Those reddish-brown streaks under your dog's eyes have a name - tear stains - and a surprising amount of misinformation around how to get rid of them. The good news: most tear staining is cosmetic, and you can safely fade and prevent it at home. The important news: some popular oral "tear stain removers" have a complicated safety history worth knowing about. Here's the vet-sourced truth on what causes tear stains and what actually works to remove them.
TL;DR: Tear stains are caused by porphyrins - iron-based pigments in tears that turn reddish-brown when they sit on light fur. They're usually cosmetic, driven by excess tearing or poor drainage. The safest fix is daily topical cleaning: wipe the area, keep it dry, and trim the fur. Be cautious with oral "Angel Eyes"-type products - many historically contained the antibiotic tylosin, which the FDA flagged in 2014. Our Dog Eye Cleaning Rinse is a gentle, daily topical option. See a vet for sudden staining, squinting or colored discharge.
What Are Dog Tear Stains?
Tear stains are the rusty, reddish-brown marks that form where tears overflow and sit against the fur. The color comes from porphyrins - iron-containing pigments produced when the body breaks down red blood cells, which are then excreted in tears, saliva and urine. When porphyrin-rich tears are exposed to air and light over time, they oxidize to that tell-tale reddish-brown, most visible on white and light-coated dogs.1 Importantly, the staining itself is usually cosmetic - it's the overflow of tears (epiphora) you want to understand.
What Causes Tear Stains?
- Excess tearing or poor drainage (epiphora): the root of most staining - either too many tears or tears that can't drain.1
- Breed & facial structure: flat-faced and small breeds (Maltese, Shih Tzu, Poodle, Pekingese, Bulldogs) have shallow sockets and drainage issues.
- Blocked or imperforate tear ducts: some dogs (notably Cocker Spaniels) are born with poorly formed drainage openings.
- Eyelid & lash problems: entropion, ectopic cilia or distichiasis that irritate the eye.
- Allergies & irritants: increase tear production.
- Diet & water minerals: high iron content in some water/foods can deepen staining.
- Yeast vs. porphyrin: a damp tear-stained area can also grow Malassezia yeast, which causes a darker brown stain and musty smell - a different problem that needs antifungal care, not just wiping.
How to Remove Tear Stains Safely, Step by Step
- Soften the stain with a cotton pad dampened in warm water or a dog-safe eye rinse.
- Wipe the skin beneath the eye - outward, away from the eye. Never put product directly in the eye.
- Use a fresh pad per eye to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Dry the area thoroughly - porphyrins and yeast both love moisture.
- Trim the fur around the eyes with blunt-tipped scissors so stains have less to cling to.
- Repeat daily. Existing stains fade as new, clean fur grows in - this takes weeks, not days.
A purpose-built rinse like our Dog Eye Cleaning Rinse makes this routine simple and gentle for everyday use.
Tear Stain Removal Methods Compared
| Method | How it works | Best for | Safety notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye rinse / wipes (topical) | Lifts porphyrin from fur, keeps area clean & dry | Daily maintenance | Safe; use on skin, not in the eye |
| Topical balms / powders | Coat or absorb moisture | Light staining | Avoid eye contact |
| Oral "tear-stain" chews (Angel Eyes-type) | Historically used the antibiotic tylosin to reduce staining | — | FDA warned makers in 2014; reputable brands reformulated - avoid antibiotic versions |
| Home hydrogen-peroxide mix | Mild bleaching of stained fur | — | Risky near eyes; we don't recommend it |
| Grooming / trimming | Removes already-stained fur | All dogs | Use blunt-tipped scissors |
The "Angel Eyes" / Oral Antibiotic Controversy
Many older oral tear-stain removers - including well-known "Angel Eyes"-style products - worked because they contained tylosin, an antibiotic. In 2014, the FDA issued warning letters to several makers of these unapproved products, noting that tylosin is not approved for use in dogs or cats.3 Reputable brands reformulated to cranberry- and probiotic-based supplements afterward. The takeaway isn't panic - it's that dosing your dog daily with a low-level antibiotic for a cosmetic stain was never a good idea. Topical cleaning is the safer, vet-preferred route, and it's why we built a rinse rather than a pill.
How to Prevent Tear Stains Long-Term
Prevention is a daily habit: wipe and dry the eye area each day, keep facial hair trimmed, use stainless or filtered water bowls (to limit mineral staining), and manage any underlying allergies. Consistency beats any miracle product - a clean, dry face simply doesn't stain the way a damp, neglected one does.
Tear Stains by Breed
Light-coated and brachycephalic breeds show stains most: Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese and Pugs top the list, while Cocker Spaniels are prone to imperforate tear ducts. For these dogs, staining is often a lifelong maintenance task rather than a one-time fix - and that's okay.
When to See a Vet
- Sudden onset or a rapid increase in tearing
- Yellow or green discharge (possible infection)
- Squinting, redness, swelling or pawing at the eye
- Cloudiness or signs of pain - possible corneal ulcer
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tear stain removers actually work?
Topical removers and rinses fade existing porphyrin staining and prevent buildup with daily use. They manage the cosmetic stain - they don't cure the underlying tear overflow, so consistency is key.
Are tear stain removers safe for dogs?
Gentle topical rinses and wipes used on the skin are safe. Avoid bleach or hydrogen peroxide near the eyes, and be cautious with oral "tear-stain" products that historically contained antibiotics.
How do I get rid of my dog's tear stains?
Clean and dry the area daily, trim the fur, rule out a medical cause, and be patient - stained fur fades as clean fur grows in over several weeks.
Are "Angel Eyes" products safe?
Many older versions contained the antibiotic tylosin, which the FDA flagged in 2014. Brands have since reformulated, but daily antibiotics for a cosmetic issue isn't advisable - topical cleaning is safer.
Why does my white dog get such bad tear stains?
Light fur simply shows porphyrin pigment more, and many white/small breeds also have facial structures that cause tears to overflow.
The Bottom Line
Tear stains are mostly a cosmetic, manageable issue. Skip the antibiotic shortcuts: clean and dry the area daily, trim the fur, address any medical cause, and stay consistent. Your dog's bright eyes will thank you.
Shop the Dog Eye Cleaning Rinse →
Scientific Sources & References
- PetMD. Epiphora (Watery Eyes) in Dogs. petmd.com
- PetMD. Best Dog Tear Stain Removers (Vet-Verified). petmd.com
- AVMA / JAVMA News. FDA warns makers of unapproved 'tear stain' products. avma.org
- American Kennel Club. How to Prevent & Clean Tear Stains on Your Dog's Face. akc.org
Evidence note: Persistent or sudden tearing can signal a treatable medical problem (blocked ducts, eyelid abnormalities, infection or ulcers). Staining that changes color, smells, or comes with squinting warrants a veterinary exam. Informational only, not a substitute for veterinary advice.