It can be quite common for dogs to have eye staining, especially in white coats or from certain breeds. If you know or a vet has confirmed your dog is healthy and this is normal for your individual, then you may want to look at dog eye stain removers. These products are safe and painless in the aid of cleaning up your dog’s eye-stained fur. It can help if you want your dog’s coat to look a little cleaner or even if you are considering taking them to a show.
We will be reviewing the best tear stain removers for dogs so you can find the product you are looking for. From the pros and cons to the number of times you need to use it, we will evaluate everything you need to know. So let’s get into it.
13 Best Dog Eye Stain Remover
Canines have tear glands but it doesn’t function in the same way as humans. Yet, there are times we noticed that dogs shed a few tears that even lead to stains. Well, we can’t help but ask, how can we remove those stains? Hence, this article will explain and give the best dog eye stain removers on the market.
Our Best Pick
First on the list is this Vetericyn animal eye cleaner. Among the others, this is the most popular and highly recommended by most veterinarians. This is perfect for daily use and at the same time, it’s gentle and cost-effective.
Yet, if you wanted to have more variation, come and check out the following list below. Now onto the top 13 best kinds of dog eye stain remover!
2. Vetericyn Plus All Animal Eye Wash
This is a product to flush your dog’s irritated eyes. It reduces pain, and swelling, and helps to remove any debris in the eye. More than that, this tool can flush the tear-stained area and help remove any clogging of dirt and loosen the fur to present a cleaner and brighter area. This is a Vetericyn design and they also work to create products to help your pet feel better. This should be used on the affected eye and area 3-4 times a day until things begin to improve. One positive review remarks on how her white dogs no longer have tear stains or show signs of discomfort.
Well, what are you waiting for? If you need daily stain remover for your dog’s eyes, then this Vetericyn eye cleaner could be the one you’re looking for. This is a safe, cost-effective and at the same time, pain-free eye drops that’s available on the market.
Pros
- This helps clear watery eyes due to allergies.
- It’s highly recommended by vets.
- This is also safe for daily use.
- Promotes healing process during eye injuries.
- Gives relief to itchy and irritated eyes.
Cons
- Some people stated that it takes longer to see the effects.
2. Arava Pet Eye Wipes
Not only do Arava’s wipes help to clean tear stains, but also prevent them from occurring. This pack contains 100 wipes which are all free from chemicals. Their sensitive formula is also hypoallergenic to any age of dog with their thoroughly tested ingredients. These wipes have a design perfect for a dog with sensitive eyes. They will not suffer from any irritation or pain from this brand. Furthermore, the dead sea minerals included in the ingredients help to naturally boost the health of your dog’s coat. Owners’ reviews show a remarkable difference to tear stains before and after using the wipes.
This is the best stain remover for dogs who don’t like eye drops. Just open the canister and get one of those hypoallergenic moist fabrics to clean your dog’s eyes. Also, this Arava eye wipe is safe and gentle for cats, dogs, and even horses of all ages.
Pros
- It has chamomile and aloe vera as its active ingredients.
- This helps remove eye discharge and stains.
- It has hypoallergenic properties.
- It’s gentle and yet prevents irritations and infections.
Cons
- A few of the customers said that the wipes are too dry.
- The fabric is too thin.
- The canister doesn’t have an inner seal.
3. Miracle Care by MiracleCorp/Gimborn Eye Clear Sterile Eye Wash Pads
These pads have a gentle formula applied to each one, so you can use them without worry or waste. Miracle care offers these wipes for dogs, cats, birds, and horses for the use of cleaning, especially near the eyes. They state that their formula is non-stinging so your dog should not be too reactive as long as they are comfortable having their face touched. The ingredients also soothe the affected area in case the clumping of tear residue has left irritation or pulled fur. The reviews are very positive and discuss how the tear stains were not only removed, but their dog seemed to have found relief after the use of the pads.
If you like easy-access pet wipes, then you should go for this one. It comes in a small container that you can easily bring with you during trips. Moreover, this dog tear stain cleaner contains 90 presoaked pads that can gently remove eye debris and prevent further eye injuries.
Pros
- This is safe to use up to 4 times daily.
- It contains gentle yet sterile cleansing ingredients.
- Also, it’s non-stinging and helps remove eye debris.
- Safe to use for most animals.
Cons
- The wipe fabric material looks thin and flimsy.
- Some owners claimed that the wipes burned their pets’ eyelids.
- Also, it doesn’t reduce eye stains in white-coated dogs.
4. Petpost | Tear Stain Remover Comb for Dogs
If you already have a basic dog eye stain remover, then you may be interested in this comb by Petpost. This 65 pin comb made from stainless steel can be used to remove clumped fur and debris stained around the eye. Simply run the comb through the fur gently and it will make the area cleaner, ready for the use of wipes or liquid formulas. Due to the number of pins and their length, they should not pull or tear fur but remove it gently and smoothly. Both vets and groomers have recommended this comb to help your pup with tear stains. All the reviews concede with the professionals, this comb is great and does a thorough job of helping through tear-stained fur.
This product is unique since it doubles as a pet comb and a tear stain cleaner for dogs. Also, it’s not like any cleaner because it contains pins and not presoaked cotton pads. However, despite that major difference, this product works very well and most owners love this.
Pros
- This product gently removes dried tears around the eyes.
- It’s both groomer and veterinarian-approved.
- It’s made of steel pins yet promotes painless cleaning.
- It doesn’t tug the fur around your dog’s eye.
Cons
- Reviews stated that this product is a bit pricey.
- It doesn’t fit in between a dog’s eyes.
- The handle is quite long and flimsy.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71NJxJ4NpEL.jpg
5. Squishface Wrinkle Paste
Are you tired of seeing your dogs with crusty folds and dried tear stains? Then, this Squishface product for wrinkly dog body parts could be the one for you. This is available at most pet supply stores and this also comes in a mini pocket size of 2 oz. Moreover, other than the fact that it’s a tear remover for dogs, it also acts as a canine moisturizer for wrinkly body parts.
This product is also water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off when wet. In addition, it’s great for all dog breeds especially wrinkly ones such as bulldogs and pugs. Also, this is built to work great with any pet eye wipes. Just squeeze a small amount of this paste and gently rub it over the crusted eye area or any portion that looks dried.
Pros
- It includes natural ingredients such as avocado oil and shea butter.
- This product is scientifically made for sensitive skin.
- It’s easy to use and perfect for all breeds.
- Also, it soothes irritation and itchiness.
Cons
- The formula was a bit runny.
- Some dogs have allergic reactions upon using this.
- Other products arrived with a thick and oily consistency.
6. TropiClean SPA Lavish Tear Stain Remover
Sometimes when traditional eye cleaners don’t work, you just have to look for other ways to pamper your furry companion. In that case, you can choose this Tropiclean SPA dog tear remover. This is available in 5 different varieties and all of those offer the same gentle cleansing properties. Moreover, not only that it removes tear stains, but also it lightens them.
In general, this is a luxurious product that takes tear cleaning to another level. Unlike any regular eye stain removers, this Tropiclean dog tears cleaner only works during baths. Hence, it is advisable to gently massage this formula around your dog’s eye area to remove any hardened gunk. Take note, don’t apply it directly to your dog’s eyes, but rather only on its sides. Further, this has coconut oil, so it’s specifically made to be gentle.
Pros
- It’s made of calming coconut oil.
- It comes in blueberry and vanilla scents.
- This product is perfect for white and long-haired breeds.
- The formula clears stains as fast as 3 minutes.
Cons
- It caused allergies in some dogs.
- Some products arrived with broken lids.
- Other reviews claimed that it didn’t lighten tear stains.
7. I-LID ’N LASH Ocular Hygiene Cleanser Vet Pump
Did you notice your dog shedding some of its fur around its eyes? Well, without you knowing, that could be allergies or infection due to gunk build-up. So, instead of worrying about what to do about it, why not look for the best dog eye stain remover on the market? Moreover, this I-LID ‘N LASH veterinary eye cleanser could be the one for you.
This product doesn’t require rinsing and yet it remains sting-free. Other than that, this is also perfect for daily tear stain removals without any pain at all. In addition, it contains hydraulic acid that helps in promoting skin elasticity and healing. Also, this ocular cleaner is hypoallergenic, and at the same time, dermatologist and ophthalmologist-approved. Further, this is the number one pick of most veterinarians since it cleanses without the help of chemicals or antibiotics.
Pros
- It has glycerin for the additional hydrating effects.
- This product is a gentle water-based cleanser.
- This is available in two variants, the 50 ml pump, and the presoaked wipes.
- It primarily promotes dogs’ lid and lash health.
Cons
- The product arrived spilled.
- Some pet owners complained that it doesn’t lighten tear stains.
8. Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Solution for Dogs
Another best eye stain remover for dogs is this Eye Envy tear stain remover product. This is highly recommended by most veterinarians and groomers. Also, the amazing thing about this product is that it’s made from 100% natural materials. It has colloidal silver for treating skin infections such as allergies and shedding. In addition, this also has an astringent called witch hazel that helps clean and dry the infected areas. Well, let’s not forget about its boric crystals as well, which in return remove bad odor from infected areas.
Moreover, this tear stain remover doesn’t have any harsh chemicals such as parabens, bleach, or even steroids. This is also good for all dog breeds, especially Light-colored and wrinkled dogs such as Shitzhu, Maltese, and Pugs. Plus, it can clear and lighten up any tear stains for as early as 7 days.
Pros
- It removes tear stains in 3 simple steps.
- This product is safe and natural.
- Tough on tear stains yet gentle on pets.
- It can be applied directly around the eye area.
- It contains non-irritating human-grade ingredients.
Cons
- It doesn’t remove tear stains since it only lightens.
9. Angel’s Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes
If you want a pet tear stain remover that’s easy to carry during trips to the park or the vet, then you may want to try this one out. Angel’s Eyes tear stain wipes offers a good deal of 100 presoaked fabrics that can last for months of eye cleaning procedures. Also, it’s safe and gentle for daily use.
In addition, most pet owners stated that the best and most effective way to clean dogs’ tear stains is to do it regularly every day for at least 3 minutes. In that way, you will be able to remove mucus, debris, and secretions without them hardening. Plus, this product also prevents and heals skin irritations. So, what more could you ask for? You can find these tear-stain wipes at local pet supply stores.
Pros
- This reduces eye irritation and infection.
- It’s an easy-to-use presoaked eye wipe.
- Also, this can be used on pets as young as 6 weeks old.
- There’s no rinsing required upon use.
Cons
- It’s not cost-effective.
- This product caused allergies in some dogs.
- It doesn’t lighten tear stains.
10. Great Pets Safe & Gentle Tear Stain Remover
Finding the best tear stain remover for white dogs is difficult. With a whole lot of other choices in the market, it’s no doubt that everything can be confusing. For instance, if you want a safe and gentle stain remover, then you’re on the right track. This Great Pets eye cleaner is an easy-to-use stain reducer. Well, not only that it removes dirt, but also it enhances fur appearance, making it look bright.
In addition, this product smells nice. Also, it has coconut in it, hence you don’t have to worry about its hydrating effects. Further, this doesn’t only focus on tear stains, but rather, on different types of dog stains includes mouth, ears, and tail fold stains.
Pros
- It’s made from natural ingredients.
- It doesn’t have alcohol or parabens.
- Also, this product is safe and mild on the skin.
- This reduces eye irritations and infections.
Cons
- It’s quite small and also a bit foamy.
- Customers stated that some of the products arrived damaged.
11. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Tear Stain Remover
Burt’s Bees eye cleaner is also one of the best tear stain removers out there on the market. This is a multi-purpose product. Well, it doesn’t only clean but also hydrates and calms skin itchiness. In addition, it has chamomile extract which is known for its lightening and soothing effects. Also, this comes with different variations and uses, namely for eyes, ears, noses, paws, or doggie elbows.
Moreover, this is safe to use for dogs of all ages. Plus, this is perfect for daily use. Well, just grab some cotton and dab a small amount of this formula. Then, proceed to clean your dog’s eye from debris or dried tear stains. Further, for best results, it’s advisable to use the product for a straight 2 to 4 weeks daily.
Pros
- It promotes a healthy Ph in dogs.
- This product helps in blood circulation around the eye area.
- It lightens and moisturizes the eye area.
- Results are seen for approximately 15 to 30 days.
- It doesn’t have any sulfates, fragrances, harsh chemicals, or even colorants.
Cons
- The bottle is not full upon arrival.
- Some dogs developed irritated eyes.
- The product description at the back was a bit confusing.
12. Vet Classics Tear Stain Supplements
Dog eye drops and wipes are not the only ways to get rid of tear stains. As time went by, scientists discovered a formula to control mucus production using supplements. Well, these supplements are under the company called Vet Classics.
Moreover, what makes these supplements unique is their composition. Other tear stain removals are applied directly or indirectly on the eyes, but with this kind of supplement, everything is done orally. In addition, a single tablet has loads of nutrients and minerals that help brighten eyesight.
Pros
- It removes tear stains and at the same time promotes eye health.
- It promotes a healthy immune system.
- It’s perfect for dogs that don’t like eye drops.
- This is a combination of cranberry, vitamin C, and grape root.
- Also, this can be used as a treat.
- This is chewable.
Cons
- Some owners stated that this product didn’t help with their dog’s tear stains.
- Also, other parcels that arrived came with crumbled tablets.
13. New Natural Tear Eye Stain Remover
As pet owners, choosing the best stain remover is essential for our dog’s health. Also, before buying one, it’s important to do prior research on it. Well, if you want something that is purely organic, then you should consider this New Natural eye stain remover product. It’s made of different plant-based materials and yet remains strong in lightening a dog’s undereye stains.
In addition, this is safe and gentle on the dog’s fur. Also, the combination of lemongrass and lavender is perfect for preventing further saliva, tears, and mucus stains.
Pros
- It’s both alcohol and parabens-free.
- This product lightens and prevents further discoloration.
- It’s gentle and safe to use with cats, dogs, rabbits, and even horses.
- It contains lavender, lemongrass, and hydrogen peroxide.
Cons
- Other dogs were allergic to this.
- It doesn’t smell nice.
Dog Eye Stains
Dog eye stains are brown or red stains that originate from your dog’s tear ducts down their face. They will stain the fur by their eyes which can be more or less prominent depending on a few things. Firstly is your dog’s coat color. If your dog has a white coat then they will almost certainly develop tear stains at some point in their life. This goes for any lighter coat color as well although it is most common on white coats. On the other hand, darker coats may not show a huge discoloration, but excessive tears can lead to clumping of the fur around the tear ducts and on the face. Too much tears or liquid on the side of the eye can also result in eye boogers.
The second factor is your dog’s breed. Some breeds are more prone to developing tear staining than others either due to the coat type, or the number of tears commonly produced. Brachycephalic dog breeds are much more prone to tear staining for multiple reasons. Firstly, their eye sockets are often deeper than a lot of breeds with long snouts. This causes tear build-up alongside the inevitable action of tears running down the face instead of simply dropping from the eye to the ground. Secondly, breeds such as the Pug have face wrinkles which can accumulate tears leading to staining above them.
Health
However, if your dog gets tear staining then do not immediately assume it is harmless. It can indicate some health issues. Your dog could be suffering from a variety of issues from an eye infection to eyelashes growing over into their eye. Although some of the health conditions may be harmless and easily treatable, serious damage can be caused by leaving the conditions alone. From pain to eye loss, tears can be a sign of something bigger and worrisome. Taking them to the vet can allow you to confirm whether or not their tears are harmless or require treatment.
In order to prevent dog eye stains before they start, you can be aware of the food they are eating alongside their personal grooming
What Should You Look For in an Eye Stain Remover
These are the factors that owners must take into consideration before buying the best tear stain removers for dogs. Read more information below.
Cost
In buying the best tear stain removers, you should always take into consideration their cost-effectiveness. Let’s face it. Price matters in buying a quality tear stain remover. So, if you’re on a budget, you can find some products that are on sale at 5$ to 10$. However, there are also pet eye stain removers that cost around 30$ to 50$.
Effectiveness
Efficiency matters in choosing the right stain remover for dogs’ eyes. Yet, we know that not all stain remover has the same effect on all dogs. So, to be sure, you need to visit your veterinarian to have your canine checked out.
Ingredients
As pet owners, always take note that natural ingredients are safer than chemical ones. Well, alcohol-based tear stain removers can burn and sting. So, to be safe choose a product that has either coconut or shea butter ingredients. That’s because they can clean an area and yet provide proper hydration and collagen formation.
Sustainability
In terms of choosing the best dog eye stain remover, first, check its sustainability. Well, you should take note of chemicals that can harm the environment. For instance, parabens have been used as a medicinal and cosmetic ingredient. Yet, we didn’t have an idea that the tiniest bit of it can destroy coral reefs.
Type
The only thing that can help you decide on choosing the appropriate dog tear stain remover is prior research and consultation with a veterinarian. On the contrary, if you’re on a tight budget, a little bit of hydrogen peroxide can fix a dog’s tear stains. Well, just ensure not to apply it directly to the eyes.
Warranty
It’s undeniable that some products arrive damaged. Well, it’s either that the handling of couriers was faulty or the seller gave an unchecked item. So, in that case, it’s better to look for shops that offer money-back guarantees in case of broken or damaged items.
Dog Eye Stain Removers Explained
Eye stain removers for dogs help to remove the Stubborn stains produced by tears on your dog’s fur. They contain safe ingredients so your dog is not at any health risk. Moreover, they simply help to remove the coloring and any residue left by tears. However, remember that if staining becomes apparent, a vet visit should always be your first step. Dog tear removers should only be used upon confirmation that your dog is healthy.
How Do They Work
Tear stain removers work by moistening the area to remove any residue or clumping of eye discharge. The ingredients also help to reduce the tear staining color on the fur. Some help to prevent future staining by keeping the waterline dryer and preventing excess tear shed. You simply apply the remover to the affected area as per the instructions. This will need to be done so regularly to keep the area clean and remove stains. Check the specific instruction manual to see how often each brand recommends. Often it is once or twice a week.
Some you have to use during baths, others in the morning after they wake up. Each product can be different but they all work in the same way. Furthermore, depending on the ingredients, some are more effective at cleaning the area, whereas others work more so to brighten the fur for a time period. We recommend those that help to brighten the fur, clean the area, and dry the waterline enough to keep your dog comfortable and you happy.
Types of Stain Removers
There are three main types of dog eye stain remover you can purchase. These include powder, wipes, and liquid solutions. All of which have their own benefits for your dog. Although the paste version is an up-and-coming alternative. You need to consider which would be easier to use with your dog for starters. If they react quite negatively to wipes, it may be better to use one of the other types. However, if you are concerned about spilling the liquid solution, perhaps go with the wipes.
The wipes are soft and are soaked in the liquid formula so you can quickly wipe the affected area with ease. The liquid solution on the other hand will need to be applied to something, such as a cotton ball. You can then use this to wipe your dog’s eyes. Lastly, there is the powder version, which simply requires a pinch to be gently rubbed on and in the area, as does the paste version. As a bonus, you can also consider tear stain combs which allow you to remove any dirt or stuck clumps from the area.
Why Should You Remove Dog Eye Stains
A dog’s tear ducts are sometimes activated due to allergens. As a result, they tear up a little, and sometimes, it can leave a stain. Well, the staining in a dog’s eyes is due to a compound called Porphyrin. This chemical is excreted in saliva, tears, and urine. To be precise, they’re iron molecules, hence, when they stain, they look reddish-brown.
Tear stains in dogs don’t look good. Other than aesthetic problems, they could signal a worsening health scenario as well. As a result, tear stains need to be removed since they can cause further infections. For instance, those stains could mean corneal cancer and if not treated or cleaned properly, it can cause blockage, irritation, swelling, and worse, blindness.
In addition, tear stains can also smell. Take note that a normal discharge shouldn’t smell, and yet, if you noticed some dog with an unusual smelling eye area, then most likely that’s infected. Further, immediate action must be given to prevent that infection from spreading.
How to Prevent Dog Eye Stain
As an owner, it’s hard not to worry about your dog’s health every day. Plus, it’s even scarier when you see an unusual discharge coming out of your dog’s eye. Yet, fret no more. This article will explain to you the ways how you can prevent dog eye stains.
General Check-ups
Regular check-ups are a must-have in every dog’s life. Well, prevention is better than cure and the best way to prevent diseases is to visit a veterinarian now and then. In addition, only animal doctors know what’s going on with our fellow canines.
Healthy Diet
Tear duct blockage can cause infection and irritation. So, to prevent that, dogs should have a balanced diet of the following:
- Dried kelp and pumpkin
- Sweet potatoes and peas
- Potato and chicken
- Apples and carrots
- Fish oil and oatmeal
Regular Water Intake
Hydration is another key to preventing tear duct blockage. Normally, a dog’s tear duct is not used for crying purposes. But, dogs’ eyes seem to cry and that’s due to blockage. Well, hydration will wash away debris stuck in a dog’s eye. Just remember that tap water contains minerals, and those minerals promote more Porphyrin. So, it’s better to give your dogs filtered water.
Facial Grooming and Hygiene
When dogs undergo regular grooming, the natural oils spread evenly on their coats, thus making their fur grow long and smooth. Other than that, it also removes any dirt or shredded fur that blocks their eyes. As a result, tear stains may be avoided.
Do Not Use Plastic Food Bowls
Replace plastic bowls with steel bowls because plastic contracts bacteria faster than steel. As a result, bacteria from the plastic dog bowl can transfer to the dog’s face and cause further infections.
Dog Eye Stain Remover – FAQs
We have looked through the internet for the most commonly asked questions about dog eye stain removers. Here are our answers to give you some more information about this product.
Some that most commonly have tear stains include the Pug, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. This is because brachycephalic breeds are more prone to tear staining than other breeds. This is not to say that non-brachycephalic breeds won’t suffer from tear staining, but are less likely. Beyond breeds, white coat colors are more likely to show the staining in any breed, however.
There are many home remedies for dog tear stains. They can be effective and non-irritating. However, for the best results, we do advise you to buy a high-quality brand.
Some of the most common include ingrown eyelashes, eye infections, poor diet, stress, and even dog teeth problems. Swelling and irritation to the eye and face can cause your dog to produce more tears, leading to staining. Furthermore, hormonal and diet changes can change the acidity in your pet’s tears, leading to color changes. There are many influencing health conditions that can lead to tear stains, hence why a vet check-up is so important.
Cherry eye, dry eye, and turning eyelashes are a few of the common conditions found in dogs. Be sure to research your dog’s breed and what eye conditions they suffer from commonly. This way you will be more likely to notice if something is wrong and know what the cause may be.
This entirely depends on the product you are using. Be sure to check the instructions on the product to see. Many can vary from once a day for a week to twice a day for a few days.
Whether you want to brighten the appearance of your dog or make sure they are not in discomfort, eye stain removers are very useful. They enable you to remove debris, fur clumping, and fur staining. Be sure to only use this product after confirmation that the tear staining is not a result of a health concern. Once you know your dog is okay, you can start using one of these to help them feel more comfortable and look their best.