Shih Tzu Tear Stains: Why They Happen and What Helps
If your Shih Tzu has those reddish-brown streaks running down from the inner corners of the eyes, you are in very common company. Tear stains are one of the most asked-about things with this breed. Here is what they actually are, what causes them, and what genuinely helps, one owner to another.
What tear stains actually are
That rusty reddish-brown color is caused by something called porphyrin, an iron-containing substance that the body produces when it breaks down red blood cells. It comes out in tears (and saliva), and on a light-colored coat it leaves a stain that darkens the longer it sits, especially with exposure to air and light. So the stain itself is just pigment. The real question is why your dog’s eyes are watering enough to leave it.
Why Shih Tzus get them so easily
Excess tearing has a technical name, epiphora, and flat-faced breeds like the Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Lhasa Apso are especially prone to it. A few reasons come together:
- Face shape. Those big, round, shallow-set eyes and the short muzzle mean tears do not always drain the way they should.
- Hair in the eyes. Stray hairs from that lovely face fall right into the eyes and irritate them, which makes them water more.
- Blocked or narrow tear ducts. Some dogs are simply born with tear ducts that do not drain well.
- Irritants and allergies. Dust, pollen, and other irritants make the eyes produce more tears as a defense.
- Diet and water. Some owners find that food sensitivities or high-iron diets make staining worse.
What actually helps
- Wipe the face every day. A gentle daily wipe under the eyes with a damp cloth, then drying the area, is the single most effective thing. Porphyrin stains worse the longer it sits, so keeping the fur clean and dry is most of the battle.
- Keep the hair trimmed. Carefully keeping the hair around the eyes short means fewer stray hairs poking and irritating.
- Fresh water and clean bowls. Some owners switch to filtered water and stainless or ceramic bowls.
- Be careful with “tear stain” supplements. Many popular products work by including a low-dose antibiotic (tylosin). Giving a dog an antibiotic for a cosmetic reason is not something to do on your own. Talk to your vet first.
When to see your vet
Tear staining is usually just a cosmetic nuisance. But a sudden change is worth a look. If the watering comes on quickly, or you see redness, squinting, pawing at the eye, cloudiness, or thick discharge, that can point to an actual eye problem, a blocked duct, or an infection, and those deserve a vet visit rather than a wipe. When in doubt, get it checked.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Shih Tzu have reddish-brown tear stains?
The color comes from porphyrin, a pigment in tears that stains light fur. Shih Tzus tear easily because of their flat face, large eyes, hair near the eyes, and sometimes poorly draining tear ducts.
How do I get rid of Shih Tzu tear stains?
Wipe and dry under the eyes daily, keep the hair around the eyes trimmed, and provide fresh clean water. Be cautious with antibiotic-based stain supplements and ask your vet before using them.
Are tear stains harmful to my dog?
The stain itself is harmless and cosmetic. But a sudden increase in tearing, redness, squinting, or discharge can signal an eye problem and should be checked by a vet.
This article is written from one dog lover to another and is for general information only. It is not veterinary advice and cannot replace an exam by your own veterinarian.
