Why Do Maltese Eyes Stain? (Answered)

Think about how often you wipe away tears. Now imagine if your tears left a trail of reddish-brown stains down your face each time. For dogs with maltese coats, this is a reality. But why do maltese eyes stain?

Tear staining is caused by excessive tear production and the hair under the eyes being constantly wet. This can lead to the hair discoloring over time. Interestingly, if there is no excessive tearing, there will be no tear staining. So it’s not unusual to have littermates—one who stains and one who doesn’t.

While some pet parents may view tear staining as simply a cosmetic issue, it can actually be indicative of a bigger problem. Excessive tearing can be caused by allergies, eye infections, or even blocked tear ducts. So if you notice your maltese has stained eyes, it’s important to have them checked out by a vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

What is tear staining and what causes it?

Tear staining is a common problem in Maltese dogs, and it can be quite unsightly. The stains are reddish-brown streaks that run from the inner corner of the eye down to the lower eyelid. They are caused by excessive tear production, and they are more prevalent in certain breeds (including Maltese) and more obvious in animals with light-colored coats. There are several things that you can do to prevent or reduce tear staining, including:

• Wiping the eyes regularly with a damp cloth
• Using a mild shampoo around the eyes when bathing your dog
• Applying a pet-safe tear stain remover product

If you notice that your dog’s tear stains are getting worse or if they seem to be causing your dog discomfort, it’s important to see your veterinarian. Tear staining can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and have your vet take a look.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent or reduce tear staining?

Many Maltese owners ask themselves, is there anything that can be done to prevent or reduce tear staining? The answer is yes! There are a few things you can do to help your Maltese keep those beautiful eyes clean and clear.

Tear staining can be prevented or at least reduced through daily face grooming. This means using a wet washcloth or cotton ball to gently wipe away any dirt or debris from around the eye area. You can also use a dog-safe shampoo during baths to help keep the area clean.

In between baths, flush your dog’s eyes with an appropriate canine eye-wash solution (ask your vet for recommendations) once or twice per week.

Finally, use an eye wash wipe designed specifically for dogs to clean underneath and around the eye area as needed – this will help remove any gunk that has built up over time.

Are there any health concerns associated with tear staining?

Tear staining is a common problem in Maltese dogs. While tear staining can be caused by a number of different medical conditions, the most common cause is allergies. Other potential causes include infections and other eye problems.

While there are no health concerns directly associated with tear staining, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your dog is experiencing tear staining, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.

How do you deal with tear stains once they’ve already appeared?

Tear stains on your Maltese can be unsightly and difficult to remove. But don’t despair, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

One way to remove tear stains is with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent and will help to lighten the stain. Be sure to dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water before applying it to the stained area, and take care not to get any in your dog’s eye.

Another way to remove tear stains is by using a special tear stain remover that you can purchase at most pet stores. These products usually contain ingredients like sodium bicarbonate or cornstarch, which will help to absorb the stain.

Whatever method you choose, be patient and consistent – it may take some time to see results.

Do all white dogs experience tearing and staining, or is it just certain breeds?

Do all white dogs experience tearing and staining, or is it just certain breeds? This is a question that many dog owners may have, especially those with Maltese dogs. While tear staining is more common in white dogs due to the light color of their fur, Maltese dogs may be particularly prone to this problem due to their long hair. There are several possible causes of watery eyes in Maltese dogs, ranging from allergies to infections.

Allergies are one of the most common causes of watery eyes in Maltese dogs. Allergies can cause the eye to produce more tears than normal, which can lead to staining. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. If your dog’s eyes seem watery and irritated, it’s important to have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out allergies as a possible cause.

Infections are another possible cause of tear staining in Maltese dogs. Infections such as conjunctivitis can cause the eye to produce more tears than normal, which can lead to staining. If your dog’s eyes appear red and inflamed, it’s important to have them checked by a veterinarian so that an infection can be ruled out as a possible cause.

There are several other potential causes of tear staining in Maltese dogs, including eyelid abnormalities and genetic factors. If you’re concerned about tear stains on your dog’s fur, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian for further testing and guidance on how best to proceed.

Are there any other unusual facts or considerations about tearstains that pet owners should know about?

When it comes to Maltese dogs, one of the most distinguishing features are their tearstains. These dark streaks running down from the dog’s eyes are caused by excess tearing, and while they may be harmless, they can be unsightly. While all Maltese have some degree of tearstaining, there are a few things that can cause your dog to have more tears than normal.

One issue that can cause too many tears in any breed is an eye infection. If your dog’s eyes are red and irritated, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. Glaucoma is another condition that can lead to increased tearing, and if left untreated, it can eventually lead to blindness. In some cases, Ingrown eyelashes can also irritate the eye and cause tearing. And finally, shallow eye sockets could be the culprit if you notice that your Maltese seems to have watery eyes all the time.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s tearstains, talk to your veterinarian about potential causes and treatment options. In most cases, simply wiping away the tears with a damp cloth will suffice. However, if there is an underlying medical condition causing the excess tears, then treatment will be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep Maltese eyes from staining?

A quick daily “face grooming” routine will help prevent staining around the eyes. Flush eyes with an appropriate canine eye-wash solution (e.g. saline solution or Terra Septic eye drops) and use an eye wash wipe to clean underneath and around the eye area.

Maltese dogs are prone to tear stains, which can be unsightly and difficult to remove. Tear stains occur when tears overflow from the dog’s eyes and run down their face, leaving a dark mark on their fur. There are several things you can do to prevent tear stains, or at least minimize them.

First, make sure your Maltese is getting enough water. A lack of hydration can contribute to tear stains, as dried-out tears are more likely to overflow from the dog’s eyes. Second, keep your Maltese’s face clean by grooming them regularly – this will help remove any dirt or debris that could be causing irritation and leading to tearing. Finally, flush your Maltese’s eyes with an appropriate canine eye-wash solution (e.g., saline solution or Terra Septic eye drops) and use an eye wash wipe to clean underneath and around the eye area; this will help keep the area clean and free of bacteria that could cause infection and further tearing.

What causes tear staining in Maltese dogs?

Tear staining is a common problem in Maltese dogs. It occurs when the tears produced by the dog are excessive and/or the hair under the eyes is constantly wet, which can lead to staining. If there is no excessive tearing, there will be no tear staining. There are several possible causes of tear staining in Maltese dogs:

• Allergies: Allergies are a common cause of tear staining in dogs. When a dog has allergies, their body produces more tears than usual in an attempt to flush out the allergens. This can result in stained fur around the eyes.

• Anatomical abnormalities: Some dogs may have anatomical abnormalities that prevent their tears from draining properly. This can cause the tears to overflow and stain the fur around the eyes.

• Eye infections: Eye infections are another common cause of tear staining in dogs.

How do I get rid of my dogs tear stains?

There are a number of ways to get rid of your dog’s tear stains, but one of the most effective is to mix a tablespoon of peroxide with an 8 ounce glass of water. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and dab it on the fur around the eyes before rinsing it off with warm water. This will help to remove any build-up that may be causing the stains and will also help to prevent them from coming back.

How do I clean my Maltese eyes?

It’s important to keep your Maltese’s eyes clean and free of tear stains. Here’s how to do it:

Wash around your dog’s eyes with no-tear shampoo. Comb tear-stained fur with an eyebrow brush. Rinse your dog’s face and eye area with cupfuls of warm water. Blowdry your pup’s face on low heat until the fur is completely dry.

My Final Thought

I have a Maltese dog and I’ve noticed that her eyes tend to stain. I didn’t really know why this was the case, but after doing some research, I found out that it’s because of excessive tear production (epiphora).

The hair under the eyes is constantly wet and this can lead to staining. One interesting fact is if there is no excessive tearing, there will be no tear staining. It’s also not unusual to have littermates—one who stains and one who doesn’t.