Why does your little dog or cat always appear to be so sad?

If this is a question you have often asked yourself, then you are well aware of the phenomenon of tear stains on dogs and cats. Dog tear stains are often found in light-colored dogs and cats. Poodle, Pekinese, Chihuahua and Maltese owners are very familiar with this problem. And in the cat world, Persian owners have most likely experienced this condition.

Though tear stains are rarely, if ever, life threatening, they can be bothersome to both the pet in question and the owner. So exactly why is your little critter so sad?

WHAT ARE TEAR STAINS

There is no hidden message in the name "Tear Stains." They are exactly what the name implies – stains under your pet's eyes. Eyes – human, canine or feline – produce tears on a daily basis. It is Mother Nature's way of protecting the eye.

But where humans have a natural drainage system to deal with excess tears (the nasal passage), dogs and cats do not. The excess tears, in their case, are deposited in the furry growth under their eyes. This, according to most experts, is a breeding ground for bacteria. That is what you are seeing when you look at your dog's or cat's tear stains...a breeding ground for infection. Now you know why your best friend is always crying.

Suggested product for cleaning tear stains around eyes in dogs and cats:

i-Clenz by PetAlive

Related topics:
Eye infections
Cataracts
Conjunctivitis
Glaucoma
Feline Herpes Keratitis

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES

Tear stains are most often caused by blocked tear ducts or excessive hair around the eyes. Hair can act as a wick to draw out the tears. Other causes include, but are not limited to:

• An allergy in and around the eye
• An abnormal eyelid
• Inflammation of the eye

Untreated, some of these causes of tear stains can lead to infection and even blindness. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION METHODS

Symptoms are easy to determine in a dog or cat with tear stains. The obvious and constant brown stains under their eyes are the primary symptom. However, a dog or cat with overly large eyes (Pekinese, Persian, etc...) is very susceptible to tear stains as well. So even before the stains appear, a good owner would do well to keep the area under the eye clean and free of excessively long hair. Other ways to prevent tear stains include:

• Due diligence – check your pet's eyes regularly
• Don't let your pet hang its head out the car window
• Report to your vet anything you suspect to be an eye infection

WHAT IS THE CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Conventional treatments include antibiotics, eye scrubs and other harsh chemicals. Many of the existing chemical-based tear stain cleansers have written directly on the instructions, “DO NOT GET IN YOUR DOG'S OR CAT'S EYES.” This can be a little troublesome for the overactive pet. That is where natural remedies come into the picture.

HOW CAN NATURAL REMEDIES HELP

Natural remedies have become increasingly popular with pet owners in recent years. Products made with natural ingredients like dandelion and eyebright are slowly taking over from the more chemically-based treatments.

• Eyebright – used since the Middle Ages, eyebright is effective in treating sties and other eye inflammatory diseases.
• Dandelions – the antibacterial and antifungal properties of dandelion make a fantastic cleanser.
• German Chamomile – is used as gentle cleanser, perfect for the sensitive area around your pet's eyes.

For more detailed information on tear stains, visit Peteducation.com.

NEW - i-Clenz from PetAlive

PetAlive i-Clenz contains a blend of natural, cleansing ingredients in an herbal tincture and will effectively clean unsightly tear stains around the eyes of cats and dogs as well as improve general eye and visual health. Also helps to control bacterial and fungal growth which can contribute to staining. Great for helping show dogs look their best!

To purchase or read more about i-Clenz..