5 Benefits of Tear Stain Remover For Long-Haired Dogs

There are few things we dog owners love more than staring into the eyes of our beloved fur babies. There is nothing better than squishing and snuggling their sweet faces and giving them endless kisses on their snouts. That is until the dreaded dog tear stains appear. It’s hard to see your dog looking so uncomfortable, and once that stinky smell hits your nose, it’s hard to snuggle them too closely! 

Plenty of long-haired breeds like Shih-Tzus, Pomeranians, Bichons, Maltese, and Poodles experience some level of tear stains – especially the smelly kind of tear stains.  Luckily for both you and your pup, you can easily address your dog's stubborn tear stains– no harsh chemicals or questionable home remedies required! Before we get to that, though, let’s dig into the root cause of your pooch’s tear stain problem.

What Are Dog Tear Stains?

Tear stains are dark marks that can form underneath your dog’s eyes, and they are especially noticeable on dogs with light-colored fur. The marks can appear along with discharge and may be brownish or rusty brown-red color. These stains come about when the normal flow of tear drainage is disrupted, or when there is an excess of tear production. Any disruption in the drainage process results in extra tears leaking onto your dog’s face, which is a condition called “epiphora.” Epiphora can be chronic (ongoing) or acute (a one-time occurrence).

What Causes Dog Tear Stains?

There are several conditions and elements that can contribute to your dog’s excess tears and tear stains. It could be due to allergies, food sensitivities, or other environmental factors. Some dogs have shallow eye sockets, which causes their tears to spill out onto their face constantly. 

In the case of our long-haired dogs, hair that grows around the eye can draw tears out of their eyes and spill it onto their skin, where it often builds up and triggers yeast infections and tear staining. 

Some breeds, like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, are also prone to a condition called “imperforate puncta.” This condition causes the tear ducts, the holes in the eye responsible for drainage, not to develop fully. They can become blocked or remain partially blocked for the dog’s entire lifetime. While the condition does not necessarily affect the dog’s quality of life, it does make for some heavy tear stains! 

The Answer: A Safe, Effective Tear Stain Remover

So what’s a long-haired dog owner to do about those stubborn tear stains? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you definitely won’t be the last pet parent to face this challenge. With a consistent cleaning routine and the right products, you can say goodbye to tear stains for good.

That’s exactly why we developed Squishface Wrinkle Paste and Wrinkle Wipes—a powerful one-two punch for tackling tear stains and keeping them from coming back. Start by using the Wrinkle Wipes to gently clean the area and remove debris. These wipes are infused with ingredients that help fight bacteria, yeast, and fungus, creating a healthier environment for your pup’s skin.

Follow up with a pea-sized amount of Wrinkle Paste once daily for 7–10 consecutive days to protect the area, form a moisture-resistant barrier, and actively reduce staining. With just a few minutes a day, your long-haired love will have a clean, fresh, and kissable face once again!

What makes Squishface Wrinkle Paste the best tear stain remover product out there for dogs and their owners? 

Here are the five most significant benefits of Squishface Wrinkle Paste:

1) Fast-Acting & Long-Lasting Results

Apply daily for 7–10 days to see visible improvements—many pet parents notice reduced tear stains within just a few days. The thick, tacky formula stays in place longer than traditional creams or liquids, allowing it to work more effectively and efficiently.

2) Fights Bacteria, Fungus & Moisture

Tear-stained areas can be breeding grounds for germs. This paste:

• Creates a protective barrier against moisture

• Is antibacterial to help prevent infection

• Is antifungal to keep yeast in check

• Helps keep your dog’s face clean, dry, and odor-free

3) Helps Prevent Future Stains

Consistent daily use not only clears existing tear stains, but also helps stop them from coming back, keeping your pup’s face fresh and healthy over time.

4) Gentle, Natural Ingredients

Formulated with safe, soothing components like:

• Coconut oil – moisturizes and calms irritated skin

• Zinc oxide – combats bacteria and fungus
  It’s free from harsh chemicals, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.

5) Keeps Your Dog Looking Their Best

Once stains are gone, your dog’s natural beauty shines through—especially noticeable in pups with light-colored or longer fur. A clean, stain-free face enhances both their comfort and appearance.

Now that you know all about your dog’s tear stains and the many benefits of Squishface Wrinkle Paste, don’t put off clearing up those tear stains any longer.  Get a tube or two of our safe and effective dog tear stain remover today and clear up those sad tear stains right away!

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