Eye Care
Some dogs have reddish-brown staining that runs from the inside corner of the eye, down the folds under the eye, and into the cheeks. The reddish color is from a pigment that is normally present in tears and saliva called porphyrin. This is tear staining, and it's a common problem in dogs and some cats.
Any time you see tear staining, it's best to have a vet examine the eyes for any eyelid disorders that cause the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and irritate it. This may require surgery or cryotherapy (freezing of the hair follicle) or even removing turned-in eyelashes by laser. Poorly developed or obstructed tear ducts that normally channel tears into the nasal sinuses will promote tear spillage over the lower lids.
Tear stains are impossible to remove with a bath; you need to cut or shave out the stained hair. There are products designed to bleach out the staining, but you have to reapply it several times a day and most people forget.
If your dog has eyelashes that are rubbing on the cornea causing irritation, the lashes should be removed, as they can eventually cause some serious corneal abrasions and damage. If the problem is from plugged tear ducts, you can use a mild antibiotic such as tetracycline in minute amounts to help with the problem. In some cases, a veterinarian can correct obstructed tear ducts.
Before using such antibiotics, you need to clip out all the stained hair. You will see a difference within a week. You can wean the dog down from the antibiotics, but you can't stop abruptly or the tear stains will return. Giving maintenance doses of antibiotics will keep the dog tear-stain free.
For chronic tear staining, there are products on the market that use small amounts of antibiotics that you sprinkle on the dog's food. Most dogs love it. Angels Eyes® is one such product. You can order it online at www.angelseyesonline.com.
