Bichon Frise Tear Stains

Bichon Frise tear stains are reddish or brownish marks or stains that are found on the inside corner of a dog’s eyes or just below his eyes.

While tear stains in dogs can look pretty nasty, they usually don’t pose a serious health risk.

But, because of their appearance, most people will want to find a way to remove the dog tear stains. And, if you have show dogs, removing the stains becomes even more important.

Who Gets Tear Stains?

Dog tear stains occur most often on dogs with white or light fur, which makes the stains more visible.

They are common in the Bichon Frise, as well as in miniature and toy poodles, Maltese, German shepherds, and chihuahuas.

Dog Tear Stain Causes

Bichon Frise tear stains are caused by excessive tearing. The tears form a warm, damp area that reacts with bacteria, yeast, or fungi.

Often Red Yeast is the cause of staining. This results in the characteristic reddish-brown color seen under your dog’s eyes.

Dogs don’t cry. So what causes the excessive tearing? The overflow of tears can be caused by irritations, allergies, or the genetic structure of the dog’s head around his eyes.

Your Bichon may have dog tear stains because of:

• Genetic predisposition - He may have been born with abnormalities in his tear ducts. If they are blocked, your dog’s vet may have to irrigate the ducts. If the tear ducts are completely clogged, they may have to be opened surgically.
• Ear infections - Ear infections can cause excessive tearing and mucous in your dog’s system.
• Dog Allergies - Dog allergies cause tearing of the eyes, just like they do in humans.
• Cutting teeth
• Unhealthy diet - Learn more about a healthy Bichon Frise diet here.
• Water with lots of minerals - iron in water can combine with the protein in tears (lactoferrin) and bind together to cause tear stains.
• Irritation from fleas

Products to Help with Dog Tear Stains

Depending on your approach, these products can help you:

• Fresh Paws Tear Stain Remover - Made from safe, natural ingredients (plant products), this stain remover comes in a bottle that makes it easy to apply. It has a faint odor, not overpowering. The product is guaranteed, or you can get your money back.
• Eye Care Wipes - These pre-moistened wipes make it easy to clean the area around your dog’s eyes. They are a convenience item.
• ANGELS’ Eyes Natural Tear Stain Eliminaton Supplements - These little dog treats contain herbs to help keep your dog’s eyes healthy and clear. They come in several flavors. This product has not been tested for safety with pregnant dogs, so do use caution if you think your dog may be pregnant.
• Eye-Heal - If your dog has eye infections or conjunctivitis, this product can help keep her eyes healthy and clean. It is soothing and gives your dog bright and shiny eyes. You should start to see results in a few days.
• ANGELS’ EYES Whitening Pet Shampoo - This shampoo will help keep your Bichon sparkling white, and it has some other advantages for Bichon Frise owners. It controls matting and tangling, a Bichon issue. And it also hydrates and moisturizers your Bichon Frise’s delicate skin. It has a light tropical scent.

Prevent Bichon Frise Tear Stains

Here are some simple ways that you can minimize Bichon Frise dog tear stains. What you do, will depend on what is causing the stains.

• Trimming - Keep the hair around your dog’s eyes trimmed. This will make it easier to keep the area free from stains.
• Dog Food - Most Bichon Frise allergies are related to food. If you think this is an issue for your Bichon, consider switching to a healthy dog food designed for dogs with allergies.
• Water - Give your dog bottled or filtered water, if your tap water is full of minerals.
• Bath Time - After bathing your Bichon Frise, dry her ears thoroughly. Pluck the hairs from her ear canals. While ear care may seem unrelated to your Bichon’s eyes, ear infections can cause eye tearing and can lead to the stains beneath your dog’s eyes.
• Breeders - Purchase your puppies from responsible Bichon Frise dog breeders who will breed puppies based on positive breed characteristics. This can eliminate puppies with a genetic disposition for eye tearing and tear stains.
• Dog Bowl - Serve your Bichon Frise her food and water in stainless steel bowls. Some plastic bowls can attract bacteria which can cause facial discoloring and/or tear stains.
• Probiotics - Give your Bichon a teaspoon of plain 100% natural lo-fat yogurt 3 times a week. The live active cultures found in yogurt will help boost her immune system.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Add a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar to your Bichon Frise’s drinking water. This will change the PH balance of the water and discourage yeast and bacteria. Yeast and bacteria can cause infections and Bichon Frise tear stains.

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• Brushing Dog Teeth
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