Tear stains are discolored sections of hair under and around a dog eyes. The hair may develop a pink, red, rust, or brown tinge. While tear stains can appear on any breed, they are extremely noticeable on Maltese dogs due to their solid white coats.
It is important to note that Maltese puppies are born with pure white coats around the eyes. Any coloring that appears as your Maltese grows older is due to unnatural staining, not natural breed coloring. This can be resolved with proper prevention and maintenance.
To properly fix tear stains, you must address the underlying causes. Simply treating the stains without eliminating the causes will result in temporary results at best.
Low-quality dog food with artificial additives, heavy corn, or wheat can trigger allergic reactions that cause excessive tearing. Feed your Maltese premium, grain-free food with natural ingredients and zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Recommended: Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free or Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free for Small Breeds
High mineral content in tap water can lead to tear staining. Additionally, tap water contains hundreds of chemicals and toxins that can have adverse health effects over time.
Solution: Use filtered water, a water filter pitcher like Aquagear, or bottled spring water
When hairs remain damp, they create the perfect environment for yeast growth, leading to red yeast infections that cause stubborn tear stains. Water splashes up during drinking and eating.
Solution: Wipe your Maltese face regularly to keep it dry
Failing to regularly clean the face and eye area allows moisture and debris to accumulate, promoting staining and infections.
Solution: Wipe face 2-3 times daily, especially after meals
Even BPA-free plastic bowls can cause contact reactions that lead to nose discoloration and facial hair discoloration over months or years.
Solution: Use stainless steel bowls, such as the Stainless Steel Double Pet Bowl Set by Delomo
Excessive tearing can be caused by allergies, inverted eyelashes, corneal tears, or other health conditions. Runny eyes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Solution: Have your vet diagnose and treat any underlying conditions
Address all underlying causes identified above. This is the most critical step. Without eliminating the causes, even the best tear stain remover will have limited success.
Use quality canine eye wipes to maintain cleanliness and prevent stains from forming. These are fantastic for daily maintenance but should not be your only remedy.
If stains persist despite prevention efforts, use a tear stain remover. Different products work for different dogs, so if one does not work, try another.
Important: Tear stain removers work best when combined with Steps 1 and 2. Using only a remover without addressing root causes will yield minimal results.
Use quality canine eye wipes that are gentle and contain beneficial ingredients. Wipe the face 2-3 times daily, especially after meals and drinking water.
Some owners have success with a 3% USP hydrogen peroxide solution dabbed gently on the hair near the eyes once daily. Always test on a small area first and consult your vet.
Trim the hair at the corner of the eyes to prevent tears from wicking down the muzzle. This simple step can significantly reduce staining.
Flushing the eyes daily with a sterile saline solution can help remove irritants and reduce excessive tearing. Use a solution specifically designed for dogs.
Some owners report success with probiotics designed for dogs, which may help reduce yeast-related staining. Consult your vet before starting any supplement.