How to get rid of dog tear stains home remedy?

That rusty streak under your dog’s eye—you’ve tried wiping it, but it keeps coming back. Tear stains, those stubborn discolorations, plague many owners, especially with breeds like Malteses or Shih Tzus. The good news is, you don’t need expensive products to tackle them—your kitchen or pantry likely has what you need.

Start with a daily wipe-down. A cotton ball dampened with warm water works wonders for fresh stains. For older, set-in marks, try a mix of equal parts water and unfiltered apple cider vinegar—its acidity helps break down the pigment without irritation. A friend in Amsterdam swears by this for her Lhasa Apso; she dabs it on gently with a soft cloth, then rinses with plain water to avoid any stinging.

Chamomile tea isn’t just for calming—cooled, brewed chamomile makes a soothing eyewash. Steep a bag in hot water, let it chill, then soak a clean cloth and pat around the eyes (never directly in them). It reduces inflammation that can cause excessive tearing, which a vet in Dublin recommended for a Pug with chronic eye discharge.

Diet tweaks matter more than you might think. Adding a pinch of turmeric to meals (mixed with a little coconut oil for absorption) can help internally, as its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce tear production. Just go easy—too much can upset their stomach. A Beagle owner in Portland noticed a difference after three weeks of this simple addition.

Keep the area dry. Moisture feeds the bacteria that darken stains, so after wiping, pat the fur with a dry tissue. For dogs with long hair, trimming the hair around the eyes (with rounded-tip scissors, please) stops it from trapping tears. A groomer in Berlin showed me how even a quarter-inch trim can cut down on staining in Yorkies.

Be wary of home remedies that sound too harsh. Hydrogen peroxide or baking soda can irritate sensitive eye tissue, and in some countries, like Sweden, using harmful substances on pets could run afoul of animal welfare laws. When in doubt, check with your vet—they’ll know what’s safe for your dog’s specific needs.

Consistency beats intensity. A 30-second daily routine—wipe, trim, check—will do more than occasional deep cleaning. If stains persist despite your efforts, it might signal blocked tear ducts or allergies, which a vet can address. But for most dogs, these simple home steps will keep those eyes bright and clear.