Let’s face it. No matter how much you take care of your Chihuahua, they often develop those very ugly, brown tear stains just under their eyes. And no matter how often you wipe them off, they return!
We feel you on this one. Nothing is quite as frustrating as trying to take the best possible care of your Chihuahua and yet having them look like you neglect them. So, we came up with this quick, easy list of ways to combat those gross Chihuahua tear stains.
What causes tear stains?
Tear stains can be due to several reasons: certain health problems (like ear infections and ingrown eyelashes to name a few), the shape of the eyes, blocked tear ducts, puppy teething, or allergies related to food, the environment, or even seasonal allergies.
Are certain Chihuahuas more likely to get tear stains?
Chihuahuas with light-colored fur are more likely to show tear staining. But this doesn’t mean their dark counterparts don’t also get tear stains. Rather, the dark streaks of tear stains are simply more noticeable on the light-colored Chihuahuas.
Should your Chihuahua’s tear stains be cleaned?
Yes! Tear stains can be more than just a cosmetic annoyance. If tears continue to cause the hair on your Chihuahua’s face to remain wet, your Chihuahua may develop an yeast infection, making the staining even worse.
However, while tear stains are not pretty, they are not dangerous to your Chihuahua’s health. Tear stains are usually easily removed with a few simple treatments. They can also be easily prevented, once they have been removed.
How to remove your Chihuahua’s tear stains:
1. Consider a Change in Diet
Many times, a poor diet can result in tear stains. Or, a diet that contains an ingredient that your Chihuahua has an allergy to (even if it is a great quality food), may also result in tear stains.
So, take a look at what’s in your Chihuahua’s food and consider changing it to see if it makes a difference. Consider trying a different protein source (if you are feeding a Chicken-based diet, try beef).
Typically, a diet change will take at least 30 days before you will see a difference (or not) in your Chihuahua’s tear stains.
2. Provide Clean Water
Believe it or not, the type of water you provide for your Chihuahua can contribute to tear stains. Ideally, your Chihuahua should be given purified, distilled water to drink.
Try to avoid tap water, which often contains harmful bacteria, parasites, and minerals (like chlorine and fluoride) that can be toxic to pets.
Also, make sure your Chihuahua does not drink stagnant water found in gardens or parks. Such water may result in more staining in response to excess minerals in the water and can contain harmful bacteria or parasites.
3. Maintain Eye and Face Hygiene
This seems like an obvious solution, but it is an important one! To prevent those ugly tear stains from developing, it is important to maintain proper eye and face hygiene.
Try regularly flushing your Chihuahua’s eyes with an appropriate canine eyewash (we recommend asking your vet for the best canine eye wash solutions). The easiest way to flush your Chihuahua’s eyes is to moisten a cotton ball with the canine eyewash and gently rub it underneath and around the eye area.
If your Chihuahua has long hair, we recommend also washing their muzzle hair with dry shampoo and a wet washcloth.
When bathing your Chihuahua, always try to avoid getting any shampoo or suds in your their eyes to prevent irritation.
4. Trim the Hair
If you have a long-hair Chihuahua, the hair around your their eyes can cause eye irritation, leading to more tears and staining.
Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to prevent irritation. Be sure to use a pair of blunt-nose scissors and work carefully to avoid accidentally injuring an eye. If you are not comfortable trimming the hair around your Chihuahua’s eyes, or if you Chihuahua does not hold still well for grooming, we recommend finding a professional groomer in your area for your Chihuahua’s safety.
If your Chihuahua is prone to excessive crusting in the corners of the eyes, you can ask your groomer to shave the hair off so you can effectively clean the skin under the eyes.
5. Use Cornstarch
Did you know cornstarch can help absorb the excess tears and effectively get rid of tear stains?
How to use Cornstarch for your Chihuahua’s tear stains:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little hot water and a small amount of vinegar (some people recommend bleach, but if you choose to use a harsh chemical please be aware that it can cause irreparable damage to your Chihuahua’s eyes should the mixture accidentally get in the eye).
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Apply it directly on the tear stains and allow it to dry for at least 1 hour.
- Finally, wipe it away with a damp cloth.
- Repeat the treatment every other day for 2 weeks.
Cornstarch can also be dusted underneath the eye, around the muzzle and between the toes to keep those areas free from moisture and prevent staining from occurring in the first place!
Alternatively, you can prepare a paste of equal parts corn starch, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, and milk of magnesia. Apply this creamy paste on your dog’s tear stains, leave it on for an hour, then rinse it off.
Note: Be sure to avoid getting any of the solution in your dog’s eyes, as it could cause irritation.
6. White Vinegar
White vinegar is another very effective remedy for tear stains. Its acidic nature will prevent bacteria or yeast from taking hold in your Chihuahua’s system, which can cause eye infections and excess tearing. Using white vinegar may also help prevent future stains!
How to use White Vinegar for your Chihuahua’s tear stains:
- Dip a cotton ball in white vinegar and use it to clean the stained area around your Chihuahua’s eyes.
- Do not allow the vinegar to enter the eyes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to your Chihuahua’s drinking water to combat the growth of micro-organisms in the body and make it more alkaline. Note: some Chihuahuas are very picky (as you probably already know), so if you add anything to your Chihuahua’s water, please make sure they will still drink their water or else they will be at risk of dehydration.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
Another way to remove the tear stains from your Chihuahua’s face would be to use hydrogen peroxide.
How to use Hydrogen Peroxide for your Chihuahua’s tear stains:
- Prepare a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and an equal amount of water.
- Gently apply the solution over the tear stains using a cotton ball.
- Wait 5 minutes, then rinse the fur with clean water to get rid of any residue.
Note: Be sure to avoid getting any of the solution in your dog’s eyes, as it could cause irritation.
8. Chamomile
If you are looking for a more natural solution to get rid of your Chihuahua’s tear stains, chamomile is very effective. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can help combat the bacteria and fungi that may grow in the tear stains.
How to use Chamomile for your Chihuahua’s tear stains:
- Prepare a cup of chamomile tea.
- Allow the tea to cool down completely.
- Use the Chamomile tea solution to clean the tear stains from your Chihuahua’s face.
- Finally, rinse your Chihuahua’s fur with clean water.
9. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver has antimicrobial properties that help fight yeast infections and moist dermatitis that can occur in the corners of your Chihuahua’s eyes. As a bonus, colloidal silver is completely safe to use around the eyes!
How to use Colloidal Silver for your Chihuahua’s tear stains:
- Put a little of the colloidal silver on a cotton ball.
- Use it to wipe your Chihuahua’s face once or twice a day.
10. Contact Lens Cleaner
Contact lens cleaners that contain mild boric acid can also be used to help remove your Chihuahua’s tear stains. Boric acid oxidizes the iron compounds and lightens them.
How to use Contact Lens Cleaner for your Chihuahua’s tear stains:
- Put the solution on a cotton ball.
- Use it to wipe your Chihuahua’s face and tear stains.
- Use the solution once or twice daily to lighten tear stains that have already formed.
BONUS Tips to Remove Your Chihuahua’s Tear Stains:
- Keep the moist areas around the eyes as dry as possible.
- Dab a little coconut oil on the skin where tear stains accumulate to prevent the skin from becoming irritated and inflamed.
Do you know of another method to prevent or clean Chihuahua tear stains that we didn’t list? Let us know in the comments!
