Dog Tear Stains: Causes, Treatment & Diet Tips

Bailey's CBD: Natural Support for Your Pet's Wellness

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Common Causes of Tear Stains in Dogs

Tear stains can be a bit of a mystery, but once you know the common causes, they’re much easier to manage:

• For starters, a dog’s anatomy has a lot to do with it. Breeds with flatter faces or shallow eye sockets often can’t drain tears the way they should, so the extra moisture ends up on their cheeks instead.
• Hair plays a role too. When fur grows close to the eyes, it works like a little sponge, pulling tears right onto the face.
• Then there are environmental triggers. Dust, pollen, wind, or even strong household cleaners can irritate your pup’s eyes, making them water more than usual.
• Diet and water quality can also sneak into the equation. High-mineral tap water or foods loaded with artificial additives sometimes lead to heavier staining.
• And of course, blocked or narrow tear ducts can cause tears to overflow. In some dogs, that’s just how their anatomy is, though careful upkeep can help keep it under control.

Natural Treatment Approaches

Daily Cleaning Routine 

A quick wipe each morning with a soft cloth and warm filtered water can keep tear stains in check. Start at the inner corner, move outward, and use a fresh spot for each eye. For a deeper clean, some owners add a drop of unscented pet shampoo to the water. Just make sure it’s rinsed well.

Grooming Techniques 

Keeping the fur around the eyes trimmed short stops moisture from clinging and reduces staining. If you’re unsure about trimming near the eyes, a groomer can do it safely.

Environmental Modifications 

Cleaner air and fewer irritants make a big difference. Using an air purifier, avoiding strong scents, and a quick face wipe after outdoor play can all help cut down on excess tearing.

Gentle daily cleaning with a soft cloth and filtered water helps maintain the eye area and supports your dog's comfort.

Diet Tips for Managing Tear Stains

What goes into your dog's body can show up in their tear composition, so nutrition plays a supporting role in managing stains:

• What your dog eats and drinks can impact their tear stains. Switching to filtered or distilled water may help, especially if your tap water has a lot of minerals or iron that darken the stains.
• Even the bowls matter. Plastic can trap bacteria in tiny scratches, so stainless steel or ceramic is a cleaner, safer choice for daily use.
• A balanced diet free of artificial colors, preservatives, and fillers supports overall health and can help reduce irritation that shows up around the eyes.
• Don’t forget cleanliness. Wash bowls daily and keep feeding areas fresh. For flat-faced breeds, elevated feeders can make mealtime more comfortable and reduce mess around the face.

Switching to stainless steel or ceramic bowls supports better hygiene and helps reduce tear stains by minimizing bacteria buildup in your dog’s daily meals.

The Role of CBD in Supporting Overall Eye Health

CBD offers natural support for your dog's overall wellness, which may complement your tear stain management routine. While CBD doesn't directly target tear stains, it supports your dog's body's natural ability to maintain balance and adapt to daily stressors.

When considering CBD for your dog, choose quality products from trusted brands like Bailey's CBD. We use USDA organic hemp grown on a single farm to keep quality consistent from batch to batch. We've also teamed up with the only lab in the U.S. using a specific processing method (subcritical CO₂ extraction), making our approach just as unique as our products.

This gentle extraction method preserves beneficial compounds without harsh solvents, ensuring you're getting a clean, consistent product every time. Each batch is tested for purity and potency, and our Department of Health license means we operate under strict regulatory oversight that most CBD companies don't have.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

Tear stains are usually nothing more than a cosmetic quirk, but sometimes they signal something more. If you spot thick or colored discharge, swelling, nonstop pawing, or if your pup just seems uncomfortable, it’s worth calling the vet. 

They can rule out infections or blocked tear ducts and let you know if it’s more than simple staining. It’s also a great chance to ask about your cleaning routine or supplements, so you know you’re giving your dog the best care possible.

Why Choose Bailey's CBD for Your Dog's Wellness

Bailey’s Calming CBD Yummies provide an easy, organic treat option with precise dosing to support your dog’s wellness without grains, fillers, or artificial additives.

When you're looking for natural wellness support to complement your tear stain management routine, Bailey's CBD offers products you can trust. Our commitment to quality goes beyond what most companies provide.

Our Calming CBD Oil for Dogs is made using a clean, precise subcritical CO₂ extraction method that keeps all the good stuff intact, without using any harmful solvents. It's done by the only lab in the U.S. that does that, so you get a consistent, effective product every time. Each batch is tested for safety and purity, and our Department of Health license gives you peace of mind that we're held to the highest standards.

We use full-spectrum hemp extract that contains naturally occurring compounds working together to support your dog's endocannabinoid system. This system helps maintain balance and supports your dog's natural ability to adapt to stress.

Our Calming CBD Oil for Dogs combines our premium hemp extract with organic coconut oil, creating a product that's easy to use and gentle on your dog's system. You can add it to food, give it directly, or even apply it to a paw—whatever works best for your routine.

Looking for convenient dosing? Our Calming CBD Yummies offer precise amounts in a tasty treat format. They're made with organic ingredients and contain no grains, artificial additives, or fillers.

Everything we make is vegan, organic, and produced in the USA under strict quality controls. Our transparent lab testing means you know exactly what you're giving your dog, and our QR codes let you verify each batch's test results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to see improvement in tear stains? 

With consistent daily cleaning and proper care, you might notice cleaner-looking fur within a few weeks. Complete improvement of existing stains can take 2–3 months as new, unstained hair grows in. Remember, some dogs will always have slight staining due to their anatomy.

Can I use human eye products on my dog? 

No, stick to products made specifically for dogs or veterinarian-approved cleaning solutions. Human products may contain ingredients that are irritating or harmful to dogs.

Will changing my dog's diet eliminate tear stains completely? 

Diet changes may help reduce staining in some dogs, but they won't eliminate stains caused by anatomical factors. High-quality nutrition supports overall health, which can indirectly benefit the eye area.

Are tear stains painful for my dog? 

The stains themselves aren't painful, but the underlying cause might cause discomfort. If your dog paws at their face, squints, or shows signs of irritation, consult your veterinarian to rule out any issues that might need attention.

How should I give Bailey's CBD products to support my dog's wellness? 

Our CBD oil can be added to food, given directly by mouth, or applied to a paw. Our soft chews offer convenient, precise dosing. Start with the recommended amount on the label and consult your veterinarian with any questions about incorporating CBD into your dog's routine.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.