Tear Stains in Dogs: Looking Beyond the Surface
If you’ve ever shared your life with a white or light-colored dog, you’ve probably noticed those reddish-brown stains beneath the eyes. While tear stains are often considered a cosmetic issue, they can sometimes be your dog’s way of telling you that something deeper is out of balance. Rather than simply wiping away the stains or using bleaching products, it’s worth looking at what may be causing excessive tearing in the first place. What Causes Tear Stains? Tear stains develop when tears overflow onto the fur around the eyes. The moisture creates an environment where pigments, yeast, and bacteria can discolor the hair. Common contributors include: Poor-quality or highly processed diets (kibble) Mineral-heavy tap water Food sensitivities Gut imbalance (dysbiosis/leaky gut) Environmental allergies Breed conformation (especially dogs with shallow eye sockets or blocked tear ducts) Long facial hair that traps moisture Eye irritation from dust, pollen, or eyelashes rubbing the eye Breeds commonly affected include Maltese, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzus, Poodles, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, and other small breeds. Start with Nutrition Everything in the body is connected, including the eyes. A biologically appropriate diet made with whole, minimally processed ingredients can help reduce inflammation and support a healthier immune system. Many pet parents notice improvements after switching from highly processed kibble to a balanced raw or gently cooked diet. For more information on the different types of pet food visit our pet food overview page. Look for foods made with: High-quality animal protein Minimal ingredients No artificial colors or preservatives No unnecessary fillers or sugars While diet isn’t the cause of every case, it often plays a significant role. Consider Your Water Source Tap water can contain minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other impurities that may contribute to tear staining in some dogs. Offering clean, filtered water is a simple change that many pet parents find beneficial (we recoommend AquaTru Water Filters). While it won’t resolve every case, it can be one piece of the puzzle. Support Gut Health The gut and immune system are closely connected. When the microbiome is out of balance, inflammation throughout the body—including around the eyes—may increase. Visit our Leaky Gut page for more information. Four Leaf Rover Saccharomyces boulardii (10% coupon off full priced items with coupon: SAVING-PETS) is a beneficial probiotic yeast that helps support: A balanced gut microbiome Healthy digestion Normal immune function For dogs with digestive issues or those recovering from antibiotics, restoring gut balance may also help reduce chronic tear staining. Read our Saccharomyces Boulardii for Dogs and Cats: Why so Many Holistic Parents Use It blog. Natural Eye Hygiene Keeping the area around the eyes clean helps prevent staining from becoming worse. Many holistic pet parents use Adored Beast Colloidal Silver Sol to gently cleanse around the eyes. It can help keep the area clean while minimizing the buildup of debris that contributes to discoloration. Always use products as directed and avoid placing anything directly into the eye unless it is specifically intended and labeled for ophthalmic use. Support Skin and Coat Health Healthy skin starts from within. Woof Creek Algal Omega-3 Plant Base Oil (10% off this URL) provides a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids that support: Healthy skin A shiny coat Normal inflammatory response Overall immune health Because it’s algae-based, it also avoids concerns some pet owners have about fish-derived products. Don’t Forget Grooming Regular grooming is one of the easiest ways to minimize tear stains. Keep the hair around the eyes neatly trimmed, gently wipe away moisture each day, and prevent hair from irritating the eyes. Moist fur creates the perfect environment for staining organisms to thrive. When Tear Stains Need Veterinary Attention While many cases are harmless, persistent or sudden tear staining should not be ignored. Schedule a veterinary examination if your dog has: Squinting or excessive blinking Thick yellow or green discharge Red, swollen, or painful eyes Cloudiness of the eye A foul odor One eye tearing much more than the other Sudden onset of severe tearing Conditions such as blocked tear ducts, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, dry eye, eyelash abnormalities, or infections require proper diagnosis and treatment. A Holistic Approach Tear stains are often a symptom rather than the problem itself. Instead of reaching for harsh whitening products, focus on supporting your dog’s overall health. Simple lifestyle changes can often make a noticeable difference: Feed a balanced raw or gently cooked diet. Provide filtered drinking water. Support a healthy gut microbiome. Promote healthy skin with omega-3s. Keep the facial area clean and dry. Schedule regular grooming. Rule out medical eye conditions with your veterinarian if staining is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. Looking beyond the stains and addressing the underlying cause can help your dog feel better while naturally improving the appearance of their face. Learn more about eye health in dogs and cats on our eye conditions webpage. Share the Post: Related Posts
Dog Scooting on the Floor: What It Means and What Your Dog May Be Trying to Tell You
If your dog suddenly drags their rear end across the carpet or grass, it can be surprising, embarrassing, and sometimes even a little funny. But scooting is almost always a sign that something is irritating your dog’s backside. Dogs scoot because they are uncomfortable, itchy, or trying to relieve pressure in the anal area. While it may occasionally happen after a bowel movement, frequent scooting is usually your dog’s way of asking for help. Understanding the root cause is important so you can address the issue naturally and support your dog’s overall health. What Is Dog Scooting? Scooting happens when a dog sits down and drags their rear end along the floor. This behavior typically means something around the anus is causing irritation, itching, or pressure. Dogs cannot scratch this area easily, so dragging their bottom becomes their way of trying to relieve discomfort. Occasional scooting may not be a concern, but frequent or persistent scooting usually signals an underlying problem. Common Causes of Dog Scooting Several different health issues can cause scooting. Some are simple to resolve, while others may require deeper investigation into your dog’s diet, gut health, or skin health. Anal Gland Issues One of the most common reasons dogs scoot is anal gland discomfort. Dogs have two small scent glands located on either side of the anus. Normally, these glands empty naturally during bowel movements. However, if the glands become impacted, infected, or overly full, they can cause pressure and irritation. Signs of anal gland problems may include: Scooting frequently Licking or chewing near the tail base A strong fishy odor Swelling near the anus Difficulty sitting comfortably Many dogs experience recurring anal gland problems when their stool is too soft or when diet lacks the natural structure needed to help glands empty properly. Supporting digestive health and feeding a species-appropriate diet often helps prevent chronic gland issues. Parasites Intestinal parasites, particularly tapeworms, can cause intense itching around the anus. Tapeworm segments often appear like small grains of rice near the dog’s rear end or in bedding. These parasites irritate the anal area, which can lead to scooting. Regular fecal testing and parasite prevention can help identify and manage this issue. Allergies Food sensitivities and environmental allergies can also lead to scooting. Allergic inflammation may cause itching around the anus and tail base. Dogs with allergies may also show other symptoms such as: Excessive paw licking Ear infections Skin redness or irritation Digestive upset Many holistic veterinarians find that chronic scooting improves when underlying food sensitivities and gut inflammation are addressed. Intolerance testing and an elimination diet may help. Skin Irritation or Hygiene Issues Sometimes scooting happens simply because something is stuck or irritating the skin. Possible causes include: Fecal residue caught in fur Matted hair around the anus Grooming irritation Minor skin infections Dogs with longer coats may need regular trimming or cleaning in this area to prevent irritation. Digestive Imbalance Gut health plays a surprisingly large role in anal gland function and skin comfort. Dogs with digestive issues, chronic inflammation, or imbalanced gut bacteria may produce stools that are too soft to naturally express the anal glands. This can lead to recurring scooting. Supporting the microbiome with appropriate nutrition, probiotics and digestive enzymes and whole food diets can often improve stool quality and reduce gland problems. When Scooting May Be More Serious Occasional scooting may not be alarming, but frequent or worsening scooting should be investigated. Seek veterinary guidance if you notice: Persistent scooting Blood or discharge from the anal area Swelling near the anus Severe licking or biting of the tail area Signs of pain when sitting Rarely, tumors or infections in the anal gland area can also cause scooting, so persistent symptoms should always be evaluated. Holistic Ways to Support Dogs Who Scoot Instead of focusing only on symptom relief, many holistic pet parents look at the bigger picture. Scooting often reflects an imbalance in diet, digestion, or skin health. Supporting the body naturally may include: Improving Diet Quality Whole, minimally processed foods support healthy digestion and better stool formation. Diets rich in natural animal protein and appropriate fiber can help stools become firm enough to naturally express anal glands. Many pet parents see improvements when transitioning away from highly processed foods (kibble) toward gently cooked, freeze-dried, or raw diets. Supporting Gut Health A healthy microbiome supports digestion, immune balance, and skin health. Probiotics, fermented foods designed for pets, and targeted digestive supplements may help restore balance in the gut. Addressing Food Sensitivities If scooting is part of a larger pattern of itching, ear infections, or digestive upset, food sensitivities may be involved. Identifying problematic ingredients and rotating proteins can sometimes reduce inflammation and help resolve recurring anal gland irritation. Maintaining Proper Hygiene Keeping the area around the anus clean and trimmed can prevent irritation, especially for long-haired breeds. Regular grooming and wiping the area when needed can make a big difference. The Bottom Line Scooting may seem like a small issue, but it often signals that something deeper is going on. Anal gland pressure, parasites, allergies, digestive imbalance, or skin irritation are all common reasons dogs drag their rear ends across the floor. Rather than simply treating the symptom, looking at your dog’s diet, gut health, and overall wellness can help address the root cause. When we support the body from the inside out, many of these uncomfortable issues begin to resolve naturally. Frequently Asked Questions Why does my dog scoot right after pooping? Scooting after a bowel movement may happen if stool residue is irritating the skin or if the anal glands did not empty fully during defecation. Can diet cause anal gland problems? Yes. Diet plays a major role in stool quality and gut health. Soft stool from poor digestion or food sensitivities can prevent glands from expressing naturally. Should I express my dog’s anal glands at home? Routine manual expression is not recommended for most dogs. Frequent expression can actually worsen gland function over time. Supporting healthy
