The Ultimate Guide to Managing Excessive Tearing and Tear Stains in Dogs: Top Recommendations and Selection Criteria

Eye HealthTop PicksMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Excessive tearing and tear stains are common issues in dogs, often influenced by breed characteristics and diet. Choosing the right care products and habits can help reduce stains while maintaining eye health.

Excessive tearing and tear stains in dogs are eye health issues that vary depending on breed characteristics and environmental factors.

A close-up shot of a dog's face with tear stains.

Excessive tearing (epiphora) and tear staining in dogs occur when tear production is high or when tears aren’t draining properly through the nasolacrimal ducts. This is especially common in breeds with complex eye structures or short muzzles, as well as in dogs with eyelid or eyelash abnormalities, or whose facial hair absorbs tears. Underlying eye conditions such as nasolacrimal duct obstruction or adhesions, and inflammation of the conjunctiva or cornea, can also be responsible. Because this isn’t just a cosmetic issue but directly affects eye health, regular hygiene to keep the area around the eyes clean and dry is essential. Given the wide range of possible causes, the most effective approach is to have a veterinarian identify the exact cause and then develop a tailored management plan.

5 Key Criteria for Choosing Products to Manage Excessive Tearing in Dogs

When choosing a product to manage excessive tearing in dogs, it’s most important to address the underlying cause. - Identify the cause of tearing: First, determine whether it’s due to diet or an anatomical eye issue. - Ingredient safety: Carefully check that the product is free of irritating fragrances and alcohol. - Skin compatibility: Ensure the product is safe for dogs with sensitive skin. - Ease of use: Spray formats that are easy to apply or wipes that are convenient for cleaning are ideal. - Sustainability: Choose products that are cost-effective and suitable for regular, long-term use. For the safest choice, consult your veterinarian before selecting a product.

A photo of someone holding a tear stain management product.

BEST 1: Natural Ingredient Tear Management Spray (Fragrance-Free, Non-Irritating)

This product is formulated with natural plant-based ingredients to minimize irritation to the delicate skin around the eyes. Its fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula makes it suitable for gently cleaning and maintaining the eye area of sensitive dogs. However, using the spray alone is unlikely to reduce tear production itself; rather, it serves as a supportive measure to keep tear-stained areas clean and dry, helping to lessen the visibility of discoloration. It is particularly useful for hygiene maintenance in long-haired breeds or dogs with sensitive skin. Since excessive tearing may stem from underlying issues such as tear duct obstruction or ocular disease, consulting a veterinarian before and after use is the safest approach.

A photo showing a puppy with a tear management spray nearby.

BEST 2: Tear Stain Removal Pads (Soft-Touch Natural Cotton)

These pads are made from natural cotton, which is gentle on the sensitive skin around your dog’s eyes. Their soft texture helps minimize discomfort for your pet while effectively wiping away tear stains and moisture. Keeping the area around the eyes clean and dry helps reduce the visibility of stains and supports overall hygiene. It’s best to use them once or twice daily, such as after walks or before bedtime. However, please note that while these pads help with cleanliness, they do not address the underlying causes of excessive tearing, so consistent hygiene care and monitoring for potential causes are essential. If you notice any redness or signs of irritation, discontinue use immediately and consult your veterinarian. Replace the pad promptly if it becomes soiled.

A scene of wiping around a puppy's eyes with tear-removing pads.

BEST 3: Food for Preventing Excessive Tearing (Low-Allergen, High-Protein)

This food is formulated with reduced allergens and a high-protein, low-fat profile. A balanced diet can support overall health and maintain healthy skin and coat. However, current veterinary ophthalmology resources identify the primary causes of excessive tearing (epiphora) as issues with tear drainage through the nasolacrimal duct, eyelid or eyelash abnormalities, hair around the eyes, and ocular inflammation, rather than diet alone. Therefore, it is difficult to definitively claim that switching food will significantly reduce tear production. When changing food, check your pet’s weight and health status, transition gradually to the new food, and consult your veterinarian before starting. If excessive tearing persists, it is most important to evaluate for underlying ophthalmic causes in addition to dietary adjustments.

A photo of a bowl filled with tear-stain-preventing pet food.

Comparison Table of BEST 1–3 Products: Ingredients, Effects, and Usage

Item	Main Ingredients	Duration of Effect	Frequency of Use
BEST 1 Spray	Natural plant extracts	Supportive (unverified)	2–3 times a day
BEST 2 Pads	Natural cotton	Supportive (unverified)	1–2 times a day
BEST 3 Food	Low-allergen high-protein	Needs confirmation	Continuous feeding

The effect claims in the table are based on product marketing and are not veterinarily verified figures. Excessive tearing can have various causes—tear drainage disorders, eyelid/eyelash abnormalities, ophthalmic diseases, etc.—so consult a veterinarian before use, and discontinue immediately if a skin reaction occurs.

Caution: Excessive Tearing May Be Caused by a Disease

If your pet suddenly develops excessive tearing and staining, or if their eyes become red or swollen, it may indicate an underlying condition such as keratitis, conjunctivitis, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction. In such cases, immediate veterinary examination is essential. Self-diagnosis or using outdated products can worsen eye health.

5 Tips for Managing Excessive Tearing in Dogs

Managing excessive tearing is about more than just appearance; it requires improving daily habits and hygiene. Start by gently wiping the area around your pet’s eyes one to two times a day to keep it clean and dry. Since long hair around the eyes can absorb tears, it helps to trim the fur in this area for long-haired breeds. However, be careful not to cut it too short, as this can expose the skin and cause irritation. Reducing environmental irritants like wind and dust can also help. While dietary adjustments can be considered as a supplementary measure, if excessive tearing persists, it is safest to have a veterinarian check for potential issues such as nasolacrimal duct obstruction or other eye conditions.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should I use a tear stain management product?

Sprays are best used two to three times a day, while wipes are suitable for one to two times a day, as a supplementary hygiene measure to clean and care for the area around the eyes. However, please remember that these products are only for supportive care and do not address the underlying cause of any issues.

Does tear staining always require a visit to the vet?

Temporary discoloration can often be improved with proper hygiene, but if the eyes become red or swollen, or if the condition suddenly worsens, it could indicate a disease such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, so immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

Will changing the diet help reduce excessive tearing?

Veterinary ophthalmology resources identify impaired tear drainage, eyelid or eyelash abnormalities, and ocular inflammation as the primary causes of excessive tearing, rather than diet. Therefore, it is unlikely that switching food alone will definitively reduce symptoms. It is best to transition gradually and consult with your veterinarian.

Is it safe to use tear-stain management products long-term?

If the ingredients are mild and cause no skin reactions, it’s perfectly fine to use them regularly for hygiene purposes. However, if any skin irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist to address the underlying cause.

Does trimming the fur help dogs with excessive tearing?

Trimming the fur around the eyes, especially on the inner corners, can help reduce tear staining by preventing tears from soaking into the hair. However, be careful not to cut it too short, as this can expose the skin and cause irritation.

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References

[1] Gelatt KN et al. (2013) Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, UK.

[2] Esson DW and Calvarese S (2022) Clinical Atlas of Canine and Feline Ophthalmic Disease, 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

[3] Seo KM and Nam TC (2006) Medial canthoplasty for epiphora in dogs: a retrospective study of 23 cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc, 42, 435–439.