The Best Tear Stain Removers For Dogs
For certain dog breeds, tear stains show up constantly and can be a pain to deal with. And since they are more visible on white and light-colored fur, it can make dogs appear dirty when they really aren't. Thankfully, there are solutions to deal with your pup's tear stains. Whether you prefer to use liquid drops, wipes, or a supplement in the form of a treat, you can easily keep your dog's tear stains under control. We've rounded up a few of our favorite tear stain removers for dogs to help you pick.
What to Look For
After researching tear stain removers for dogs, we found the best ones are easy to apply, contain natural ingredients, and provide irritation relief. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the Angels’ Eyes tear stain wipes. The cotton pads are presoaked with a gentle formula for easy application. You can safely use the wipes daily to remove debris and reduce eye irritation. We also love the Burt’s Bees tear-stain remover because the pH-balanced solution contains natural ingredients like chamomile and dandelion extracts that won’t harm even the most sensitive pups. Keep reading to discover your new favorite tear stain remover for dogs.
Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes
Ready to use
These tear stain wipes from Angels’ Eyes make it easy to clean around your pup’s eyes quickly and gently. The wipes are presoaked with a non-toxic solution containing chamomile extract and aloe vera. And they are slightly textured to help remove stuck-on debris in the corners of your dog’s eyes. These wipes are safe to use daily and don’t require rinsing, so they can easily become a part of your dog’s grooming routine.
Pros:
- Cleans stained fur around eyes
- Soothes irritated and itchy eyes
- The sealed container prevents the wipes from drying out
Cons:
- Some dogs may not like the lightly scented pads
TropiClean Tear Stain Remover for Dogs
Rinse and repeat
This facial cleanser from TropiClean will not only clean up your dog’s inner eyes but, with continual use, will also lighten the dark spots created by tear stains. Since it requires scrubbing and rinsing, it is easiest to apply this cleanser during bathtime. Simply wet your pup’s face, lather the cleanser, and let it sit for three minutes before rinsing. As it sits, the formula will break down caked-on bits around your dog’s eyes and leave them feeling fresh.
Pros:
- Light fruity scent
- Safe to use on dogs and cats
- Reduces odors as it cleans and moisturizes
Cons:
- It could be challenging to apply if your dog doesn’t like getting their face wet
Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Tear-Stain Remover
Soothing solution
If your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients, it can be challenging to find products that work effectively without causing discomfort. Burt’s Bees’ tear stain remover has a short list of ingredients, most of which are completely natural. You can use as little or as much solution as you’d like whenever you wipe around your dog’s eyes. And it is safe to use daily as part of their grooming routine to remove build-up and lessen the appearance of staining around the eyes.
Pros:
- Affordable option
- The formula is pH-balanced
- Designed for puppies and adult dogs
Cons:
- It may take up to one month for the product to take effect
Eye Envy Dog Tear Stain Remover Kit
Trust the process
If your dog has dealt with tear staining for a while, it can take time and care to reverse the damage. Eye Envy’s tear stain removal kit includes multiple products to help you find the best solution for your pup. You can use the lightweight cotton pads to apply the tear stain solution. The textured surface gently exfoliates the eye area to loosen stuck-on bits. And the tear stain powder is easy to apply with the soft brush since it picks up a large amount of product to remove stains and absorb excess moisture. Using these four products, your pup will look their best in no time.
Pros:
- The tear stain remover solution contains natural colloidal silver
- The tear stain remover powder has a smooth and silky texture when applied
- You can choose the small or large applicator brush depending on your dog’s size
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other options
Zesty Paws Tear Stain Bites for Dogs
Restorative treats
In some cases, tear stains show up when dogs are suffering from allergies or other internal health issues. Adding specific nutrients to your dog’s diet can often reduce excess eye moisture that can cause staining. Zesty Paws’ tear stain supplements contain ingredients to support your dog’s overall eye health and immune system. The chicken-flavored treats are designed for daily use, and there is a helpful feeding guide on the back of the container. Filled with omega fatty acids, eyebright herb extract, and a handful of antioxidants, these chewy treats will do wonders for your pup’s overall health.
Pros:
- You can add them to your dog’s food bowl or give them separately as treats
- The soft texture makes them easy to chew
- Reduces build-up around eyes
Cons:
- Only one flavor option
What causes tear staining?
Tear staining can happen for several reasons, and it shows up more clearly on dogs with white or light fur. Some dogs may only experience tear staining when dealing with seasonal allergies or a short-term infection. But for others, it is a lifelong ordeal that can be challenging for dog owners to uncover the root cause. In many cases, an underlying health problem causes excess moisture to build in the eyes and collect, leaving behind build-up and staining. We recommend discussing any concerns regarding tear staining with your vet.
Are some breeds more prone to tear staining than others?
Yes, certain breeds deal with tear staining more than others due to their face shape. And it is always more noticeable on white and light-colored fur since it leaves behind rusty streaks. Small breeds such as Maltese, Shih Tzu, pugs, and poodles often deal with tear staining. But it is also possible for larger dogs, including boxers, to experience tear staining.
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