they saturate the surrounding fur. Those tears contain porphyrins — iron-containing breakdown products — and when the moisture dries, the pigment is left behind on the hair. Whether the stains stay mild or turn dark depends on how much tearing happens and how long the fur stays wet.

Understanding what drives the excess tearing matters because the cause decides the fix. Some dogs just need regular face wiping; others need veterinary treatment for an underlying eye condition.

Why Tears Overflow and Stain the Fur

Tears normally drain through tiny openings in the eyelids called puncta, then travel down the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. When that drainage route is blocked or the eye produces more tears than the system can handle, the excess spills over the lower eyelid and onto the face.

The staining itself is cosmetic — porphyrins in the dried tears are harmless pigments. The tearing behind it is the real issue. According to the PDSA, the most common triggers fall into a few distinct groups:

• Blocked or narrow tear ducts that can’t carry tears away fast enough
• Eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, like rolled-in eyelids or eyelashes rubbing the eye surface
• Eye irritation and inflammation, including conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or a foreign object lodged in the eye
• Allergies and infections that make the eye water excessively

Any of these can tip a dog from normal tearing into overflow.

Which Dogs Are Most Prone to Tear Staining?

Anatomy plays a big role. Dogs with short noses — brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus — often have shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes, which leaves the eye more exposed to irritation. Their facial skin folds can also roll inward, pulling eyelashes against the cornea and triggering constant watering.

Dogs with heavy hair around the eyes face the same problem from a different angle. Long facial fur wicks tears onto the coat and holds moisture against the skin, which gives porphyrins more time to stain and can keep the area damp enough to invite secondary skin irritation.

MedVet notes that white-coated breeds show staining more visibly, which is why the marks are so commonly associated with Maltese, Bichon Frises, and similar dogs — the pigment contrasts sharply against pale fur even when tear production is only slightly elevated.

When Tear Stains Signal a Real Eye Problem

New or suddenly worsening tear stains deserve a closer look. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists emphasizes that persistent tearing can indicate an eye disorder rather than a cosmetic quirk. A blocked nasolacrimal duct, an infected tear sac, or chronic inflammation all require professional care.

See a vet promptly if tear staining comes with any of these warning signs:

• Redness, swelling, or discharge beyond clear tears
• Squinting, pawing at the eyes, or sensitivity to light
• A visible foreign object or a clouded cornea
• Staining that appears suddenly in an adult dog with no history of it

In these cases, treating the underlying condition — not the stain — is the priority. A vet can flush blocked ducts, correct eyelid abnormalities, or prescribe medication for infections and allergies.

Managing Everyday Tear Stains at Home

When no underlying medical issue is present, daily upkeep is the main defense. Wiping the eye area with a warm, damp cloth a couple of times a day removes tears before porphyrins have time to set. Keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed short reduces both wicking and irritation. For dogs that stain easily, gentle cleaning wipes designed for tear stains make the routine faster and more consistent — our roundup of the best dog tear stain wipes covers which options hold up best for daily use.

Always use products labeled safe for the eye area, and stop if the skin looks raw or inflamed. Clean fur stays lighter, but if the tearing continues despite good hygiene, the root cause likely needs veterinary attention.