English Bulldog tear stains can be a real nuisance, but they're actually a sign of your dog's health. They're caused by the pigmentation in the tear ducts, which can be more pronounced in English Bulldogs due to their facial structure.
The good news is that tear stains are completely normal and not a cause for concern. In fact, many English Bulldog owners consider them a badge of honor, as they're a sign that your dog is eating and drinking well.
However, if you're not a fan of the brown or red stains, there are ways to reduce their appearance. Regular cleaning and wiping of the face can help, but it's essential to be gentle to avoid irritating your dog's skin.
What Are Tear Stains?
Tear stains on English Bulldogs are a common issue, but what exactly are they? Tear stains are caused by tears draining from the eyes onto the face instead of down the nasolacrimal duct.
The reddish-brown color of tear stains is due to a molecule called porphyrin, which is released when the body breaks down red blood cells.
This molecule is excreted in the tears, saliva, and urine of dogs, which is why tear stains can appear on the face, mouth, and even paws.
Removing and Dealing with Tear Stains
Removing and dealing with tear stains can be a challenge, but there are several options available. If your English bulldog has tear stains, it's essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions before attempting to remove them.
You can use over-the-counter eye wipes, eye washes, and other at-home remedies to clean your dog's tear stains. These include products like Optixcare Dog & Cat Eye Cleaning Wipes, Petpost Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs, and Miracle Care Eye Clear Cleaning Pads for Dogs & Cats.
Always wipe away from your dog's eye and avoid getting the product in the eye. Cleansers can be applied to cotton balls or gentle wipes. Speak with your veterinarian before putting any new solution in your pet's eyes.
To keep your English bulldog's face clean and prevent tear stains, try wiping the corners of their eyes with a soft rag or paper towel dampened with clean, warm water. You can also use Healthy Promise Pet Eye Cleaning Wipes to safely remove tear stains with a single wipe.
Here are some at-home remedies you can try to remove tear stains:
- Optixcare Dog & Cat Eye Cleaning Wipes
- Petpost Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs
- Miracle Care Eye Clear Cleaning Pads for Dogs & Cats
- Angels' Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs
Some supplements claim to reduce the amount of porphyrin in the tears, which should lead to less dyeing of the fur. You can try supplements like Angels' Eyes Natural Chicken Flavored Soft Chew Tear Stain Supplement for Dogs & Cats, NaturVet Tear Stain Plus Lutein Soft Chews Supplement for Cats & Dogs, or VetClassics Tear Stain Soft Chews Dog & Cat Supplement.
Removing from Dogs
Removing tear stains from dogs can be a bit of a challenge, but there are several options to try. It's essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions before attempting to remove the stains.
Over-the-counter eye wipes, eye washes, and other at-home remedies can be effective. Some popular options include Optixcare Dog & Cat Eye Cleaning Wipes, Petpost Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs, and Miracle Care Eye Clear Cleaning Pads for Dogs & Cats.
A warm washcloth and baby shampoo can also be used to clean the area. However, it's crucial to wipe away from your dog's eye and avoid getting the product in the eye. Always speak with your veterinarian before putting any new solution in your pet's eyes.
If your dog has severe tear staining, you may need to trim the hair to help remove the stain. After cleaning the area, be sure to dry your dog's face with a clean towel.
Here are some at-home remedies you can try:
- Optixcare Dog & Cat Eye Cleaner
- Spa by TropiClean Lavish Dog Facial Cleanser & Tear Stain Remover
- A warm washcloth and baby shampoo
Remember to always follow your veterinarian's recommendations and be patient, as what works well for one pet may not work for another.
Dealing with a Problematic Dog
Cleaning the area thoroughly is key to preventing tear stains from forming in the first place. This can be achieved with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes.
The best way to get rid of tear stains is to keep the area clean and dry to prevent bacteria and fungus from growing. This will help to prevent tear stains from returning.
Using Squishface Tear Stain Paste daily for a minimum of 7 to 10 days can help to get rid of tear stains and prevent them from coming back.
Prevention and Removal Tips
Preventing and removing tear stains from your English bulldog requires patience, consistency, and a gentle approach.
Trimming the hair around your pet's eyes is a crucial step in preventing tear stains. Keeping this area short will limit the amount of excess fur that could clump together and potentially lead to excessive tearing.
Cleaning the area around your dog's eyes regularly is also essential. Use a slightly damp washcloth or cotton ball to clean the area at least twice every day. You can also use ordinary contact lens cleaning solution that contains boric acid to clean around (not in!) the eye.
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If you're looking for at-home dog tear stain removers, try Healthy Promise Pet Eye Cleaning Wipes or Optixcare Dog & Cat Eye Cleaning Wipes. These products are designed to safely remove tear stains with a single wipe.
Some supplements claim to reduce the amount of porphyrin in the tears, which should lead to less dyeing of the fur. Consider trying Angels' Eyes Natural Chicken Flavored Soft Chew Tear Stain Supplement for Dogs & Cats or NaturVet Tear Stain Plus Lutein Soft Chews Supplement for Cats & Dogs.
To remove existing tear stains, try using Optixcare Dog & Cat Eye Cleaner or Spa by TropiClean Lavish Dog Facial Cleanser & Tear Stain Remover. Always wipe away from your dog's eye and avoid getting the product in the eye.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent and remove tear stains:
- Wipe the corners of your dog's eyes using a soft rag or paper towel dampened with clean, warm water.
- Keep the hairs around your dog's eyes trimmed.
- Use filtered water in your dog's water bowls rather than from the tap.
- In some cases, oral medication can be used to help prevent overproduction of tears.
Customer Reviews and Types
English bulldogs can be prone to tear stains, but many owners have found success with a specific product that targets this issue.
The product in question is a paste and wipe combination that has been used by several bulldog owners to clean and prevent tear stains.
According to customer reviews, the paste is effective in reducing redness and hotspots, and can even help with infections in the wrinkles.
One customer, Hulk, reported that the paste helped to improve his wrinkles and skin, and that the wipes were a great addition to his skincare routine.
Another owner used the product on her two English bulldog puppies to help them get used to the cleaning process and prevent long-term issues.
A different take: English Bulldog Wrinkle Care
Customer Reviews
Customers love the squishface wrinkle cream for bulldogs and other squish faced pups, with many reporting amazing results after just one use.
One customer's bulldog, Hulk, had a love hate relationship with his wrinkles, but after using the cream, his skin looked better and his owner was thrilled.
The wipes are also a hit, with one customer using them daily on their two English Bulldog puppies to get them used to having their wrinkles and tail pockets cleaned.
A fresh viewpoint: English Bulldog Wrinkle Cream
The wipes are not just for wrinkles, either - one customer uses them to clean their puppies' paws, and they love it.
The product is versatile and can be used to take care of redness, hotspots, and tear stains, making it a must-have for many bulldog owners.
One customer even used the product to help their Frenchie recover from a wrinkle infection, and saw amazing results after just one use of the wrinkle paste and regular use of the wipes.
Explore further: English Bulldog Wrinkle Infection
Types of Dogs
Dogs with short-faced breeds are particularly prone to tear stains. English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shar Peis are examples of dog breeds that can experience these types of stains.
Dogs with white or light-colored fur are also vulnerable to tear stains. This includes breeds like Maltese, Shih-Tzus, and Poodles.
Sources
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-tear-stains
- https://www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/health-and-wellness/dog-tear-stains
- https://squishface.com/products/1-tube-of-squishface-wrinkle-paste-cleans-wrinkles-tear-stains-and-tail-pockets
- https://www.ahhthespaw.com/dog-tear-stains-an-important-warning-sign/
- https://squishface.com/blogs/blog/why-you-need-tear-stain-paste-if-your-dog-has-tear-stains
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