Most pet owners make sure their bundles of joy are healthy and happy. One common issue you might encounter as a dog owner are tear stains on your dog’s cute face. You can deal with them naturally by using lemon extract, table salt, saline, white vinegar, or cornstarch.
You can also try to create a new routine plan to maintain that your dog is free from tear stains by making some adjustments on diet and whatnot. Luckily it is easy to deal with tear stains with a few natural approaches.
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DIY natural tear stain remover
Making a tear stain remover on your own is a gesture of love to your cute canine. In addition to being natural, it is also inexpensive. This is why many do-it-yourself tear stain removers are preferred over commercial products. By making it your own, you are assured that your dog will only use all-natural ingredients.
In this method, you will use lemon extract, distilled water, and table salt. The action of table salt lies in its ability to lift tear stains out of your dog’s fur. The distilled water will control the pH of this stain remover, while the lemon extract will oxidize the brown iron-based tear stains.
Follow these steps to see your puppy’s sweet eyes without the bothersome tear stains.
- Pour two cups of lukewarm water in a container.
- Squeeze a lemon and set aside its juice.
- Add the lemon juice and a teaspoonful of table salt. Mix well to make a solution.
- Dampen a cotton ball or any absorbent pad with the solution and use it to clean your dog’s tear stains.
- Gently clean the stain by making consistent single strokes.
- When tear stains are gone, rinse the area.
The ingredients used in this technique are not harsh irritants, but you should still be extra careful not to allow the solution to have contact with your dog’s eyes since it could still trigger tear production.
Homemade natural tear stain lightening paste
Typically, brownish tear stains on dogs are an underlying condition that only your veterinarian can diagnose for sure. Generally, the brown tear stains are caused by the iron-rich pigment called porphyrin.
Observe your dog for a while and if you see these stains start to form on their fur, you can make some homemade remedies to clear the tear stains. Another natural technique that you can apply is through the help of a natural lightening paste. This is perfect for the dark-colored tear stains on light-furred dogs.
This method will require the use of saline, distilled white vinegar, and cornstarch. Saline breaks up any residue present on the tear stain, distilled white vinegar is perfect for bleaching the stained fur, and cornstarch will make the paste thick and absorb new tear stains.
The following are the steps to make the lightening paste:
- Make saline at home by bringing a cup of water with ½ tablespoon salt into a boil. Let it cool.
- To proceed with the lightening paste, mix a half cup of saline and a tablespoon of vinegar to make a solution.
- Afterward, gradually add cornstarch on the saline-vinegar solution until the consistency is the same as that of toothpaste.
- Thinly cover the tear stains with the mixture. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse using a soft cloth soaked in water.
- Dry the area with an absorbent cloth or towel.
- Comb the fur and inspect if there are remaining tear stains.
The lightening paste does not only brighten the tear-stained fur, but it can also condition the fur to become smoother.
Remove tear stains through simple adjustments
In addition to solutions for removing tear stains from your beloved dog’s most precious fur, you can also take steps to prevent them from forming in the first place. The simple steps of this method can help eliminate this kind of stain. However, it will take time for these adjustments to have a visible effect.
Consistence is key when following these steps for avoiding tear stains. For best results, use the stain removal solution, followed by these tips for avoidance.
- Trim your dog’s facial hair, especially if it is touching the eyes.
- Adjust the pH of your dog’s drinking water by adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Make use of a saline solution to cleanse the tear-stained area.
Remember that grooming your dog’s facial hair means less risk of tear production. The apple cider vinegar will eventually turn the pH of your dog’s body more alkaline, which can prevent fungi from thriving, and therefore no tear stains caused by fungi can ever occur. The use of a saline solution enables the lightening of the tear stain.
Commonly asked questions about tear stains
Can I use shampoo to remove tear stains?
Yes, shampoo can help remove tear stains, but it must be the right one. For dog tear stains, the no-tear baby shampoo is recommended to prevent inducing tear production. The shampoo acts on tear stains in the same manner as it does with hair and scalp dirt.
- Pour a few drops of baby shampoo on a moistened cloth. Rub the shampoo against the cloth to form a lather.
- Use the cloth to rub the tear stains off your dog’s face gently.
- Rinse the area with a soft cloth soaked in water.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide for removing dog tear stains?
Yes, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide to remove dog tear stains, but be cautious with it. The use of hydrogen peroxide can still pose harm to your dog, even when used in a minute amount or diluted with distilled water. Its best to stick with natural remedies to keep your dog far from irritations and future health-related problems.
What to do if all-natural remedies don’t work?
If any of the natural remedies couldn’t remove, lighten, or prevent dog tear stains, it is time for you to see a vet. Removal techniques for dog tear stains are usually effective, but not in chronic conditions. You must visit the vet to know the real cause so you can have an accurate solution to combat this kind of stain.
The Bottom Line
Usually tear stains on dogs aren’t a big deal, but be alert because there’s a possibility it’s a sign of a larger problem. Don’t panic because it won’t help. If the tear stain is more than a stain, it could be suggestive of some infection or genetic defect. When dealing with tear stains, always make sure that you consider your dog’s health above all else.
