We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Environment

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Tear Stain?

By Crystal Cook
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,586
Share

A tear stain in animals is a dark discoloration of the fur around the eyes, especially the inner corners, resulting from excess tearing in the animal. Caused by a condition called epiphora, many dogs and some cats develop tear stains at some point in their lives. They are most visible on animals with light-colored fur and may be accompanied by a bad odor. There are many known causes for the condition, including infections and clogged tear ducts.

Epiphora is characterized by excess tearing. Tear stains are particularly visible on pets that have light-colored coats, though they also can be seen on darker-furred animals. On dark-furred dogs and cats on which the stains aren't obvious, matted fur around the eyes may be the only indication of tearing. The stains also can be more obvious on dogs that have a lot of wrinkles.

A tear stain can be caused by a number of things. Tear ducts that are clogged, shallow or deformed can lead to staining and may run in families. Genetic defects explain why some breeds are more susceptible and why certain dogs and cats in those breeds are more likely to develop the condition. A genetic defect may be correctable with surgery if other options do not work.

Hair around the eyes can cause the eyes to dry out, leading to inflammation. Infection also is possible. Both infections and inflammation can trigger excessive tearing. Allergies, irritants such as dust or perfumes, and teething also can cause a tear stain to form. Medications can usually help in the case of allergies, infection or inflammation, but puppies and kittens will simply outgrow teething, making medicine unnecessary.

A poor diet also may be a cause of epiphora. Some pet owners believe minerals in tap water and certain additives in food can cause staining. The discoloration can be a sign that the body is ridding itself of toxins, so some pet owners consider a tear stain to be a sign that the pet's diet needs to be changed to something healthier. These owners feel a healthier diet is better for the pet's overall health and also may help protect dogs and cats from underlying health concerns that are not as obvious as a tear stain.

A tear stain is irritating to both the owner and the pet. The wet fur can be uncomfortable for the animal and also can be an ideal place for bacteria and yeast to breed. The reddish-brown stains commonly seen with epiphora are caused by red yeast, which also can cause a bad smell to develop. Bacteria that move from the stain to the eye can cause infections that need veterinary care to control.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-tear-stain.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.