Call us: 555-555-5555

Tear stains

Become a Free Member

PetPom

The

Pomeranian

Information

Center

Pomeranian Tear Stains

Overview

Some Pomeranians will require some extra care around the eye area to remove and prevent tear stains. This article covers:

What to know about tear stains (what they look like and age of onset)
Top causes of tear stains
How to remove tear stains on a Pomeranian and prevent reoccurring issues, which includes step-by-step photos of how to use a tear stain remover

What to Know About Tear Stains

Appearance: Tear stains are most noticeable on white or light-colored Pomeranians. It presents as discolored fur around the eye area that can range from light pink to reddish-rust to dark brown.

In most cases, tear stains are deeper in hue or more pronounced around the bottom of the eyes (Example A) but may encircle the entire eye. If not treated, tear stains can eventually run down the muzzle (Example B) and/or down a Pom's cheeks. Stains may also travel horizontally and run between the eyes over the bridge of the muzzle.

Note that it is exceedingly rare for white or light Poms to naturally have darker hairs only around their eyes, and certainly not pink, red, or brown fur just there. So, if a Pom has rings around or under their eyes of dark fur against a light background, and especially if it's something that's developed over time, you can be nearly certain that it's an issue of tear stains that should be addressed and not a fluke of natural fur coloring.

Sometimes, but not always, the hairs will also have a different texture. They may feel crispy or hardened. And if you were to take a tiny face comb to them, it would be difficult to comb through those hairs with ease.

Age of onset: Tear stains can develop at just about any age. However, these are much less common with young puppies since they have not been exposed to the triggers for very long and there has not been enough time for the stains to build up.

Top Causes of Tear Stains with Pomeranians

Most cases of tear stains are linked in some way to tears, hence the name. When hairs under and around the eyes remain damp from the eyes watering, discoloration often occurs due to porphyrins (an organic compound found in basal tears) which has natural staining properties. It’s common for chronically wet hairs to additionally develop a red yeast infection which compounds the problem.

Excessive tearing itself may not always be noticed with Pomeranians, but the stains that result from it are often very obvious, especially on white or light-colored fur. Underlying causes of this include allergies (food, airborne, and/or contact), and conditions such as tear duct or eyelash abnormalities. Temporary yet excessive runny eyes is common with teething puppies. With short-nosed breeds (the Pug, Boxer, etc.), runny eyes may be linked to facial structure.

How to Remove Tear Stains and Prevent Reoccurring Issues

A 2-step approach is needed to fix tear stains with Pomeranians. Step 1 will help new hair growth from becoming stained and step 2 will help remove the stains that are already there. If both steps are not followed, there may be limited or very temporary results.

So, if your Pom has brown or red discolored fur under their eyes, these guidelines can help resolve the problem and ensure that the results are permanent.

Step #1: Assess all top possible causes.

Issues and elements to assess and resolve include:

#1 Abnormalities of the eye area should be ruled out especially if a Pomeranian appears to have irritation (pawing at the eyes, rubbing their head onto objects), excessive blinking, and/or sensitivity to light.

#2 Assess the diet for ingredients known to cause allergies. This includes artificial additives (coloring, flavor enhancers), synthetic preservatives, and high filler count (corn and wheat products). An example of a high-quality all-natural option is Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free for Small Breeds.

#3 Avoid giving your Pom unfiltered tap water. It is believed that a high mineral count in tap water can lead to staining, either by direct contact and/or ingestion. Additionally, there are contaminants commonly found in unfiltered water that can cause allergic reactions including tearing. So, this may be a matter of removing two possible causes at the same time.

Effective methods of resolving this include offering bottled spring water or use a filtering pitcher like the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher.

#4 Avoid plastic bowls, especially those that are brightly colored. Plastic alone or in combination with heavy coloring dyes are often linked to tear stains. Opt for stainless-steel or ceramic.

#5 Address any remaining allergies. Aside from reactions to certain food additives, water contaminants, and plastic, there are lots of other allergy triggers including mold, dust mites, pollen (trees, weeds, grasses), and more. If you cannot resolve your Pomeranian's allergies from home, consult the veterinarian.

#6 The eye area must be regularly cleaned to remove tears (and the porphyrins in them). As covered, basal tears contain porphyrins that can stain hairs. And, even if a Pom does not have excessive tearing, some level of tears may be naturally deposited under the eyes throughout the day. Over time, this can compound enough to cause discoloration. So, a big part of keeping stains away is to regularly wipe those porphyrins away. If you are already using an all-purpose grooming wipe and it’s gentle and hypoallergenic, you can use that. Alternatively, a specialty wipe like John Paul Ear and Eye Wipes works well. Thoroughly wipe the area a minimum of 1 time per day and ideally 2 to 3 times per day.

Step 2: Use a Tear Stain Remover

If you skipped right down to this part, please know that results may be limited, or very fleeting, if you do not work to resolve the underlying issues that caused them in the first place.

Ready to remove those dark tear stains on your Pomeranian for good? Let's dive in.

What not to use: The following can cause issues ranging from eye irritation to severe damage that can blind a dog: Bleach, homemade boric acid solutions, cornstarch powder, hydrogen peroxide, milk of magnesia.

Recommended remover:

Our #1 top pick is Eye Envy. There are 3 main products in its line for canines: a cleanser (which can be skipped if you’re using wipes; see previous), a liquid solution, and a powder. The liquid and powder are often very effective in lightening stains over time when used together.

Let’s take a closer look before we jump into the step by step application instructions.

1. Eye Envy Natural Tear Stain Remover Solution for Dogs. This is the liquid solution. The exact ingredients are proprietary; however, it does include witch hazel and colloidal silver which works to drawn moisture out of the hairs and fight against red yeast (and bacterial) infection. This is available in lots of sizes and is used alongside a powder (see next), so to make sure you have the right balance of both topicals and to achieve the same results that you’ll be seeing in a moment, we recommend at least the 8 oz. size.

2. Eye Envy Natural Tear Stain Remover Powder. This is the powder that works alongside the liquid. It also helps drawn moisture from the hairs, and it creates a barrier to help repel new tears from soaking the hairs. If you have the 8 oz. liquid, this 4 oz. powder is recommended.

Timing of applications: This treatment should be applied daily. Typically, stains will fade away within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the severity of the staining and to which degree you implement the suggestions in step 1 (Step #1: Assess all top possible causes).

For the best results, do not skip a day. This treatment will, among other things, help kill red yeast and this really needs to be done on time each day without fail. Of course, if you do skip an application, be sure to get things right back on track the next day.

Step-by-Step application instructions:

Say hi to Selene. She’s going to help with this demonstration.

Can you see those two very dark stains that were under her eyes? Here's a closer look.

Let’s see if we can get those discolored hairs to fade away. Your supplies should include the liquid and powder Eye Envy, and either cotton balls or make-up pads to apply the liquid.

Supplies to remove tear stains on Pomeranian

#1 Apply the liquid solution to a clean makeup pad and then carefully yet firmly wipe over the tear stains on one eye. Flip the pad and apply more liquid to it to apply the solution to the other eye.

Make sure that all of the stained hairs are thoroughly wet with the solution.

#2 Apply the powder directly after applying the liquid. Use your finger to gently press a generous amount of powder into the fine hairs. You want to do this carefully to avoid contact with the eyes, but if some does touch the eye, it's okay since this is formulated to be non-irritating.

You will not be removing the powder. Rather, it will remain on the stains to work over the next few hours and it will eventually flake off.

And below is Selene after 6 days of treatments.

Summary

Having lasting success in removing tear stains on a Pomeranian depends on following the steps to eradicate the underlying causes to stop future staining as well as removing current stained fur. It is a process that can take some time, however it is usually well worth the effort.

Tear stain removal photos courtesy of Dawn of WolfPack Poms. Dawn is a highly respected AKC Pomeranian breeder who specializes in exotic colors including the very rare wolf sable (DNA tested). You can see read more about WolfPack Poms and see lots of adorable photos of her ladies, gents, and info on any available puppies here: WolfPack Poms.