Cleaning your Maltese dog's eyes is a crucial part of their grooming routine, especially since they're prone to tear stains and eye infections.
Maltese dogs have large, round eyes that are prone to tear stains, so it's essential to clean them regularly to prevent tear duct blockages and eye infections.
The Maltese breed has a shallow eye socket, which makes them more susceptible to eye problems.
To clean your Maltese dog's eyes, you'll need a damp cloth or cotton ball and a gentle eye cleanser specifically designed for dogs.
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Causes and Signs of Eye Stains
Eye stains on Maltese dogs can be a real challenge to deal with. The most obvious sign of Maltese tear stains is reddish-brown discoloration under your pet's eyes.
The skin under the dog's eyes might also become irritated due to constant moisture exposure and bacterial overgrowth, which causes inflammation and discomfort. This irritation can be a sign of underlying issues that need to be addressed.
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The causes of Maltese tear stains are often related to poor tear drainage. This can be due to a variety of factors, including poor eyelid function, deformity-induced eyelid malfunction, nasolacrimal duct blockage, or excessive tear production.
Here are some common causes of excessive tear production that can lead to tear stains:
- Poor eyelid function
- Deformity-induced eyelid malfunction
- Nasolacrimal duct blockage
- Excessive tear production
These causes can be further exacerbated by the Maltese breed's brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy, which can make tear drainage even more difficult.
What Are Stains?
Stains are discolorations under a Maltese dog's eyes caused by tear overflow.
Tear stains are created by porphyrins, which are iron-containing molecules. These molecules can stain a dog's fur easily, especially if it has light-colored fur.
Maltese dogs are susceptible to tear stains due to their facial anatomy and poor tear drainage. This makes regular grooming a necessity for a Maltese with this issue.
In most cases, tear stains are only a cosmetic problem and don't cause health issues in pets.
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Signs of Stains
The signs of eye stains in dogs can be quite noticeable. One of the most obvious signs is reddish-brown discoloration under your pet's eyes.
This discoloration can make your dog look unkempt and dirty, which can be a concern for many pet owners.
The skin under the dog's eyes might also become irritated due to constant moisture exposure. This irritation can lead to inflammation and discomfort for your pet.
Causes of Stains
Eye stains can be a real nuisance, especially if you're a Maltese owner. Maltese dogs are particularly prone to tear stains due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy.
The most common cause of tear stains is epiphora, which is the overflow of tears from a dog's eyes. This is often due to poor tear drainage through the nasolacrimal ducts, which are located in the inner corner of the eyes.
There are several reasons why tear drainage may be impaired. Poor eyelid function can prevent the eyes from closing properly, leading to tear overflow. Deformity-induced eyelid malfunction can also cause tear drainage problems. Nasolacrimal duct blockage is another common issue that can lead to tear stains.
Excessive tear production is also a major contributor to tear stains. This can be caused by conditions such as eyelid problems, eye infections, corneal ulcers, eyelash issues, glaucoma, and uveitis. If your dog is constantly scratching their eyes due to irritation, they will respond with increased tear production, leading to epiphora.
Here are some of the main causes of excessive tear production that can lead to tear stains:
- Poor eyelid function
- Deformity-induced eyelid malfunction
- Nasolacrimal duct blockage
- Excessive tear production
These are just a few of the reasons why your Maltese may be prone to tear stains. By understanding the causes of tear stains, you can take steps to prevent them and keep your dog looking their best.
Preventing Dog Stains
Maltese dogs are prone to tear stains due to their short muzzle and narrow eyes, which can lead to blocked tear ducts.
Regular grooming can help prevent tear stains. Wipe away the discharge from your Maltese's eyes daily with a soft cloth or cotton ball.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation and prevent tear staining. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for overall health, not just tear staining.
Trimming your Maltese's hair around their eyes regularly can help keep fur from collecting and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
Bathing your Maltese regularly with a shampoo specifically designed for tear staining prevention is essential.
Here are some tips to prevent tear stains in dogs and cats:
- Wipe away the discharge from your Maltese’s eyes daily with a soft cloth or cotton ball.
- Provide a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Trim your Maltese’s hair around their eyes regularly.
- Bathe your Maltese regularly and use a shampoo specifically designed for tear staining prevention.
- If your Maltese has chronic tear stains, use a tear stain removal product.
Grooming and Cleaning
Grooming is a crucial part of preventing tear stains on your Maltese. Regular grooming will keep the coat clean and prevent fur from bouncing into your pet's face and irritating their eyes.
To keep the fur clean, you can mix up a home hair-dye mixture of 10% hydrogen peroxide and water to turn the hair back to white. However, it's essential to be cautious and avoid using bleach near your pet's eyes.
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A top knot or "man bun" can also help pull back the hair that's likely to fall into your Maltese's face. This is especially important for preventing tear stains.
Here are some additional tips to prevent tear stains:
- Wipe away the discharge from your Maltese’s eyes daily with a soft cloth or cotton ball.
- Trim your Maltese’s hair around their eyes regularly.
- Bathe your Maltese regularly and use a shampoo specifically designed for tear staining prevention.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your Maltese's eyes clean and prevent tear stains from forming. Regular grooming and cleaning can make a big difference in keeping your pet's coat looking its best.
Cleaning
Cleaning is an essential part of grooming, especially for Maltese dogs prone to tear stains. Regular cleaning can help prevent dirt and bacteria from building up and causing stains.
To clean effectively, look for a product with natural oils like coconut oil, which is gentle and safe for your dog's skin. The Petpost Tear Stain Remover is a great option, made from high-quality extracts that are hyper effective at keeping tear stains away.
You'll need to clean the area consistently for 5 to 7 days to get rid of the dirt that's built up. After that, weekly cleanings are usually sufficient to keep the stains at bay.
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Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use a soft cloth or cotton ball to wipe away discharge from your Maltese's eyes daily.
- Provide a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and tear staining.
- Trim your Maltese's hair around their eyes regularly to prevent fur from collecting and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
- Bathe your Maltese regularly and use a shampoo specifically designed for tear staining prevention or a chemical-free, gentle yet effective shampoo.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to cleaning and preventing tear stains. With regular cleanings and a healthy diet, you can keep your Maltese's eyes looking healthy and bright.
Removing Stains
You'll need to clean the area consistently for 5 to 7 days once you get started to remove Maltese tear stains. This intense initial regimen will help you get rid of the dirt that has built up.
To effectively remove stains, use a product with natural, even organic oils that will clean the dirt and prevent the tears from staying on the coat in the future. The Petpost Tear Stain Remover is a coconut oil based solution made from the highest quality extracts.
Regularly wiping away dirt and debris with a damp cloth can help keep tear stains at bay. This should be done daily to prevent the formation of new stains.
You can also use a tear stain removal product like PawPurity Tear Stain Remover Kit, which is specifically designed for tear stain removal. This can be especially helpful if your Maltese has chronic tear stains.
To truly banish those stubborn tear stains, you need more than just a routine – you need the right tools that deliver results. Pair the remover with a tear stain removal comb to effortlessly lift away debris and prevent future stains before they start.
Here are some products you can use to remove Maltese tear stains:
- Petpost Tear Stain Remover
- PawPurity Tear Stain Remover Kit
- Vetericyn Ophthalmic (available over the counter without a vet's prescription)
Remember to only clean your dog's eyes with products that have been formulated specifically for that purpose. This will help prevent any irritation or damage to your dog's sensitive skin.
Diagnosing and Caring for Eye Stains
The first step in caring for your Maltese's eye stains is to visit your vet for a full eye examination. This will help determine the severity of the stains and identify any underlying issues.
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Excessive tearing due to allergies or eye infections is a common cause of eye stains in Maltese dogs. Your vet can assess your dog's eyes and determine the best course of treatment.
Regular face grooming can help prevent eye stains by removing hair that wicks tears to your dog's skin. This is especially important for Maltese dogs, as their facial anatomy can contribute to tear stains.
Tear stains can be caused by a buildup of excess mucus in the eyes, which can be a sign of poor nutrition. Your vet can recommend a balanced diet to help reduce this buildup.
If your vet determines that your Maltese's tear stains are due to a blocked tear duct, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.
How a Vet Diagnoses Epiphora
A vet will perform an ocular examination to look for signs of abnormalities and inflammation.
They may also do a fluorescein stain test in which a green dye is placed inside the eye.
If there’s no nasolacrimal disruption, the dye will be visible in the nose in a few minutes.
Failure of the dye to drain through the nose may indicate a blockage.
Some serious causes of increased tear production that a vet will look out for include abnormal eyelashes, conjunctivitis, eye infections, corneal ulcers, and allergies.
How to Care for a
To care for a Maltese with tear stains, it's essential to visit your vet for a full eye examination. Your vet will assess your dog and establish the severity of the tear stains.
If the problem is severe, your Maltese may benefit from corrective surgery by an ophthalmologist. The goal of surgery is to correct any underlying issues causing the tear stains.
A mild case of tear stains can be managed with prevention. This means regularly cleaning your Maltese's eyes to prevent tear stains from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to avoid Maltese tear stains?
To prevent Maltese tear stains, keep your dog's hair around their eyes clean and trimmed to reduce staining. Regular grooming is essential to minimize tear stains and keep your Maltese looking their best.
Sources
- How to Get Rid of Tear Stains in Maltese Dogs (pawpurity.com)
- Maltese Tear stain Article by Marjorie Martin (malteseonly.com)
- Maltese Tear Stains - Treatment & Prevention - Petpost (petpost.com)
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/eye-discharge-or-epiphora-in-dogs (vcahospitals.com)
- fluorescein stain test (vcahospitals.com)
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