What are Maltese tear stains?
Tear stains are common in many dog breeds, and occur when the hair around the eyes becomes discolored. These colors can include black, pink, red, brown, and purple. Tear stains are very common in Maltese dogs, since they have a snow white fur that makes it very noticeable when they have tear stains. Maltese tear stains are not as common in puppies, and occur mostly in Maltese dogs that are at least 1 years old. Maltese tear stains can be very attractive, especially when they corrupt your dog’s white fur. It is important to remember that Maltese tear stains do not refer to any stain inside the eyeball. If there is any discolorations inside your dog’s eye, it might be an eye ulcer.
What causes Maltese tear stains?
The three main causes of maltese tear stains are insufficient diet, high-mineral water, and poor facial hygiene.
- Insufficient Diet
The main cause of maltese tear stains is an insufficient diet. Tear stains are likely to occur when your dog is eating a diet that contains a lot of artificial additives, preservatives, and coloring. Tear stains are also common in dogs that eat foods that are high in corn or wheat.
- High-mineral water
Dog’s can also develop tear stains from eating water that is too high in minerals. This is usually the case if you are giving your dog tap water.
- Poor facial hygiene
Lastly, tear stains are prevalent in dogs that have poor facial hygiene. This is why it is very important to regularly wash your dogs face, especially in the region right below their eyes. Due to the shape of a dog’s face, it can be very easy for dried up mucus and tears to get stuck on the region right below their eyes. This is why it is very important to regularly wipe your dog’s face, especially when you see there is any sort of build up.
Best dog food for Maltese tear stains
The best dog food for Maltese tear stains is food that is very low in preservatives and artificial coloring. You should also look for dog food that is grain-free. You should also stay away from dog food that contains a lot of soy. Here is our list of the best dog food for Maltese tear stains.
Forza10 ($79.99)
This is the best dog food for tear stains. It is grain-free which helps your dog digest better. It will also help get rid of tears because it has a lot of omega acids.
Forza10 is a great solution to help your dog if they are suffering from tear stains. This food is 100% grain free, and contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which promotes healthy fur. The food comes in a fish flavor that your dog will certainly love.
Angel Eyes supplement chews are another great solution for dogs suffering from tear stains. These supplements contain no wheat, corn, or artificial food coloring. Additionally, the supplements contain natural antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti- inflammatory properties. One box comes with 120 chews which should last around 6 weeks.
Pet Post tear stain chews are a great, fast-acting solution for tear stains. In as little as 6 weeks, these chews can completely remove the tear stains from under your dog’s eyes. These chews contain a lot of natural ingredients, including Eyebright Herb, Oregon Grape Root, Marshmallow Root, and Lutein powders. The chews also come in a delicious chicken flavor that your dog will surely love.
Other ways to prevent Maltese tear stains
Aside from diet, there are other ways you can prevent Maltese tear stains. The easy course of action is to buy some tear stain wipes. You can use these wipes to easily wipe away any mucus or dried up tears from underneath your dog’s eyes. If you are worried about the tap water you are giving your dog, you can look into buying a water filter.
Other issues with dog eyes
Another common issue with a dog’s eye health is eye ulcer’s. These can form around their pupil and in serious cases can cause them to lose their sight. To learn more you should check out my article on the signs a dog eye ulcer is healing.
