Last Updated: 15/01/2026
Tear Stains On Pets
Wondering why your dog has brown tear stains in the corner of their eyes? Read more from our vet team about the causes and treatment.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
Often more visible on pets with white or light-coloured fur, tear stains are reddish-brown streaks that can sometimes worry pet parents on whether they're a normal phenomenon or a sign of underlying health issues.
Read on to find our more about what causes tear stains, and how to best manage them.
What Causes Tear Stains?
Tear staining in pets is caused by an overflow of tears, also known as epiphora, onto the fur below the eyes. The overflow can either be due to an overproduction of tears or a failure of the tears to drain away properly.
Pigments in the tears, known as porphyrins, are responsible for the reddish-brown tinge that is left behind on the hair when the tears dry.
Overproduction of tears can be due to irritation, injury or allergies. If your pet shows signs of discomfort, like pawing at or squinting the affected eye, you should seek immediate veterinary attention. Any pet that suddenly develops epiphora should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out any painful medical causes.
Epiphora can be caused by a number of factors including:
Blocked tear ducts
Scarring from previous eye problems can cause blockage of the tear duct, which normally drains tears away into the nasal passages and throat. Cocker Spaniels and Poodles may also be born with these ducts closed. If this is the problem it can usually be corrected with flushing under anaesthesia or surgical re-opening.
Shallow eye sockets
Poodles and brachycephalic breeds (breeds with pushed in faces like Pugs and Persian cats), are particularly susceptible to epiphora, in their case the eye socket is simply too shallow to hold the tears and they spill out onto the face instead of draining down the tear duct.
Entropion
Entropion is a condition where the eyelids curl inwards. In some cases this is severe enough to physically block the drainage holes that lead to the tear duct. This problem may surgically corrected.
Hair growing around the eye
Some pets may have long hairs that can come into contact with the surface of the eye and wick the tears away into the fur. Keeping these hairs trimmed short may fix the problem.
How to Remove Tear Stains
Once your veterinarian has ruled out any medical issues that may be causing the epiphora, you will naturally want to know how to remove the unsightly stains.
There are a few remedies you can try which can help remove the porphyrin pigment and leave your dog's face fresh and clean. We've listed our top recommendations below. Remember never to apply any tear removal product directly onto the eye.
The Best Products for Removing Tear Stains in Dogs and Cats
Tear stains can be a challenge to remove, if we don't get on top of the problem early. However, it's important to only use pet-safe products in cleaning the area around the eyes.
Using bleach or peroxide may be unsafe and is not recommended.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu Jan 8 2026
Edited by Dr Antonella Virina DVMDr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
