Why Does My Dog Have Excessive Eye Discharge? Tear Stain Cleaning and Care

Does your dog always have reddish-brown tear stains at the eye corners with excessive eye discharge? This isn't just a cosmetic issue—it could be a health signal from the body. Understanding the causes of tear stain formation and proper cleaning methods can address the problem at its root and give your furry friend bright, healthy eyes.

## How Do Tear Stains Form?

Dog eye secretions contain a pigment called "porphyrin," which is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. When tears flow from the eye corners, porphyrin oxidizes upon exposure to air, turning reddish-brown and forming noticeable tear stains on the dog's face.

Tear stains are particularly visible on white or light-colored dogs, but any dog can have this problem.

## Common Causes of Excessive Eye Discharge and Tear Stains

### Breed Factors

Certain breeds are more prone to tear stain issues due to their natural facial structure:

**Brachycephalic Breeds:**
* Pugs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese
* Greater nasolacrimal duct curvature makes blockage more likely
* Tears cannot drain smoothly

**Breeds with Prominent Eyes:**
* Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Maltese
* Eyes easily compress the tear ducts
* Leading to frequent tearing

### Nasolacrimal Duct Problems

Tears from a dog's eyes normally drain into the nasal cavity through the nasolacrimal duct. When the duct has issues, tears overflow from the eye corners:

* Congenital nasolacrimal duct stenosis
* Blockage from inflammation
* Post-infection complications
* Age-related functional decline

### Eye Diseases

Eye diseases are important causes of abnormal eye discharge. Pay attention to the color of secretions:

| Discharge Color | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|-----------------|----------------|-------------------|
| Clear and watery | Mild irritation, allergies | Observe and clean |
| White and sticky | Possible dry eye | Consult a vet |
| Yellow-green pus | Bacterial infection, conjunctivitis | See vet promptly |
| Reddish-brown crust | Oxidized tear stains | Increase cleaning |

**Common Eye Diseases:**
* Conjunctivitis
* Keratitis
* Glaucoma
* Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye is characterized by lack of normal luster on the eye surface, possibly with brown pigment deposits.

### External Irritants

Environmental factors can stimulate increased tear production:

* Overly long hair around eyes poking the eyes
* Ingrown eyelashes
* Foreign objects like dust or sand
* Wind, smoke irritation

### Allergic Reactions

Allergies are a hidden cause of increased eye discharge in many dogs:

**Food Allergens:**
* Chicken, beef
* Grains (wheat, corn)
* Dairy products

**Environmental Allergens:**
* Pollen
* Dust mites
* Mold
* Cleaning product residue

### Water Quality

Dogs may be sensitive to minerals or additives in tap water, which can also affect eye secretion.

## Daily Cleaning Methods

Proper cleaning can effectively reduce tear stains, but it needs to be gentle and consistent.

### Cleaning Steps

1. Prepare wet wipes, cotton balls, or clean soft cloth
2. Dampen with saline solution or dog-specific eye cleanser
3. Gently wipe from the eye corner outward
4. Use different cotton balls for each eye
5. Keep the eye area dry after cleaning

### Cleaning Frequency

* Severe tear stains: 1-2 times daily
* Regular maintenance: 2-3 times weekly
* Preventive cleaning: At least once weekly

### Cleaning Precautions

**Things NOT to Do:**
* Use human eye drops
* Use products containing alcohol
* Rub the eye area vigorously
* Use products with fragrances or dyes

**Correct Choices:**
* Dog-specific eye cleanser
* Non-irritating gentle formula
* No added chemical fragrances
* Saline solution

## Tear Stain Improvement Methods

### Trim Hair Around Eyes

Overly long hair can irritate the eyes. Regular trimming can effectively reduce tear production:

* Trim every 2-4 weeks
* Use round-tip safety scissors
* Be careful not to injure the eyes
* If unsure, have a professional groomer assist

### Dietary Adjustments

**Choose Suitable Food:**
* Avoid proteins that commonly cause allergies
* No fillers or artificial preservatives
* Try hypoallergenic formulas
* Record diet and tear stain changes

**Provide Clean Water:**
* Filtered water
* Distilled water
* Reverse osmosis water
* Change fresh water daily

### Nutritional Supplements

Moderately supplement nutrients beneficial for eyes:

* **Omega-3 Fish Oil**: Reduces inflammation
* **Lutein**: Protects eye health
* **Anthocyanins**: Antioxidant properties
* **Vitamins A/C/E**: Maintain eye function

Foods rich in these nutrients: salmon, carrots, blueberries, pumpkin.

## When to See the Vet?

See a veterinarian promptly in these situations:

* Eye discharge turns yellow-green and pus-like
* Red, swollen eye area with odor
* Dog frequently scratches eyes
* Eyes won't open or are light-sensitive
* Cloudy eye surface
* Sudden significant increase in tear stains
* Accompanied by sneezing, nasal congestion

Eye bacterial infections have nearly 100% cure rate with timely treatment. But delays can lead to serious consequences.

## Daily Habits for Preventing Tear Stains

### Environmental Maintenance

* Keep home environment clean
* Reduce dust and allergens
* Avoid letting dog contact irritating substances
* Regularly wash dog's bed and toys

### Regular Checks

* Observe eye condition daily
* Note changes in discharge color
* Regular veterinary eye examinations
* Record tear stain change trends

While tear stain problems are common, they shouldn't be ignored. Through proper cleaning methods, dietary adjustments, and environmental improvements, most dogs' tear stains can be significantly improved. If problems persist or abnormal symptoms appear, seek veterinary help to find the root cause and effectively solve the problem.

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**References:**
* [狗狗淚痕怎麼一直有？清潔、飲食、保養全攻略 - BlueBay](https://www.bluebaypetfood.com/blog/posts/tear-stains)
* [狗狗眼睛分泌物變多了？- 汪喵星球](https://www.dogcatstar.com/blog/dog-eye-discharge/)
* [狗狗淚痕完全打擊！4招清潔改善方法 - 木入森Moreson](https://www.moreson.com.tw/moreson/blog-detail/furkid-knowledge/pet-Illness-and-medical/dog-tear-stains/)
* [狗狗淚痕怎麼清？5原因與改善方法 - 怪獸部落](https://litomon.com/blog/dog-tear-stains/)
* [狗狗眼睛分泌物怎麼辦？5種類型介紹 - 毛孩園地](https://blog.petdaddy.com.tw/dog-eye-discharge/)

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