Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Has Tear Stains

Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Has Tear Stains

A Shetland Sheepdog puppy with tear stains may have eye diseases such as inflammation or dry eye. The tear stains could be caused by high eye metabolism in the dog. If there are no abnormalities in the eyes, but the tear stains are obvious, the owner can go to a pet hospital to buy medicine to remove tear stains. If the tear stains are caused by eye problems, it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination and treatment.

What Causes Red Tear Stains?

Dog tear stains are caused by excessive tear production by the tear glands or blocked nasolacrimal ducts, which cause the extra tears to overflow and exit from the corners of the eyes. Tears are alkaline and contain various minerals, which can leave behind red stains over time. It's important to regularly trim excess hair around the eyes to avoid stimulating the eyes and causing more tears. Feed your dog light-colored food and consult a regular pet hospital for inspection and treatment.

Ways to Remove Tear Stains

Dogs who drink less water are prone to getting heated, which can result in eye boogers and tear stains. To tackle heavy tear stains, dogs need to drink more water and clean their eyes frequently. Eye massages can also help stimulate the nasolacrimal ducts and reduce tear stains. Regularly trimming hair around the eyes and improving the dog's diet to reduce salt intake can effectively reduce tear stains.

How to Prevent Tear Stains

Here are some prevention methods:

Trim hair: Frequently trim the hair around the dog's eyes to avoid stimulating the conjunctiva and causing tear stains.
Regular eye cleaning: Clean the dog's eyes and eye boogers daily, paying attention to the areas where dirt can accumulate. If the eyes are too dry or have a lot of secretions, wash with artificial tears or saline solution.
Eye massage: Perform eye massages three times a week to help keep the nasolacrimal ducts clear and reduce tear production.
Monitor eye changes: If any diseases are detected, treat them early to prevent long-term tear stains.