Tear Staining

[Bluebird2]

Morning all.... does anyone have any tips on combatting tear staining? I have a gorgeous 3 mth old Maltese who has terrible tear staining. I don't want to medications or peroxide unless absolutely necessary. I just want my baby to look and feel good. She hates me bathing her eyes and my hands are sore from the bites. (Little minx). I have read about 'Angel Eyes' but this is an antibiotic formulation and would rather not give her that. Has anyone used 'White Vinegar' in the drinking water - Apparently this works?

[icemaiden]

Never heard of the vinegar in the water one. Not sure if a dog would drink it! Used to get a product called "Diamond Eye". Always used to work but I am not sure if it's still available.

I have heard that Bicarbonate of Soda, add to water to make it frothy, can get stains out but don't quote me on that.

[Booldawg]

a used (cold!) tea bag. You'd think the tanin would leave stains of it own, but no.

[Ratty2E]

Keeping the eye area clean and dry helps, bathing with warm water and a tiny amount of baby shampoo at least once a day and keeping the area dry in between times with the odd dab with a bit of kitchen paper. The staining is caused by bacteria which loveds the warm wet area under the eyes of certain breeds. She really needs to let you examine her face without biting, I know she's a baby so should be easy if you do it gently and regularly enough to get her used to it. I certainly would not add things to her food or water unless you have discussed it with a vet, you could cause kidney or stomach damage. I certainly would not contemplate antibiotics, unless the area gets infected. You could also keep the eye hair trimmed to stop the tears wicking down the face. You can also try smearing a tiny amount of vaseline on the hair once it is washed and dried, this can stop the hair staining.

[jules77]

Try this, I use it as a daily eye cleaner on one dog who has a tendency to have blocked tear ducts.

http://www.groomers-o...3/no-more-tear-stains

[Bluebird2]

Thank you all for your responses. I didn't like the idea of putting things in her water/food either for fear of harming her. I will try the teabag idea, as it's the most natural, and see how I get on. I got Gizzy at 8wks from a reputale breeder and she was a calm and easy going puppy and loved being groomed etc but that was 'before having her inocculations' ever since the first injection she has just bitten me any time I try to clean or brush her. I can't help thinking this is a case of Vaccinosis - vet doesn't agree though!
Thanks for all the ideas.

[lankeela]

My groomer friend who has Norfolk Terriers uses a product called Erase - you can buy it online from Hub International.

[Buenchico]

I know several people who find this product useful:
http://www.petsathome...rk-and-chappell-36646

Chris