G
Glam Ledger

How do I stop my Shih Tzu's eyes from tearing?

Author

John Peck

Published Apr 26, 2026

Quick and Easy Shih Tzu face wash - prevent tear stains
  1. TAKE A WET PAPER TOWEL. [00:34]
  2. AND GENTLY CLEAN AROUND HER EYES TO REMOVE EYE DISCHARGE. [00:39]
  3. USE A WASH CLOTH WITH WARM WATER. [01:07]
  4. TO WIPE THE STAINS AND MAKE THE FACE WET. [01:12]
  5. TEARLESS SHAMPOO IS BEST IN CASE YOU GET SOME INTO HER EYES. [01:43]
  6. TAKE THE WASH CLOTH. [01:52]
  7. PAY SPECHAL ATTENTION TO THE TEAR STAINS. [02:14]

Similarly, it is asked, why are my Shih Tzu eyes watering?

Short-nosed dog breeds, such as Shih-tzu, Pekingese, Maltese, and pug, are prone to excessive tearing because they often have shallow eye sockets or hair growth in skin folds around the eyes that cause problems. Also, cocker spaniels and poodles are more likely than other breeds to have blocked tear ducts.

Also Know, why do my dogs eyes water so much? Epiphora (excessive tearing). Watery, teary eyes -- resulting in stained or smelly fur and/or infected skin -- can also be the result of many conditions, including abnormal eyelashes, inflammation, allergies, corneal ulcers if medicine is not effective, tumors, eye pain, and more.

One may also ask, how do I stop my dogs eyes from tearing?

Wash the muzzle hair with dry shampoo or waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth. You may also try 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Comb and blow-dry afterwards. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to avoid it irritating the eye and causing tearing.

How can I prevent my dog from tearing?

White Vinegar/Apple Cider Vinegar: Add a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to your dog's water daily to increase the acidity of your dog's body pH. Not only will it take care of tear stains, the alkalinity of your dog's body will help to prevent bacteria or yeast infections from recurring.

Related Question Answers

Do dogs grow out of tear stains?

Eyesight could be at stake. Puppies tear as they grow and the shape of their face changes. They also tear when teething. Tear staining at these times is normal and will often go away on its own.

Why does my shih tzu tear so much?

The causes of excessive tearing include but not limited to genetics, health, diet, fleas, bacterial infection, ear infections, cutting teeth (in puppies), irritation, high mineral content in the dog's drinking water, blocked tear ducts, etc. Since there is no one cause of tear stains, so there is no one cure.

What is the best Tear Stain Remover for Dogs?

The Best Dog Tear Stain Remover
  • Arava – Dead Sea Pet Spa Eye Wipes for Dogs.
  • Burt's Bees Dog Tear Stain Remover.
  • Angel's Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes.
  • Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Solution for Dogs.
  • Always Bright Eyes Dog Tear Stain Remover.
  • Squishface Wrinkle Paste.
  • ZPAW Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs.

Why do some dogs have tear stains?

Tear stains are dark brown or reddish marks that appear beneath a dog's eyes. Stains that are brownish or rust colored may be the result of a yeast infection on the skin under the eyes that is able to thrive because of the constant moisture from tears building up on the skin.

How do you clean a Shih Tzu's eyes?

You can use a soft washcloth, a wet cotton ball, or dog eye wipes to wash the area around your Shih Tzu's eyes. Start on the inner corner of the eye and wipe away from the eye. It's best to wipe at least 3 times: Once on top of the eye.

How can I get rid of my dogs tear stains naturally?

Wash the muzzle hair with dry shampoo or waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth. You may also try 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Comb and blow-dry afterwards. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to avoid it irritating the eye and causing tearing.

What causes brown tear stains in dogs?

What is causing the stains in dogs? This discoloration is caused by a chemical called porphyrin. If you have ever noticed a white dog that has been licking or chewing on his leg, the hair in that area will turn iron-brown in color. The actual cause of stains is the porphyrin in the tears and saliva.

How often should Shih Tzus be bathed?

It is recommended to bathe a Shih Tzu every three weeks. However, puppies may need to be bathed more frequently, since they can soil their bottoms when they defecate. Using high-quality shampoo and conditioner will help ensure that your puppy's coat and skin will be clean and remain healthy.

What does glaucoma look like in dogs?

With sudden glaucoma, the pupil has a sluggish response to light, the blink response is weak or nonexistent, the cornea is swollen or cloudy, the eye is red, inflamed, tearing, and the dog may be squinting. The cornea is cloudy, the eye is red and inflamed, and often enlarged.

Why does my Shih Tzu smell even after a bath?

When water wets down the facial hair of a Shih Tzu and is not able to air dry (for example if it is covered by layers in the front), it can become a breeding ground for bacteria faster than one may think. And this can cause Shih Tzu odor.

Is my dog crying tears?

It's easy to assume that the dog is crying, but those tears are actually caused by something other than emotions. Like humans, dogs have tear ducts to help keep their eyes functioning properly. However, a dog's tear ducts drain the liquid back towards the throat and nose area instead of spilling out.

What causes excessive tearing in dogs?

Some of the causes of increased tear production in dogs include conjunctivitis (viral or bacterial), allergies, eye injuries, abnormal eyelashes (distichia or ectopic cilia), corneal ulcers, eye infections, anatomical abnormalities such as rolled in eyelids (entropion) or rolled out eyelids (ectropion), and glaucoma.

Does coconut oil help tear stains on dogs?

What can you do to reduce or prevent this from staining your dog's fur? A more holistic and natural approach will be to use Raw Organic Coconut Oil and Pure Corn Flour to apply on the areas where tear stains are prone.

Do blueberries help with dog tear stains?

It's made with blueberries and oatmeal that soothe and balance the skin on your dog's face while helping to get rid of tear stains.

Should I clean my dog's eye boogers?

It's important to keep your dog's eye area clean. “A soft, wet cloth can be used to gently wipe away the discharge,” Dr. You can also use a veterinary eye cleaning product to combat dog eye discharge — just make sure it doesn't contain any alcohol.

Why do my dogs eyes keep watering?

Epiphora in Dogs. Epiphora is a condition that causes an abnormal overflow of tears. Causes of epiphora due to the shape of the eyes is seen in many breeds. The overproduction of tears can be congenital due to distichiasis – turning in of the eyelashes, or entropion – the turning in of the eyelid.

How do I know if my dog is sad?

Here are a few of the most common signs of sadness in dogs: Appetite Changes: Has your dog become ravenously hungry or unexplained disinterested in food? He could be sad. Avoidance: Withdrawing socially, especially from humans, is a surefire symptom that something is going on with your dog.

Do dogs laugh?

The moment any anxiety or stress is introduced, the dog's mouth closes and you can no longer see the tongue. Dogs are also capable of laughing, and they typically do so when they are playing. Canine laughter begins with the doggy equivalent of smiling but also includes a sound that is much like panting.

Why do dogs want to sleep with their owners?

Dogs sleep with other dogs in their family (or humans, in this case) for multiple reasons: Bonding / closeness / affection. Safety. They feel the need to protect you and they also feel safer in this arrangement.

Do dogs cry for their owners?

In addition, dogs are vocal animals and use their barking, howling, and crying to communicate with you. Regardless of breed, all dogs are capable of growing attached to their owners and experiencing sadness in their absence - though some are more vocal about it than others.

What do dogs do when they are sad?

When dogs are depressed, they often appear sad, lethargic, and withdrawn. Some dogs will stop eating or eat much less than usual. They may drink only minimal amounts of water and lose interest in play. Eventually, some depressed dogs can lose drastic amounts of weight and develop a variety of physical illnesses.

Do dogs like hugs?

Dogs, really do not like hugs. Often you'll notice a dog become stiff or still when being hugged, signs that he is not having a great time. That's not to say they don't love affection from their people. Some absolutely adore cuddles, but most dogs prefer a belly rub or a back scratch to a squeeze.

Is apple cider vinegar good for dogs?

Apple cider vinegar is made from just apples and water, making it completely safe for dogs. It is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.1 to 5, which gives it properties that can soothe a dog's overly alkalized digestive tract. Add a teaspoon of ACV to your dog's water bowl and see if he'll drink it!