The Truth About Tear Staining and How I Prevent It
One of the many things I pride myself on is that my puppies rarely suffer from tear staining. I have spent countless hours researching this issue, trying different approaches, and learning through years of trial and error. The knowledge I’ve gained will be shared with you when you purchase a puppy from me. Unlike some, I don’t believe you need creams, powders, or other temporary solutions to cover it up.
Now, while I cannot guarantee tear staining will never occur, I can confidently say that I’m 99% sure it can be prevented with proper care and the right knowledge.
What Is Tear Staining?
For those who may not know, tear staining is the unsightly brown, rust, or even black discoloration you sometimes see around a dog’s eyes, especially in lighter-colored breeds like Maltese. These stains are often caused by excessive tearing, and over time, the moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, resulting in those rusty streaks. Some dogs even develop a rusty-colored face, which can be unattractive and challenging to manage.
What You Can Use to Get Rid of Tear Staining
If you already have a dog suffering from tear staining, you might be able to reverse it. When you purchase a puppy from me, I will offer guidance on how to minimize and even eliminate it in some cases. I have had only one dog with tear staining many years ago, and trust me, I tried everything from creams to powders. Nothing worked, but I also learned that these products were not only ineffective, they were potentially harmful.
There are two popular products out there marketed specifically for tear staining: Angel Eyes and Angel Glow. Both of these contain chemicals, specifically a drug known as Tylosin Tartrate, which is an antibiotic. These products claim to eliminate yeast, which is often blamed for causing tear staining, though I do not agree that yeast is the primary cause.
Even if these products worked, I would never recommend using them. Why? Because of the dangerous chemicals and drugs they contain. Using these products regularly means giving your dog antibiotics daily, which can weaken their immune system, destroy the good bacteria in their gut, and allow bad bacteria to flourish. Worse yet, this process can lead to a variety of health issues, including an overgrowth of yeast, the very thing they claim to fight.
Avoid Harmful Tear Stain Products
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of avoiding these so-called tear stain “whiteners” that contain chemicals and drugs. Long-term use of antibiotics in non-emergency situations is something I strongly oppose. Holistic veterinarians agree that antibiotics should be reserved for emergencies only, as they can wreak havoc on your pet’s immune system.
Antibiotics, whether chemical or natural, are not a solution for tear staining. In fact, using them daily for cosmetic purposes could lead to bigger problems, as they weaken the body’s defenses and promote the very conditions they are meant to treat.
The Power of Essential Oils and Natural Remedies
Many people who believe yeast causes tear staining turn to natural antibiotics like essential oils. While I don’t think antibiotics, natural or not, are the answer to tear staining, essential oils can still be incredibly beneficial for overall eye health.
Essential oils serve multiple purposes, and when used properly, they can promote eye health and prevent infections. However, they are not a magic fix for tear staining.
Genetics and Tear Staining
Some might suggest that tear staining is genetic, but based on my own experience, I disagree. The one dog I had that suffered from tear staining never passed it on to any of her offspring. Genetics, in my opinion, is not the primary culprit. This is yet another reason I believe tear staining can be prevented with the right care.
My Go-To: Colloidal Silver
The only thing I would ever recommend putting directly into a dog’s eyes is colloidal silver. It has worked wonders for clearing up any eye-related issues and has been a trusted remedy in my home for years. However, let me clarify that colloidal silver will not cure tear staining. It can help maintain overall eye health, but it won’t reverse the discoloration that’s already occurred.
If you’re struggling with a dog that already has tear staining, and you purchase a puppy from me, I will happily guide you through what might work. But understand that some cases are more challenging than others, and while improvement is often possible, complete elimination may not always be achievable.
A Final Word on Tear Staining
Tear staining is an unsightly issue that plagues many dogs, particularly in light-colored breeds. The good news is, I have spent years researching and testing what works and what doesn’t, so you won’t need to rely on harmful chemicals or temporary cover-ups. When you purchase a puppy from me, you are not just getting a beautiful, healthy puppy; you are also getting the knowledge and tools to help keep your puppy looking his or her best.
By understanding the root causes of tear staining and avoiding harmful, chemical-laden products, you can ensure your puppy stays healthy, inside and out. Trust in natural, safe methods, and remember: a strong immune system is key to preventing many health issues, including tear staining.
