Unfortunately there are many many factors that cause tear stains.  Everything from minerals in water, excessive tearing, genetics, health, diet, fleas, allergies, blocked tear ducts and the list goes on.  Most people can try to get a professional opinion from their vet or try different things to rule out.  A premium food with no fillers, corn, dyes including treats is an option.  Most recently I have seen great results with Angel Eyes, a supplement used with food.   Two maltese I groomed had the worst stains and after this product, no more stains with their next visit.   The other product is Eye Envy, the only downfall is applying a solution then apply a paste two or three times a day which most owners  do really well for the first week and then cut back over due to busy schedules.  Through the years, groomers have tried many over the counter topical eye stain removers with little to no results.  On the Angel Eyes Website, there are over 23 pages of success stories.  You can get this product at most pet stores  but keep in mind it may work for some not for others.

Always check with your vet before using Angel Eyes due to an antibiotic in the ingredients.   Prolong use of antibiotics could cause a resistance to antibiotics in need of a medical issue.

A newer non-antibiotic eye stain remover formula is called Tear Stain Supplement by Vet Classics.  It’s also a powder supplement given as needed or until stains are gone.   I found this widely on the web on different sites as well as Ebay and was referred this product by one of my clients given to them by their vet with good results.  Another similar product can be found at PetFoodExpress called Naturvet Tear Stain which has mix reviews working for some and not for others.

1. Funny Pet Video Says:
   January 30th, 2009 at 5:32 pm

   Loved your insight!! For once someone got everything correct!! Would you mind if I put a blogroll link back to your post?

2. Lili Says:
   May 11th, 2010 at 4:45 pm

   Thank you for posting about this.

   I researched it extensively for my maltipoo’s tear stains. I had looked into Angel Eyes – it seemed like the best solution based on my internet research.

   When I checked with my vet, he strongly recommended against it because it contains an antibiotic and they cautioned against any long-term antibiotic exposure – worried that it could make the dog resistant to antibiotics should she ever need it for infections in the future. He basically told me it was an aesthetic problem and I didn’t want to compromise our dog’s health for my admitted vanity.

   When I looked for natural solutions & asked her breeder, a spoonful of plain yogurt daily does seem to have an improvement – but they have not gone away 100%.

3. Vanessa Says:
   May 11th, 2010 at 8:32 pm

   Well said! Everything you mentioned is dead on!

   Angel Eyes has done wonders on so many dogs I’ve worked on with major stains but knowledge of the risks is even more important.

   Thanks for commenting and your input!!!