No need to cry over tear staining! 

The red or brown discoloration in tears comes from iron containing molecules called porphyrin. These molecules are produced when the body breaks down iron. Porphyrins are also found in urine and saliva. Some pets have more porphyrin in their tears than others and, of course, tear staining is much more visible on pets with white or light-colored coats. 

 

 

Do tear stains mean something is wrong with my pet’s eyes?
Not necessarily! An overproduction of tears can sometimes be the source of tear staining and may indicate an underlying condition such as conjunctivitis (a viral or bacterial infection), allergies, eye injuries, abnormal eyelash growth, corneal ulcers or glaucoma. 

But tear staining is often just the result of the normal variation of cats’ and dogs’ eyelid shapes and is only a cosmetic issue. This variation causes the tears to drain onto the pet’s face rather than draining down into the nasolacrimal system (the system that drains tears from the external eye to the nasal cavity).

What can I do to remove the stains?
If your pet has tear staining, a trip to your veterinarian is recommended to rule out an underlying condition. But if your pet gets the “all clear” from your veterinarian, there are some steps you can take to help reduce tear staining:

1.Keep the fur around your pet’s eyes trimmed short. Use round-nosed scissors or visit your groomer.
2.Use a warm, wet washcloth to wipe around your pet’s eyes. 
3.Use eye-cleaning pads on your pet’s face and around the eyes.
4.After washing around your pet’s eyes, always dry the area with a clean towel.

Avoid using products that contain hydrogen peroxide, since they can cause severe damage if splashed into the eyes. Always speak to your veterinarian before trying out new products.