Why Do Yorkies Have Tear Stains?

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their small stature, charming personality, and beautiful silky coat. However, one common issue that Yorkie owners face is tear staining. This unsightly brown or reddish discoloration around the eyes can be a source of concern, but it’s usually a harmless condition.

There are several reasons why Yorkies develop tear stains, and understanding the causes is essential to finding effective solutions. This comprehensive guide will explore the common causes of tear staining, explore prevention and treatment options, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic.

What Causes Tear Stains in Yorkies?

Tear stains are caused by a build-up of porphyrins, a pigment found in tears, saliva, and urine. When these pigments come into contact with the fur around the eyes, they oxidize and change color, leading to the unsightly staining. Here are some of the primary causes of tear staining in Yorkies:

• Overproduction of Tears: Excess tear production, known as epiphora, is a common cause of tear staining. It can be caused by various factors such as allergies, eye infections, blocked tear ducts, and even dental issues.
• Dietary Factors: The food your Yorkie eats can play a role. Diets high in iron or certain additives can contribute to increased porphyrin levels in tears.
• Anatomical Factors: Yorkies have short, flat faces and often have shallow eye sockets, which can lead to a build-up of tears due to poor drainage.
• Genetics: Some Yorkies are genetically predisposed to producing more tears, making them more susceptible to tear staining.
• Environmental Factors: Dust, pollen, and other allergens can irritate the eyes and trigger excess tearing.

Understanding the underlying cause of tear staining is crucial for choosing the most effective treatment and prevention methods. In some cases, the tear staining may resolve on its own as the underlying issue subsides. However, for persistent tear staining, it’s important to seek veterinary advice.

How to Prevent Tear Stains in Yorkies

Preventing tear staining is often easier than treating it. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• High-Quality Diet: Choose a high-quality dog food that is formulated for small breeds and does not contain iron-rich ingredients. Consider a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet if your Yorkie has food sensitivities.
• Regular Eye Cleaning: Gently wipe away any discharge or debris from your Yorkie’s eyes using a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or irritants.
• Clean Water: Ensure your Yorkie has access to fresh, clean water at all times to help flush out the tear ducts.
• Avoid Irritants: Limit exposure to dust, pollen, smoke, and other allergens that can trigger excess tearing.
• Dental Care: Poor dental hygiene can contribute to eye irritation and tear staining. Ensure your Yorkie has regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Tear Stain Remover: Use tear stain remover products, available at pet stores, to help break down the porphyrin pigments.

How to Treat Tear Stains in Yorkies

If tear staining is already present, there are various treatment options. You can try home remedies or consult your veterinarian for more advanced solutions.

• Home Remedies:
  • Baking Soda Paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it to the stained areas, allow it to dry, and then brush it off. Repeat as needed.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to the stained areas with a cotton ball. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution diluted with water. Apply it to the stains, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
• Over-the-Counter Tear Stain Removers: Many tear stain removers are available at pet stores. These products typically contain ingredients that break down the porphyrin pigments and help lighten the staining.
• Veterinary Treatments: Your veterinarian can recommend more advanced treatments for persistent tear staining, such as:
  • Antibiotics: If an infection is contributing to the tear staining, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics.
  • Tear Duct Flushing: This procedure can help clear blockages in the tear ducts.
  • Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct anatomical issues that contribute to tear staining.

It’s essential to remember that home remedies should be used cautiously and under the guidance of your veterinarian. Some ingredients can be irritating or harmful to your Yorkie’s sensitive skin.

Are Tear Stains Harmful to Yorkies?

Tear stains are not usually harmful to Yorkies. They are primarily an aesthetic issue, but they can be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you notice excessive tearing, redness, or swelling around your Yorkie’s eyes, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions.

While tear stains themselves are not harmful, they can be uncomfortable for your Yorkie if left untreated. The build-up of dried tears can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes, potentially leading to infections or other complications. Therefore, it’s best to address tear staining promptly, whether for aesthetic or health reasons.

What Can I Feed My Yorkie to Reduce Tear Stains?

Dietary changes can play a significant role in reducing tear staining. Here are some food choices and supplements that may be beneficial:

• High-Quality Dog Food: Choose a high-quality, grain-free dog food formulated for small breeds. Look for ingredients that are easily digestible and do not contain iron-rich ingredients. Some popular brands that are often recommended include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Eukanuba.
• Raw Diet: Raw feeding is becoming increasingly popular. A balanced raw diet can be very beneficial, as it often contains higher levels of natural enzymes and antioxidants that can help to improve overall health and reduce tear staining.
• Supplements: Certain supplements can help reduce tear staining, including:
  • Probiotics: Probiotics can help improve digestion and reduce the amount of porphyrin in tears.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and fight infections. It may also help reduce tear staining.
  • Tear Stain Remover Supplements: There are several tear stain remover supplements available that contain ingredients like turmeric, dandelion root, and cranberries, which are known to help lighten staining.

Before making any significant dietary changes, consult your veterinarian to ensure that the diet is appropriate for your Yorkie’s individual needs and health status.

Can I Use Human Eye Drops for My Yorkie?

It’s not recommended to use human eye drops for your Yorkie. Human eye drops are formulated for human eyes and may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. They can also irritate your Yorkie’s eyes and worsen the tear staining.

Always consult your veterinarian before using any eye drops or medications on your Yorkie. They can recommend safe and effective solutions for your pet’s specific needs.

What Breed of Dog is Most Likely to Get Tear Stains?

While Yorkies are known for their tear stains, several other breeds are also prone to this issue. Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with flat faces), such as Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pugs, and French Bulldogs, are often affected due to their shallow eye sockets and poor tear drainage.

Other breeds with a higher risk of tear staining include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and Maltese.

How Often Should I Clean My Yorkie’s Eyes?

Cleaning your Yorkie’s eyes daily is recommended to prevent tear staining. Wipe away any discharge or debris with a soft, damp cloth. You can use a gentle eye cleaner specifically formulated for dogs, available at pet stores.

If you notice any excessive tearing, redness, or swelling around your Yorkie’s eyes, consult your veterinarian immediately. It could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Will Tear Stain Remover Make My Yorkie’s Fur Lighter?

Tear stain removers are not designed to lighten your Yorkie’s fur. They work by breaking down the porphyrin pigments in the tears that cause the staining. Some tear stain removers may have a slight bleaching effect, but their primary goal is to remove the stains, not change the fur color.

If you’re concerned about your Yorkie’s fur color, consult your veterinarian. They can help assess the situation and recommend appropriate solutions if needed.

Is It Possible to Completely Remove Tear Stains From My Yorkie?

It’s challenging to completely remove tear stains from your Yorkie, especially if they’re persistent or caused by an underlying medical condition. However, with consistent cleaning, a good diet, and appropriate treatments, you can significantly reduce the appearance of staining and keep your Yorkie looking their best.

Remember, patience and persistence are key. With the right approach, you can manage tear staining and keep your Yorkie’s eyes looking bright and healthy.

What Are the Best Products to Use for Tear Stains?

There are many excellent products available for tear stains, each with its own unique benefits. Here are some popular choices:

• Angel Eyes Tear Stain Remover: This is a highly-rated tear stain remover that is effective in removing stubborn staining. It contains natural ingredients like turmeric, dandelion root, and cranberry extract, which help to break down porphyrin pigments.
• PetMD Tear Stain Remover: This tear stain remover is formulated with natural ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera, which soothe the delicate skin around the eyes. It is also gentle enough for use on puppies.
• Oxyfresh Tear Stain Remover: This product uses a unique blend of enzymes and oxygen to break down tear stains and prevent their formation. It is also designed to kill bacteria and neutralize odors.

When choosing a tear stain remover, consider the ingredients, the intended use, and any potential side effects. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations tailored to your Yorkie’s needs.

Why Do Yorkies Have Tear Stains? FAQ

Are Tear Stains Common in Yorkies?

Yes, tear stains are common in Yorkies. Their facial structure with short noses and shallow eye sockets makes them more susceptible to tear staining. This is a common issue in Yorkies of all ages, but it is especially prevalent in puppies.

How Can I Tell If My Yorkie’s Tear Stains Are a Health Problem?

Tear stains alone are not necessarily a health problem. However, if you notice other symptoms alongside the tear staining, such as:

• Excessive tearing (epiphora)
• Redness or swelling around the eyes
• Discharge from the eyes
• Squinting or rubbing the eyes

It’s essential to consult your veterinarian as these symptoms could indicate an underlying health issue like allergies, infections, or blocked tear ducts.

Will Tear Stains Go Away On Their Own?

In some cases, tear stains may go away on their own, especially if they are caused by temporary factors like allergies or minor eye irritation. However, if the staining persists or worsens, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and explore treatment options.

What Should I Do If My Yorkie’s Tear Stains Are Getting Worse?

If your Yorkie’s tear stains are getting worse, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian. They can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. A veterinary exam can rule out any underlying health issues and help develop a personalized plan to manage the tear staining.

Can I Use Homemade Remedies for Tear Stains?

While some homemade remedies may seem helpful, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before using any homemade remedies on your Yorkie. Some ingredients can be irritating or harmful to their sensitive skin. Your veterinarian can provide safe and effective solutions for tear stains.

How Can I Prevent Future Tear Stains in My Yorkie?

To prevent future tear stains, you can follow these tips:

• Feed your Yorkie a high-quality diet formulated for small breeds.
• Clean their eyes daily to remove any discharge or debris.
• Avoid exposure to irritants like dust, pollen, and smoke.
• Ensure they have regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Use a tear stain remover product as needed.

By addressing the potential causes of tear staining and following a preventive routine, you can help keep your Yorkie’s eyes looking bright and healthy.

Tear Stain Information Summary

Here is a table summarizing the key information about tear stains in Yorkies:

Topic	Information
Causes	Overproduction of tears, dietary factors, anatomical factors, genetics, environmental factors
Prevention	High-quality diet, regular eye cleaning, clean water, avoid irritants, dental care, tear stain remover
Treatment	Home remedies, over-the-counter tear stain removers, veterinary treatments
Harmfulness	Not usually harmful, but can be uncomfortable and indicate underlying health issues
Diet	High-quality dog food, raw diet, supplements
Human Eye Drops	Not recommended, use dog-specific eye drops
Breed Predisposition	Yorkies, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Maltese
Cleaning Frequency	Daily
Fur Lightening	Tear stain removers are not designed to lighten fur
Complete Removal	Challenging, but can significantly reduce staining