Why do puppies have tear stains? Do I need to be concerned?

Puppy with tear stains

Most of the time, tear stains are cosmetic (no they are not eyeshadows 😂), not dangerous—especially in light-colored pups. Porphyrin (a natural pigment in tears) is what creates those reddish streaks, and many puppies simply produce more tears than others.

👉 When it’s not a big deal:

  • Your pup is otherwise happy, eating well, and playful.
  • The staining has been there since puppyhood and hasn’t changed suddenly.
  • Wiping and cleaning helps manage it.

👉 Quick tips if your dog has tear stains:

  • Wipe gently with a damp cloth daily.
  • Switch to stainless steel bowls (plastic can harbor bacteria).
  • Check diet & water quality—sometimes that helps reduce stains.

🚨 When you should see a vet:

  • Tear stains appear suddenly or worsen quickly.
  • There’s swelling, redness, squinting, or pus-like discharge.
  • Your pup rubs their face a lot (could mean infection, blocked ducts, or even glaucoma).

At our partner shelter, we also keep an eye on tear stains when dogs switch diets. They can be early indicators of food sensitivities or allergies. If a pup suddenly develops stains after a diet change, we adjust their meals right away before other allergy symptoms show up. And honestly, we believe this simple habit has saved us (and the dogs) plenty of vet bills.

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