How To Get Rid Of Tear Stains
Almost all white dogs will have tear stains at some point. Most will have at least some staining around their eyes, starting from puppyhood. Your dogs tears contain porphyrins, a chemical compound that gives red blood cells their colour. As your dogs eyes create tears that keep their eye clean and moist, an excess overflow of tears will cause porphyrins to build up around their eyes, creating that reddish brown appearance. You may want to ask your groomer to keep the fur around your dogs eyes short to help make it easier for you to clean the stains. Exposure to allergens or bacteria may cause your dog to produce excessive amounts of tears. Always use a metal or ceramicfood bowl, never plastic, and sanitize between meals. If you suspect your dog has allergies, contact your veterinarian for testing and treatment. Some owners say that giving their dog filtered water helps, though theres no solid evidence of this, its worth a try.
You will find that plain water does little to clear away tear stains. It is safe to use ordinary saline eye wash or contact lens solution, applied with a clean tissue, cotton ball or cotton bud. The boric acid in eye wash and contact solution neutralizes the iron that causes the red discolouration. For your convenience, use Petkin Eye Wipes to safely and gently clean tear stains.
How To Get Rid Of Stains Around Your Dog’s Mouth And Paws
Porphyrins are also present in your dogs saliva, and will cause similar reddish brown discolouration around your dogs mouth. You can use the same eye contact solution or eye wash to neutralize the stains.
If your dog has a habit of licking their paws, their paws may also take on a reddish brown colour. You may also notice stains around their stomach, at the base of their tail, around their anus and genitals. This is a sign that your dogs skin is irritated, and they are licking excessively to relieve the itch.White dogs are prone to skin irritation, and its commonly caused by allergies. Your dog may be allergic to an ingredient in their food. Common dog allergies include chicken, beef, dairy, corn, wheat and soy. If you feel your dog might have a food intolerance, their symptoms may clear up in a few weeks with a Grain Free food choice Your dog may be allergic to something in their environment. They can be allergic to mould, dust or pollen, or a plant in your yard. It can be helpful to clear away possible allergens and to bathe your dog frequently. If you cant deduce what is causing your dogs red, itchy skin, you can visit your veterinarian for an allergy test.
What are the benefits of owning a white dog?
In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, there are actually several benefits to owning a white fur dog. First of all, they are very easy to spot in public places like parks or on walk. Because of their fluffy white coat they tend to stand out in a crowd.
Second of all, they are less likely to trigger allergies in people who are allergic to dogs which can make them a solution for someone who is usually allergic to dogs but wants a 4-legged family member anyway. And lastly, they tend to be very low-shedding, which means less hair around the house!
How To Whiten Your Dog’s Beard & Coat | Sheepadoodle, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle
What can cause staining around mouth and on dogs paws? No change in diet and its come on in just a few weeks? Cavalier male aged 9.
Thanks for your interesting question about the recent staining you have noticed around your dog’s mouth and paws. The staining you are referring to is most likely caused by a substance called Porphyrin.
Porphyrin is a naturally occurring substance in the tears and saliva and tends to show up as a pink/brown colour where your pet has licked, dribbled or produced lots of tears. The discolouration from the Porphyrin is most obvious on light coloured fur.
The staining of the fur itself is of no actual harm to your pet; however, it is important to get to the bottom of why it is happening and I would definitely advise that you discuss this further with your vet.
There are many possible causes for the staining you have noticed, which include: dental disease, other conditions of the mouth, allergies and stress.
Dental disease is a very common finding in both dogs and cats of around 3 years of age and over, a build-up of plaque and bacteria can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and loosening of the teeth ( periodontal disease) which can result in dribbling ( excessive salivation).
Treatment for dental disease may include a course of antibiotics to treat any infection present, the use of pain relief plus or minus dental surgery to clean and remove any loose/infected teeth. Your pet will receive follow up checks and advice regarding a dental health care plan to reduce the need for further dental treatment in a hurry. Dental health care includes special diets to reduce plaque build- up, use of tooth brushing where appropriate and or dental chews to keep your pets mouth as clean and healthy as possible.
Other mouth related conditions that may lead to saliva staining include: inflamed and or infected fold in the gum flaps which are common in breed such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is thought to be related to the fact that the nose of the dog is shortened, and the soft tissues including the skin are not, which can lead to folds of skin which collect saliva and food particles. The skin folds can become very painful and infected this can usually be treated with antibiotics, pain relief and or regular cleansing of the affected areas. In very extreme cases surgery may be needed.
Polyps, growth or cysts in the mouth can also cause irritation that may lead to excess saliva production and therefore staining. These can best be treated once identified and the exact type of growth determined.
Stress and or allergies can cause dogs to dribble and or chew their paws; this is another common cause of Porphyrin staining around the mouth and feet.
So as you can see there are many possible causes for the staining of the fur around your dog’s mouth and on his paws, a visit to your vet would be the best way to find out what the cause is and how best it can be treated. I hope that my answer has been helpful for you and that your dog responds well to the treatment plan that is best for him.
Share your own experiences or ask any pet-related questions in the comments below. Related Articles Congenital conditions
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