Does Your Dog Have Tear Stains?

Tear stains are SO frustrating but you can get rid of them. There isn’t a magic fix but if you consider all of the following, it can help. If your pet never had tear stains before, be sure to check with your veterinarian as it is common for pets to get particles in their eyes, have a blocked tear duct or eye infection. Allergies also can be a factor. While there are many cosmetic products, remember that you need to address the underlying CAUSE.

Recently we went through a bout of tear stains and got rid of them after much trial and error. I wanted to give a variety of options to try as each pet will respond differently.

1) Look at your pet’s diet. Diet is a huge culprit. Grains, allergens and low quality ingredients can cause tear stains. Upgrade your pet’s food and feed a low carbohydrate novel protein diet such as a raw frozen rabbit or venison diet. Eliminate chemicals like food dyes and sugars from treats.

2) Balance your pet’s gut flora. An overgrowth of bad bacteria or yeast can cause tear stains. Use Power Probiotic to improve your pet’s gut health as it contains beneficial bacteria, prebiotics and Lactoferrin which helps fight tear stains.

3) Add prebiotic fibers slowly to feed the probiotics. Legend was eating a novel protein raw diet but was getting some tear stains due to environmental allergies. We added AllerEaze, some cranberry and blueberry powder and organic potato starch to his food. We also added some raw goat milk.

3) Be careful with topical eye cleaners!!! The skin around your pet’s eye is very delicate. All the wiping strips away the natural protective layer of good bacteria and can cause irritation. Legend got an eye infection from using natural eye wipes!

4) Check your pet’s liver function. The eyes and skin are eliminating toxins on the inside. The rust staining at least in our case, was due to his liver. Using products like Ask Ariel’s Liver & Gallbladder Support can be helpful for flushing out toxins especially if you have an older pet.

How To Get Rid Of Tear Stains in Dogs

Many light-colored dogs develop tear stains under the eye. Breeds such as Maltese, Poodles and Chihuahuas may have their beautiful faces discolored with unsightly dark stains below the eyes. Even large pets such as yellow Labradors may have dark brown stains under the eyes. Tear stains are not just cosmetic and may be a health concern that you need to address.

First, be sure to check with your veterinarian! Some dogs have a genetic predisposition and could be born with an abnormality in tear ducts or have developed blocked tear ducts. Sometimes a dog could have an eye infection unbeknownst to you.  Be sure there isn't some type of structural defect, infection or inflammation. If your veterinarian rules out these conditions, then the next step is to address the problem from a natural standpoint:  change to a hypoallergenic, low carb diet and add a few supplements to enhance your pet's skin and coat and eliminate the unsightly tear stains.

Many times pets have excessive tear staining due to allergies (food & environmental) or a yeast overgrowth. Usually tear stains are not the only sign.  Pet with tear stains may have other conditions such as: bad breath, gas, tummy gurgling, loose stools, vomiting and other skin issues (itchy, coat issues, hotspots...). These are all signs of poor digestion and a problem with the pet's food. Using Power Probiotic for Pets and Soothing Digestives for Pets can help with digestive issues. However, a diet change is often necessary.

The best natural remedies for tear stain elimination are:
 

Power Probiotic for Pets- The best probiotic for pets!  Backed by scientific research, this powerful multi-strain formula promotes the growth of "friendly" bacteria which are essential to a healthy immune system.  Most pets love the taste too! 

Silver Immune for Pets- The Germinator!  Silver Immune is an all-natural, easy to use remedy that has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-infection properties.  Can use topically to help clean the skin.
 

Not Drops  - Natural homeopathic formula that fights infection, doggie odor and ear infections.   Gentle, easy to administer and safe for long-term use.

K-9 Yeast Defense - When pets take antibiotics or steroids, it kills off the friendly bacteria as well as the bad bacteria.  This creates an environment for yeast to overgrow.  Brown tear stains that have an odor are often a sign of yeast.  To help fight yeast, it's important to feed a low carbohydrate, hypoallergenic diet and use K9 Yeast Defense.  K9 Yeast Defense contains natural anti-fungal ingredients such as caprylic acid, Pau d'arco and oregano that kill off yeast and help rebalance the intestinal tract.  Using the K9 Yeast Defense along with the Power Probiotic kills off the yeast overgrowth while the Power Probiotic replenishes with healthy, friendly bacteria.

Since diet is a such a key component with tear stains, please be sure to include your pet's current diet on the AskAriel.com order form at checkout.  Our nutritionist will include a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with your product directions.