Bright Eyes: How to Prevent and Clean Tear Stains on Your Maltese

Maltese dogs are known for their beautiful, pristine white coats. However, many Maltese owners struggle with tear stains, those unsightly reddish-brown discolorations under their dog’s eyes. While completely eliminating tear stains can be challenging, a consistent routine and attention to detail can significantly minimize their appearance. Here’s how to keep your Maltese looking their best:

Understanding the Cause

Tear stains are primarily caused by excessive tear production, also known as epiphora. The tears contain porphyrins, iron-containing molecules that stain fur upon prolonged exposure to air and sunlight. While some tear production is normal, certain factors can exacerbate the problem:

• Diet: Some ingredients in dog food can contribute to tear staining.
• Water Quality: Minerals in tap water can worsen the issue.
• Allergies: Food or environmental allergies can cause increased tear production.
• Blocked Tear Ducts: A common problem in small breeds, blocked tear ducts prevent proper drainage.
• Eye Irritation: Ingrown eyelashes (distichiasis), conjunctivitis, or other irritants can increase tear flow.
• Genetics: Some Maltese are simply predisposed to excessive tearing.

Prevention is Key

1. Dietary Adjustments: Opt for a high-quality, grain-free dog food. Some owners find that eliminating artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives helps. Consider a limited-ingredient diet to rule out potential food allergies.
2. Filtered Water: Switch to filtered or bottled water to minimize mineral intake.
3. Regular Trimming: Keep the hair around your Maltese’s eyes short to prevent it from wicking moisture onto the fur. Use blunt-nosed scissors for safety.
4. Vinegar in Water (Use with Caution): Some owners add a tiny amount of apple cider vinegar (approximately 1/4 teaspoon per cup of water) to their dog’s water. The idea is that this alters the pH of the tears. Consult your veterinarian before trying this, as excessive acidity can be harmful.
5. Veterinary Checkup: Schedule regular veterinary checkups to rule out underlying medical conditions such as blocked tear ducts, eye infections, or allergies. If tear duct blockage is the issue, your vet may recommend flushing the tear ducts.

Cleaning Tear Stains

Even with preventative measures, some staining may still occur. Here’s how to clean them effectively:

1. Daily Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe the area around your Maltese’s eyes daily. This helps remove fresh tears before they have a chance to stain.
2. Tear Stain Solutions: Many commercial tear stain removers are available. Look for products specifically formulated for dogs and avoid those containing harsh chemicals like bleach or peroxide. Follow the product instructions carefully.
3. Homemade Solutions (Use with Caution): Some owners use a mixture of warm water and a small amount of boric acid powder (available at pharmacies). However, boric acid can be irritating, so use it sparingly and avoid getting it directly in your dog’s eyes. Always consult with your vet before using any homemade remedies.
4. Cornstarch Paste: After cleaning, you can apply a thin paste of cornstarch to the stained area. The cornstarch helps absorb moisture and prevent further staining. Ensure the cornstarch is completely dry before brushing it out.

Consistency is Crucial

Remember, preventing and cleaning tear stains is an ongoing process. Consistency is key to maintaining your Maltese’s bright-eyed appearance. By following these tips and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help minimize tear stains and keep your furry friend looking their best.

474×331 maltese tear stains prevent remove from www.petmaltese.com

474×316 maltese tear stains tear stain center from tear-stain-center.com

140×140 clean tear marks eyes maltese shih tzu pets nest from pets.thenest.com

474×634 clean tear stains puppys eyes trusper from trusper.com

474×304 maltese tear stain remedies total pooch from totalpooch.com

1080×698 clean shih tzu tear stains shih tzu world from shihtzuworld.com

1024×683 prevent dog tear stains proper hygiene nutrient rich food from dogsbestlife.com

2240×1260 dog tear stains prevention treatment proud dog mom from www.prouddogmom.com

1200×799 naturally remove tear stains dogs fur pethelpful from pethelpful.com

600×400 remove dogs tear stains top home remedies from www.top10homeremedies.com

2000×1500 dog tear stains white dog face puppy remover products natural dogs cats pets from dogscatspets.org

1280×853 dog tear stains solutions white dogs bichon frises from all-about-bichon-frises.com

760×430 clean dog home remedies treating tear stains total pooch from totalpooch.com

736×1140 chihuahua tear stains clean prevent stains eye discharge dog tips from www.pinterest.com

1200×1800 homemade dog eye wipes dog eyes yorkie homemade dog from www.pinterest.com