Guide: dog tear stains
Dog Tear Stains: Causes, Safe Cleaning and When to Worry
Dog tear stains are the reddish-brown streaks that form under the eyes when tears spill onto the face. The color comes from porphyrin, a pigment in tears. They show most on white and light coats, and they are very common in Havanese, Maltese, Bichons and Poodle mixes. Usually they are a cosmetic issue. However, new or sudden staining should be checked by a vet.
What causes dog tear stains
VCA Animal Hospitals explains that the stain itself is porphyrin, an iron-containing pigment that the body sheds in tears (VCA). When tears sit on the hair, the pigment dyes it.
Tears overflow for two reasons: either the eye makes too many, or they do not drain well. In young dogs, the possible causes include:
- Eyelashes or facial hair rubbing on the eye
- Allergies
- Eye infections
- A blocked tear duct
Why small, light-coated dogs show them most
Some dogs simply have more porphyrin in their tears, and any stain is far more visible on a pale coat. In one survey cited by VCA, 89 percent of owners of Maltese, Bichons, Havanese, Lhasas and terriers said their dogs had facial staining from tears.
In other words, for these breeds a degree of staining is normal.
How to clean dog tear stains safely
- Wipe twice a day with a warm, damp washcloth, or with eye wipes made for pets.
- Dry the hair afterward, since damp hair stains faster.
- Keep the face trimmed. Ask your groomer to keep hair away from the eyes.
- Comb out crusts gently once they have softened.
VCA warns against products that contain hydrogen peroxide near the eyes, because they can cause serious damage. In addition, do not give stain-removal supplements unless your vet approves them.
When to see a vet
- Staining that starts suddenly, or gets much worse
- A new problem in a young dog. VCA advises a check for blocked tear ducts, eyelash problems and infection.
- Red, swollen or smelly skin under the stain
- Squinting, pawing at the eye or a cloudy eye
- Yellow or green discharge
Any of these suggests more than a cosmetic issue.
Can you prevent dog tear stains?
You can reduce them, but you often cannot stop them entirely. Daily wiping does the most good. Regular face trims come second. Finally, treating an underlying cause, such as an inward-growing lash or an allergy, can make a real difference.
If the eyes are healthy and the skin is clean, a faint stain does no harm.
Tear stains in Havapoo and Goldendoodle puppies
Light-coated puppies of both mixes often show staining. Therefore, make a gentle face wipe part of the daily routine from the first week. The American Kennel Club gives the same advice for the Havanese: clean the corners of the eyes every day.
See our Havapoo grooming guide and Goldendoodle grooming guide for the rest of the routine.
Related guides
- Havapoo Grooming: Brushing, Haircuts and a Simple Schedule
- How to Bathe a Puppy: First Bath, Steps and How Often
- How to Trim Puppy Nails Without Hitting the Quick
- First Grooming Appointment for a Puppy: When to Go and What to Expect
- Matted Dog Hair: How to Remove Mats and Stop Them Coming Back
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Puppy Tear Stains: Causes, Treatment and Prevention. vcahospitals.com
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Eye Discharge (Epiphora) in Dogs. vcahospitals.com
- American Kennel Club. How to Prevent and Clean Tear Stains on Your Dog’s Face. akc.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026.
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