Maltese Tear Stains: Causes, Prevention & Removal

What Causes Tear Stains?

Tear stains are caused by porphyrins, iron-containing waste molecules that are excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. When these molecules are exposed to light and air, they oxidize and turn a rusty reddish-brown color.

On white or light-colored dogs like Maltese, this discoloration is highly visible. The staining itself isn't harmful, but excessive tearing (epiphora) that causes it may sometimes indicate an underlying issue.

Contributing Factors

Anatomy

* Shallow eye sockets - common in brachycephalic breeds
* Blocked or narrow tear ducts - tears overflow onto face
* Eyelid abnormalities - entropion, ectropion
* Excessive hair around eyes - wicks moisture onto face

Diet and Water

* High mineral content in tap water - iron increases porphyrins
* Food with artificial dyes - especially red dyes
* Food allergies or sensitivities
* Low-quality dog food - fillers and additives

Health Issues

* Eye infections - bacterial or yeast
* Allergies - environmental or food
* Ear infections - can cause referred tearing
* Teething - common cause in puppies

Environmental

* Dust and pollen - irritates eyes
* Smoke - cigarette or fireplace
* Cleaning products - fumes irritate eyes
* Dry air - especially in winter

Breeds Most Affected by Tear Stains

While any dog can develop tear stains, they're most visible and common in:

Breed	Why They're Prone
Maltese	Pure white coat, shallow eye sockets, hair near eyes
Bichon Frise	White coat, round face, prominent eyes
Shih Tzu	Flat face, shallow eye sockets, hair around eyes
Poodle	Light-colored varieties, curly hair near eyes
Cocker Spaniel	Droopy lower eyelids, prone to eye issues
Pekingese	Very shallow eye sockets, prominent eyes

How to Remove Tear Stains

Removing existing tear stains requires patience. The stained fur needs to grow out and be trimmed away, which takes several weeks to months.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Dampen a soft cloth or cotton pad with warm water or eye wash
Gently wipe the stained area from inner corner outward
Be careful not to touch the eye itself
Dry the area thoroughly - moisture breeds yeast
Apply tear stain remover if using - follow product directions
Comb through the fur to prevent matting

Deep Cleaning (Weekly)

Use an enzyme-based tear stain remover
Apply to stained fur (not in the eye) and let sit 2-3 minutes
Gently comb through with a fine-toothed flea comb
Wipe clean and dry thoroughly
Consider a whitening treatment for stubborn stains

Important: Be Patient

You won't see instant results. It typically takes 4-8 weeks of consistent daily care to see significant improvement as clean new fur grows in and stained fur is trimmed away.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing new stains is easier than removing existing ones. Here's what works:

Daily Habits

* Wipe face after every meal
* Dry face thoroughly after drinking
* Clean eye area morning and night
* Keep face fur trimmed short
* Use a flea comb to remove debris

Diet Changes

* Switch to filtered or distilled water
* Avoid food with artificial dyes
* Feed high-quality, grain-inclusive or limited ingredient diet
* Use stainless steel bowls (plastic can harbor bacteria)
* Consider probiotics

Grooming Tips

Keep face fur trimmed: Long fur wicks moisture and stays wet
Use tear stain combs: Fine-toothed combs remove debris and crusty buildup
Regular professional grooming: Groomers can keep the face properly trimmed
Consider a topknot or face trim: Keeps hair out of eyes

Best Products for Tear Stains

Product Type	How It Works	Best For
Eye Wipes	Pre-moistened, convenient daily cleaning	Daily maintenance, travel
Enzyme Cleaners	Break down porphyrin molecules	Existing stains, deep cleaning
Whitening Products	Bleach/lighten stained fur	Stubborn, set-in stains
Tear Stain Powder	Absorbs moisture, keeps area dry	Prevention, heavy tearers
Oral Supplements	Address internal causes	Long-term prevention

Products to Avoid

✗ Products with tylosin - antibiotic should only be prescribed by vets
✗ Human eye drops - not formulated for dogs
✗ Harsh bleaches near the eyes - can cause chemical burns
✗ Products not labeled for pets

DIY Home Solutions

Some pet owners prefer natural remedies. These can help, but use caution around the eyes:

Safe Home Remedies

Saline solution: Mix 1 tsp salt in 1 cup distilled water. Use to gently wipe eye area.
Diluted apple cider vinegar: Add 1 tsp to your dog's water bowl. May help with internal pH.
Coconut oil: Apply small amount to stained area to help loosen buildup (keep away from eyes).
Cornstarch: Dust under eyes to absorb moisture (brush away excess).
Filtered water: Simply switching to filtered water helps many dogs.

Hydrogen Peroxide Caution

While diluted hydrogen peroxide can lighten stains, it's risky near the eyes. If using, mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts water, apply only to fur (never near eye), and rinse thoroughly. Most experts recommend pet-safe products instead.

When to See a Vet

While tear stains are usually cosmetic, excessive tearing can sometimes indicate a health problem:

See Your Vet If:

⚠ Sudden increase in tearing
⚠ Discharge is thick, yellow, or green (infection)
⚠ Dog is squinting or pawing at eyes
⚠ Eyes appear red, irritated, or swollen
⚠ One eye tears more than the other
⚠ Hair loss around the eyes
⚠ Tear stains accompanied by bad odor (yeast infection)
⚠ Dog seems uncomfortable or in pain

Your vet may check for blocked tear ducts, eye infections, allergies, or anatomical issues. In some cases, a minor procedure to flush the tear ducts can help. Dogs with severe tear duct issues may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes tear stains on Maltese dogs?▼

Tear stains are caused by porphyrins, iron-containing molecules in tears that turn reddish-brown when exposed to light and air. Contributing factors include: shallow eye sockets (common in Maltese), blocked tear ducts, teething in puppies, allergies, eye infections, water with high mineral content, and certain foods with artificial dyes.

How do I remove tear stains from my Maltese?▼

Clean the area daily with a damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipe. For existing stains, use tear stain removers containing boric acid or enzyme-based formulas. Apply to the stained fur (not in the eye), let sit briefly, then wipe away. Be consistent - it takes weeks for stained fur to grow out and be trimmed away.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide on my dog's tear stains?▼

Diluted hydrogen peroxide (mixed with equal parts water or cornstarch paste) can lighten stains, but use extreme caution around the eyes. Many veterinarians and groomers recommend pet-specific tear stain products instead, as they're formulated to be safe near sensitive eye areas. Never put any product directly in the eye.

How can I prevent tear stains on my white dog?▼

Prevention includes: wiping the eye area daily, using filtered or distilled water, feeding high-quality food without artificial dyes, keeping face fur trimmed short, addressing allergies, ensuring tear ducts aren't blocked, and using stainless steel food and water bowls. Consistency is key.

When should I see a vet about my dog's tear stains?▼

See a vet if: excessive tearing appears suddenly, discharge is thick/yellow/green (indicates infection), your dog is squinting or pawing at their eyes, eyes appear red or irritated, there's swelling around the eyes, or tear stains are accompanied by other symptoms. Some dogs have underlying conditions causing excessive tearing.

Are tear stain supplements safe for dogs?▼

Some supplements containing ingredients like cranberry, probiotics, or marshmallow root are generally considered safe and may help. However, avoid any product containing tylosin (an antibiotic) unless prescribed by your vet. Long-term antibiotic use can cause resistance and isn't recommended for cosmetic issues.

The Bottom Line

Tear stains on your Maltese are manageable with consistent daily care. Focus on keeping the face clean and dry, using filtered water, feeding quality food, and working with a groomer to keep face fur properly trimmed.

Remember that improvement takes time - you're waiting for clean fur to grow in as stained fur is trimmed away. Be patient and consistent, and you'll see results within a few weeks.

If tear stains are excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, consult your vet to rule out underlying health issues. With the right approach, your Maltese can have a beautiful, clean face!