What Dog Breeds Are Prone to Tear Staining?
If you've ever noticed reddish-brown stains under your dog's eyes, you're not alone. Tear staining is a common issue among certain dog breeds, but don't you worry! In this blog post, we'll take a deep look into which breeds are more susceptible to tear staining and why. We'll also share some handy tips on prevention and how Squishface products can help keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best.
What Causes Tear Stains on Dogs?
Tear stains occur when tears overflow from the eyes and accumulate on the fur below. This happens more frequently in dogs with certain facial structures or shallow eye sockets that prevent tears from properly draining. The moisture from tears creates a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, leading to those unsightly stains. Typically, tear stains appear as reddish-brown streaks, which can be particularly noticeable on dogs with lighter fur.
Dog Breeds Prone to Tear Staining:
- Boxers
- Bulldogs
- Bullmastiffs
- Cocker Spaniels
- Dachshunds
- Pekingese
- Poodles
- Pugs
- Maltese
- Shih Tzus
- Golden Retrievers
How to Prevent Tear Stains:
One effective way to prevent tear stains is to ditch plastic food bowls. Believe it or not, plastic bowls can worsen tear staining because they can harbor bacteria that irritate your pup's sensitive facial area. Instead, opt for stainless steel, porcelain, or glass bowls that are easier to keep clean and less likely to cause irritation.
How Diet Plays a Role:
A dog's diet plays a significant role in their overall health, including the occurrence of tear stains. Certain ingredients in dog food, such as artificial additives, dyes, or even grains, can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in some breeds, leading to excessive tearing and subsequent staining. Abrupt changes in diet can also disrupt a dog's digestive system, affecting tear production and causing staining around the eyes. Choosing high-quality, hypoallergenic food options and gradually transitioning between diets can help minimize these effects and promote clearer, healthier eyes for your doggo.
Removing Dog Tear Stains:
To tackle existing tear stains, start by gently cleaning the affected area with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes. These wipes are specially formulated with ketoconazole and chlorhexidine, which combat the bacteria, yeast, and fungus contributing to tear staining.
For wrinkly dog breeds such as Bulldogs or Pugs, or pups with short hair, Squishface Wrinkle Paste provides a soothing solution with ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, forming a protective water-repellent barrier against moisture. Alternatively, for long-haired breeds, Squishface Tear Stain Paste contains the same soothing ingredients with a thinner formulation, making it easier to spread through long-haired pups' fur.
The Bottom Line:
Taking care of your dog's health includes managing tear staining. By understanding which dog breeds are more prone to this issue and implementing simple preventative measures like switching to better food bowls, you can keep your dog looking and feeling great. For more dog care tips and products that make a difference, explore Squishface's range of grooming solutions designed with your pet's well-being in mind.
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