Does Chicken Cause Tear Stains In Dogs?

As a pet parent, you may have noticed the occasional tear stain on your pup's fur. While this is not necessarily cause for alarm, it is important to be aware of the different causes of tear stains in dogs so that you can take steps to prevent or treat them as needed. While there are many potential causes of tear stains, one that may sound a bit odd as a cause is: Chicken.

Can Chicken Cause Tear Stains in Dogs?

Yes, chicken can cause tear stains in dogs. This is because chicken meat contains a pigment called porphyrin, which can build up in the dog's tears and cause staining. Other foods that contain porphyrin include liver, beef, and pork. If your dog is prone to tear stains, you may want to avoid feeding them, or reduce the amount you feed them these foods.

Other Common Causes of Tear Stains in Dogs:

1. Allergies: Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies that can cause runny eyes and tear stains. If your dog is suddenly developing tear stains and you suspect allergies may be to blame, talk to your veterinarian about possible treatment options.

2. Breed: Some dog breeds are more prone to tear stains than others due to the shape of their face or eyes. Breeds that commonly have tear stains include Poodles, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Cocker Spaniels.

3. Diet: Believe it or not, what your dog eats can also affect tear stains. If your dog's diet is lacking in certain nutrients, it can lead to runny eyes and tear stains. Make sure your dog is eating a balanced diet and talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

4. Eye discharge: Dogs can sometimes get eye discharge due to infection, allergies, or other irritants. This discharge can mix with tears and cause staining. If you notice eye discharge along with tear stains, make an appointment with your veterinarian to have your dog's eyes checked out.

5. Tears: Excessive tearing can also be a cause of tear stains. This may be due to a problem with the dog's tear ducts or an irritation in the eye. If you notice your dog's tears are constantly running, it is important to have him checked out by a veterinarian.

Preventing Tear Stains

There are several things you can do to help prevent tear stains from developing in the first place.

1. Keep your dog's face clean: Wiping your dog's face daily with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes is a great way to remove any dirt, debris, or discharge that could lead to staining.

2. Give your doggo regular baths: Bathing your dog on a regular basis will also help keep its face clean and free of any potential staining agents.

3. Feed your dog a healthy diet: A nutritious diet will help keep your dog's eyes healthy and less susceptible to tearing and staining.

4. Avoid using harsh chemicals: Some cleaning products or grooming supplies can contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog's eyes and cause tearing. If you are using any new products on your dog, be sure to watch for any signs of irritation. Squishface products are created without water or alcohol and with a limited, only absolutely essential ingredient list.

5. Check for allergies: If you suspect your dog may have allergies, talk to your veterinarian about possible treatment options. Taking care of any underlying allergies can help reduce the risk of tear stains.

Treating Tear Stains

If your dog already has tear stains, there are several things you can do to help get rid of them.

1. Wipe away any discharge: We recommend Squishface Wrinkle Wipes to gently wipe away any debris or discharge from your dog's eyes. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this could irritate the eyes.

2. Apply a small pea sized amount of Wrinkle Paste (1 per each area) directly against the skin and not just on top of the fur.

3. Wipe away excess Paste that may have gotten outside of the Wrinkle or Tear Stain area.

4. Leave it alone for 24 hrs!

5. Repeat once daily for 7-10 days. Many dogs are able to see a difference by this time and you can choose to either continue daily use or decrease to every other day or as needed.

The Bottom Line:

Tear stains can be caused by a number of things, from allergies to diet. If you notice your dog is starting to develop tear stains, there are several things you can do to help prevent them. If your dog already has tear stains, there are also several treatment options available. Squishface products are a great way to help keep your dog's face clean and free of any potential staining agents. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.

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