3 Things You Need To Know About Tear Stains In Dogs
If you're like most people who've recently made the commitment to sharing their life and home with a canine companion, you naturally want your dog to be as happy and healthy as possible. If you've decided on a light-colored dog, however, you may have noticed that your pet has developed discolorations around the eye area and aren't sure what they are or what is causing them. This condition is commonly known as tear stains, and it ranges from noticeably visible orange-brown discolorations under and around your pet's eye area to barely-there blotches and splotches that come and go.
Most of the time, tear stains are caused by excessive tear production, and the root cause can be anywhere from mild allergies to reactions to cold weather. Also, pet owners should keep in mind that this condition doesn't just affect light-colored dogs — it's just more visible on them. The following are three things you should do if you notice that your furry friend has developed tear stains.
See a Veterinarian
The first thing you should do after noticing tear stains on your furry friend is to make an appointment with your veterinarian. In rare cases, tear stains may signify an underlying condition such as an ear infection — especially if the stains occur suddenly and seemingly out of the blue. If your veterinarian determines that there is no serious root cause, it's time to work on prevention. Although the tear stains themselves may be harmless enough, they create a wet environment that may be conducive to bacterial and fungal growth and consequent infections.
Check your Pet's Drinking Water
One of the simplest explanations for tear staining is that it's caused by the ingredients in your pet's drinking water. If you're filling your dog's drinking bowl from your household tap, there may be minerals such as magnesium, sulfur, or potassium in great enough amounts to overstimulate the tear ducts. Another common culprit is chlorinated water — chlorine may act as an irritant on your dog's eyes as it's drinking from the bowl. u think that chlorine may be the cause, try running your tap water on the cold setting for at least 60 seconds before filling the bowl. if you think minerals are the cause, give your dog filtered water.
Try Using Dog Tear Stain Remover Chews
Tear stain remover chews provide a natural way to reduce tear staining in dogs. Dogs like the taste, so you won't have to struggle with giving them the chews. Keep in mind that it may take a week or more to notice visible results, so don't give up if nothing seems to happen right away.
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