Tear staining is especially common in white-coated dogs like Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, and Maltese dogs. Though it can happen to darker-colored dogs, too, it isn’t nearly as obvious as it is in the white-colored breeds. There are stores of tear stain-removing rinses and wipes on the market, but some dog parents opt to DIY their solutions with what they’ve got at home for a cheaper, more natural alternative.

Physical removal is only part of the battle, though. To truly get to the bottom of things, you may need to address your dog’s overall health, eye health, maintenance routines, and food and water quality. We’ll explain everything in this guide.

The characteristic reddish-brown color of tear stains is caused by an iron-containing molecule called porphyrin which is excreted (normally) in the tears, saliva, and urine of dogs. If excessive tears are produced or if they aren’t draining appropriately, the tears overflow onto the hair around the eyes, causing those characteristic stains.

DIY Tear Stain Daily Cleansers: Step-by-Step Guides

Before attempting to remove tear stains, any underlying medical reasons must be ruled out.  Tears should drain into the nose via a duct in the bottom eyelid known as the nasolacrimal duct.  In some breeds, particularly those with large eyes and short noses, tears are prone to polling and then overflowing rather than draining as they should.  If your dog didn’t have tear stains but suddenly does, it is worth booking an appointment with your veterinarian.  Eye infections, damage to the cornea (the front of the eye), glaucoma, and other eye conditions can lead to increased production of tears and therefore an increase in overflow.

Any DIY solution you make mustn’t get into your dog’s eyes. Any solution should only be applied under the eyes. Also, take note that you may need to cleanse the stained area daily for a while before you see any significant results.

Option 1:

Steps

1. Boil one cup of boric acid powder in a cup of distilled water.
2. Let it cool, then apply to the area around the eye with a cotton pad. Rub the tear-stained area gently.
3. Keep the mixture in the fridge—it can last up to a week.
4. Repeat the process daily.

Option 2:

Steps

1. Put a pet-safe saline solution on a cotton pad.
2. Apply under the eyes and rub gently. Use a new cotton pad for the second eye to prevent spreading any bacteria from one eye to the other.

On a final note, though some sources recommend products like 3% hydrogen peroxide, milk of magnesia, and cornstarch, some vets—including those at Smithfield Animal Hospital—do not recommend using these products for tear stains. Instead, the hospital recommends improving grooming and maintenance routines and checking your dog’s health status with a vet.

Boric acid is used in over-the-counter wipes that are made for tear stain removal, so if you are more comfortable buying a ready-made product, there are many on offer.  It is important to realize that some products will work on some dogs and not others.  Speak to your veterinarian for alternatives if you aren’t finding the above options helpful.

More Tear Stain Control Tips

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to keeping tear stains at bay, so here’s a checklist of steps to take.

See a Vet

The first and most important step to take is to see a vet to rule out any health issues, as sometimes there’s a medical cause behind tear stains. If this is the case, your vet will advise you on how best to tackle the situation.

Keep the Eye Area Clean, Dry & Groomed

When your dog drinks water, it splashes up around the eyes. Gently dry the eye area with a paper towel or cotton pad after your dog drinks water and consider trimming the facial hair to help keep tear staining under control. Let a professional groomer do this if you don’t feel comfortable. Aim to clean your dog’s face twice daily with a slightly damp cotton wool ball, and always start with the eyes before doing the mouth or the rest of the face.  Remember to wipe away from the eye and always use a new cotton wool ball when switching between eyes.

Consider Food Quality

Food allergies can certainly be a consideration when investigating the cause of increased tear production.  Discuss any dietary changes with your vet before making them and if there are other clues of food allergies, your vet will be able to help you select a more appropriate diet for your pup.

Offer Purified Water

Water with a high iron or mineral content is said by some to contribute to tear staining. Try offering water that has been filtered instead, as this has a lower mineral content.  Don’t give your dog distilled water as their drinking water.

Consider Food Supplements

Some supplements claim to reduce the amount of porphyrin in the tears of dogs which is the component that dyes the fur reddish-brown. There are many available on the market and they may be something to try if you aren’t managing to keep the stains at bay with washing alone.

Use Commercial Products

If you’re not comfortable DIYing tear stain solutions like the ones mentioned above, you can find plenty of tear stain wipes and solutions in pet stores or online stores. Some sources say gently rubbing a mild, pet-friendly shampoo or baby shampoo (never standard human shampoo) with warm water around the eyes is a good option.

Final Thoughts

Tear stains aren’t merely superficial. Tackling them is both an inside and outside job with various factors to consider like diet, water quality, medical conditions, and grooming rituals. Whatever solution you use to remove tear stains, we’d urge you to run it by your vet first, especially since tear stains are sometimes caused by underlying health issues and may need special treatment.

See also:

• Akita Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits
• What to Do If Your Dog Runs Away: 10 Helpful Tips

Featured Image Credit: Marina.Martinez, Shutterstock

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As someone dealing with a white-coated dog, I know the struggle with tear stains is real. After months of seeing my Maltipoo’s face constantly stained with brown marks, I started researching how to get rid of tear stains on dogs. When I learned that about 90% of dogs deal with this issue¹, I realized how common the problem was, especially among white and light-colored breeds. So, I got my dog to test Nature’s Protection Superior Care for three months, and now I’m here sharing my experience with you. If you’re looking for the best dog food for tear stains, keep reading to see if this might be your solution, too.

Why Do These Tear Stains Form?

Use code DOGSTER to receive 20% off at SuperiorCare.pet

Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand why these frustrating stains appear in the first place. Your dog’s tear stains are caused by a compound called porphyrin in their tears². When these tears sit on the fur for too long, they oxidize, creating those reddish-brown marks that look simply…dirty. When it’s just dirt, it’s a simple solution: you give your puppy a nice bath, and the problem is solved. But that’s rarely the case with tear stains, and that’s the main concern.

Excessive tearing often points to underlying issues that many dog owners don’t realize. These can include³:

Understanding these causes helped me realize why Superior Care’s approach through diet actually makes sense.

What is Nature’s Protection Superior Care?

Nature’s Protection Superior Care is a premium line of dry dog food and treats that takes a completely different approach to tear stains. Instead of just treating the surface problem like most products do, it works from the inside out to address the root causes of excessive tearing. The range includes several formulas to suit different dogs’ needs. Whether your dog prefers white fish, lamb, or even insect protein, there’s an option that’ll make them excited for mealtime. Each formula is carefully crafted with specific benefits for coat color—including targeted formulations for both white-coated and red-coated dogs.

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients in their dry foods and treats:

Behind the development of the Superior Care dog food and treat range is Janita J. Plunge, a dog expert and breeder of over 37 years and over 2300 champion dogs. Her long-standing involvement in show dog care influenced the brand’s focus on coat quality and overall health. While individual results can vary, many dog owners—especially in the show circuit—have found this approach beneficial in maintaining clean, healthy coats.

Use code DOGSTER to receive 20% off at SuperiorCare.pet

Nature’s Protection Superior Care: Benefits

The dry food formulations promise quite a lot for our furry friends. Nature’s Protections says their food can help with tear stains, make your dog’s coat shinier, and even improve their overall health from the inside out. Let’s take a quick look at some of the brand’s claims:

As someone who’s tried many products for my dog’s tear stains, I decided to put Superior Care to the test with my own pup. In the next section, I’ll tell you what happened over the first three months we trialed their food.

My Dog’s Experience with Nature’s Protection Superior Care

First month. Nothing dramatic with the tear stains yet, but I’ve noticed improved digestion and increased energy. My dog seemed excited about mealtime, but that wasn’t new. Second month. This is when things got interesting. The new fur growing around her eyes was cleaner, and the existing stains weren’t getting worse. Her coat felt softer overall. Third month. The difference was dramatic. Not only were the tear stains significantly reduced, but her coat looked healthier than ever. Even our vet commented on the improvement during our check-up. Here are some before-and-after pictures I took of my dog. It’s your call if you can see the difference, but I definitely did.

Use code DOGSTER to receive 20% off at SuperiorCare.pet

Was It Worth the Investment?

Superior Care isn’t the cheapest dog food out there, but when I added up what I was spending on tear stain removers, special wipes, and other products, it actually works out to be more economical. While it takes some patience, the improvement is real and lasting. Plus, the overall health benefits make it a worthwhile investment for any dog owner struggling with tear stains. I’m not alone in seeing results. On Trustpilot, Superior Care Pet has a 4.5-star rating, and many dog owners report similar experiences to ours. This brand is also highly recommended by The Dog Food Advisor, which helps pet owners make more informed decisions when buying dog food.

Where to Buy Nature’s Protection Dry Foods and Treats?

You can buy directly from their official website, which I recommend for the best deals and freshest products. We encourage you to check out their TrustPilot if you’re interested in learning about their customer base and product reviews. They often have special offers, and their customer service is excellent if you have questions. Good luck!

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