Why Does Your Dog Have Brown Tear Stains? Causes, Remedies, and When to Worry

If you’ve noticed reddish-brown streaks running beneath your dog’s eyes, you’re definitely not alone — and it’s completely understandable to feel concerned. Tear stains are one of the most common cosmetic issues pet owners ask about, and while they’re often harmless, they can sometimes signal an underlying health issue worth addressing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from why they happen to what you can actually do about them.

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Common Causes

Tear stains occur when tears overflow from the eye and saturate the fur around it. The reddish-brown discoloration comes from porphyrins — naturally occurring iron-containing compounds that are excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. When moisture sits on your dog’s fur for extended periods, the porphyrins oxidize and leave that familiar rusty stain behind. The longer the fur stays damp, the darker and more entrenched those stains become, which is why daily maintenance makes such a meaningful difference.

Several factors can contribute to excessive tearing and the staining that follows:

• Breed and facial anatomy: Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Shih Tzus, Maltese, Bulldogs, and Pugs are especially prone to tear stains because their shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes make it harder for tears to drain properly. White and light-colored coats also make staining much more visible.
• Blocked or narrow tear ducts: If your dog’s nasolacrimal ducts — the tiny channels responsible for draining tears away from the eye — are partially blocked or unusually small, tears will spill over onto the face instead of draining normally.
• Eye irritation or allergies: Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, and mold, as well as food sensitivities, can cause your dog’s eyes to water excessively. Even something as simple as hair poking into the eye can trigger chronic tearing.
• Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections around the eye area can worsen staining and create a damp environment that further encourages microbial growth. You may notice a stronger odor if infection is contributing to the problem.
• Teething in puppies: Young dogs going through the teething process sometimes experience a temporary increase in tear production, which can cause staining that resolves on its own as they mature.

Diagnosing the underlying cause typically begins with a thorough physical exam from your veterinarian. They’ll examine your dog’s eye anatomy, assess tear production using a simple Schirmer tear test, and may use a fluorescent dye to evaluate whether the nasolacrimal ducts are draining properly. If allergies are suspected, your vet might recommend an elimination diet or allergy testing to identify specific triggers.

Age and season can both play a role as well. Puppies often experience fluctuating tear production as their facial anatomy develops, and staining that appears concerning at eight weeks old sometimes improves significantly by the time they’re a year old. Seasonally, dogs with environmental allergies tend to experience flare-ups in spring and fall when pollen counts are highest, so if you notice the staining worsening at certain times of year, that pattern itself is useful diagnostic information to share with your vet.

Understanding the root cause is the most important step toward finding an effective solution, so it’s worth taking a closer look at your dog’s specific situation rather than assuming all tear stains are the same.

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Symptoms to Watch For

In many cases, brown tear stains are purely cosmetic and don’t bother your dog at all. However, certain accompanying signs can indicate that something more serious is going on and deserves closer attention.

Keep an eye out for the following:

• Excessive or sudden increase in tearing
• Thick, yellow, or green discharge from the eye (rather than clear tears)
• Redness, swelling, or inflammation around the eye area
• Your dog pawing at their eyes or rubbing their face frequently
• Squinting or keeping one or both eyes partially closed
• A foul or yeasty odor coming from the stained area
• Skin irritation, redness, or raw patches beneath the eye
• Cloudiness or visible changes to the eye itself

Clear tears that stain the fur are generally less concerning than colored discharge or behavioral changes like pawing and squinting. If your dog seems uncomfortable or the discharge is anything other than clear, it’s time to take action.

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Symptom Severity at a Glance

Symptom	Risk Level	Action Required
Brown staining with clear tears, no discomfort	Mild	Monitor at home; establish a daily cleaning routine
Mild redness around the eye with no discharge	Mild	Monitor for 24–48 hours; keep area clean and dry
Foul or yeasty odor from the stained area	Moderate	Call your vet within 24 hours to rule out infection
Yellow or green discharge from the eye	Moderate	Schedule a vet appointment promptly — same day if possible
Frequent pawing at the eye or face rubbing	Moderate	Call your vet within 24 hours; could indicate pain or irritation
Squinting, light sensitivity, or eye held shut	Serious	Contact your vet today — do not wait
Cloudiness, swelling, or sudden change in eye appearance	Serious	Seek veterinary or emergency care immediately

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Breeds Most at Risk

While any dog can develop tear stains, certain breeds are significantly more predisposed due to their anatomy and genetics.

Maltese are perhaps the most well-known breed for tear staining. Their white coats make even minimal porphyrin discoloration highly visible, but the issue goes beyond aesthetics — Maltese dogs frequently have shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes that make normal tear drainage difficult. The result is chronic overflow tearing that saturates the delicate fur beneath the eye almost constantly.

Shih Tzus face a similar challenge. As a brachycephalic breed, Shih Tzus have a flattened facial structure that compresses the nasolacrimal drainage system, making proper tear flow the exception rather than the rule. Their long facial hair also wicks moisture directly toward the eye area, compounding the problem. Regular grooming and diligent eye cleaning are essentially non-negotiable for this breed.

Cocker Spaniels are prone to a condition called epiphora (chronic tear overflow) and are also predisposed to blocked tear ducts and certain eye conditions that increase tear production. Their longer, droopier lower eyelids can create an environment where tears pool and stain rather than drain efficiently. Cocker Spaniels with recurring eye discharge should be seen by a vet regularly, as they are also at elevated risk for more serious ocular conditions.

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What You Can Do at Home

For mild, cosmetic tear staining without signs of infection or discomfort, there are several practical steps you can take at home to manage and reduce the problem.

Keep the area clean and dry. Gently wipe beneath your dog’s eyes daily using a soft, damp cloth or pet-safe facial wipes. Removing moisture regularly helps prevent the oxidation that causes staining to deepen. Make sure the area is patted dry after cleaning, since ongoing dampness only makes the problem worse.

Trim the fur around the eyes. Keeping the hair in this area short reduces the surface area available for tears to saturate. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, ask your groomer to include it as part of a regular appointment.

Evaluate your dog’s water quality. Some pet owners and veterinarians have noted that high mineral content in tap water may contribute to staining. Switching to filtered water is a simple change that’s worth trying.

Review your dog’s diet. A high-quality, well-balanced diet with limited artificial additives may help reduce inflammation and tearing associated with food sensitivities. If you suspect a food allergy, speak with your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.

Use veterinarian-approved tear stain removers. There are topical products specifically formulated to lighten and remove tear stains safely. Always choose products designed for use around the eyes and avoid anything containing harsh bleaching agents or hydrogen peroxide.

It’s worth mentioning that some products marketed for tear stains contain antibiotics like tylosin, which should only be used under veterinary supervision. Avoid over-the-counter supplements that include antibiotics without a prescription.

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When to See a Vet

While tear stains are often a cosmetic concern, there are situations where a veterinary visit is genuinely important. You should schedule an appointment if your dog’s tearing has increased suddenly or dramatically, if the discharge is colored or has an unpleasant smell, or if your dog is showing any signs of eye discomfort such as pawing, squinting, or sensitivity to light.

A veterinarian can examine your dog’s eye structure, check for blocked tear ducts, rule out infections, and determine whether allergies might be playing a role. In some cases, a minor procedure to flush the tear ducts or a course of treatment for an underlying infection can make a significant difference. If your dog is a breed prone to eye issues, regular wellness exams are especially valuable for catching problems early before they become more serious.

Never ignore changes to the eye itself — cloudiness, visible injury, or sudden changes in appearance always warrant prompt veterinary attention.

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How Pet Insurance Can Help

Diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of tear staining — from allergy testing to tear duct procedures — can involve costs that add up quickly and unexpectedly. Having a solid pet insurance plan in place means you can focus on getting your dog the care they need without having to weigh every decision against the expense.

Protective Care: Get a free pet insurance quote and protect your dog today

For times when you need immediate guidance from a licensed veterinarian without leaving home, telehealth services can be a lifesaver.

For more clinical details on canine health, you can refer to the professional guidelines from the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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Tear stains can feel frustrating, especially when you’re doing everything right and still seeing that telltale brown streak beneath your dog’s eyes. The good news is that with a little patience, the right routine, and guidance from your veterinarian when needed, most dogs see real improvement over time. Your attentiveness as a pet owner is already the most important step — your dog is lucky to have someone paying such close attention to their health and comfort.