Why is my Shih Tzu suddenly getting tear stains? How to remove them?

While your groomer means well, they are not a vet and are not schooled in animal nutrition. I would listen to your vet, they are the ones who attended veterinary school and have education in animal nutrition. Tear stains are actually common in breeds like Shih Tzus. You can feed Ruby from a ceramic or stainless steel bowl to see if that helps, and there are teat stain removers which can help. Best of luck.

What a cutie! If you've not yet had a vet examine her eyes, please do so. She may have an eye condition that is contributing to the issue. If her eyes have gotten a clean bill of health from your vet, try this: Many people have had success with these treats. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

I'm sorry to hear Tucker is having issues with tear staining. It can be normal in dogs with a light hair coat to see some coloration from normal discharge around the eyes. In some dogs, it can be improved with an oral probiotic, or an over the counter remedy designed specifically for this issue. Allergies can also exacerbate the discharge seasonally. I would touch base with his veterinarian to discuss what options may be available to him that may help. Good luck!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The dark circles are staining of the fur from discharge/tears from the eye. You can get the eyes checked to make sure that they can close properly, and there aren't any medical problems that are causing Sizzy to produce more tears, or the tears to not flow down into the nose like normal. Lots of dogs however have no problems and just have tear staining, so it could be fine. I recommend discussing this with your vet next time you are there for a check up. Best of luck with Sizzy!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Juliette! There is pigment normally present in tear film and saliva. If she is having excessive tearing and is either using her paws to rub her eyes (like a grooming cat) or is licking her paws that can explain the discoloration. The most common reason for a sudden onset of excessive tearing and licking of the paws is allergies (allergies can start anytime). You are right that the tear staining can be normal in some breeds and there is nothing that can be done. I would get Juliette in to your Vet for an evaluation of her eyes and skin. Watch her closely to see if she is pawing her face or is licking her feet. If the staining is on her back feet then you have your answer, she is licking them. Your vet can prescribe medications for her eyes and something to stop the itch. There are not products that work consistently to remove the staining. You will have to stop the inciting cause then wait for the hair to grow out and get her groomed. I wish you the best!

I know that this can be frustrating. There are a few things you can try. There is a product called Angels' Eyes that comes in an oral form. It does have to be given on a consistent basis in order to see a difference. You can also use a contact solution with boric acid to reduce the staining. Do not use boric acid in any other form around the eyes as it can cause irritation or damage to the eyes. The other thing would be to have a groomer shave the hair from that area. This will keep her face cleaner and with less hair, there will be less staining.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to an eye injury or conditions such as a corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, dry eye (also known as KCS), among many other conditions. At this point given she has not improved, I would recommend you consider having her evaluated by a veterinary ophthalmologist who can recommend further. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!