How To Get Rid Of Tear Stains On Cavapoos

It may be a cause for concern if you are not familiar with the sight of tear stains on your dog’s face.

Many curly-coated dogs suffer from tear stains with the Cavapoo being one of them.

In this article, I will cover how to get rid of tear stains on Cavapoos and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

What Are Tear Stains?

According to Animal Eye Specialists, tears are necessary to protect the eye surface and to help with vision.

Tear staining happens when there are too many tears and they accumulate on your Cavapoo’s face.

There are a few reasons why these tear stains develop.

• Ingrown eyelashes – these ingrown eyelashes can irritate and can even damage the eye because they rub against the eye surface.
• Allergies – Your Cavapoo could be allergic to either a food source or something in their environment like grass or certain flowers.
• Poor quality food
• Eye Disease or Infection – In rare cases, tear stains can be an indication of a serious condition like glaucoma or corneal ulcers.
• Abnormally large tear-producing glands
• Teething – Puppies are prone to tear stains when they are in their teething stage. They should grow out of it once they are done.
• Ear Infection – Just like with humans, eyes and ears are interconnected so if there is a problem with one of their ears then this can cause excessive tearing.
• Certain breeds – Cavaliers are prone to tear stains because of their short noses.

Always consult with your Veterinarian before deciding that tear stains are just cosmetic.

Although tear stains can be unsightly, there are plenty of remedies available to clean away the stains as well as preventative measures to stop them from happening in the first place.

What Do Tear Stains Look Like On Cavapoos?

Normally they are visible as brown, black, or reddish stains around your Cavapoos eyes.

They are more prominent in white or lightly colored dogs.

Darker-colored Cavapoos might have ‘wet’ streaks on their faces.

If you are not aware of tear stains then it might look like your dog is crying.

This is not the case.

Why Do Cavapoos Get Tear Stains?

Short-nosed dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to tear stains.

The short nose causes the tear ducts to be narrow or even blocked resulting in the tears not being able to flow or drain as they should.

The red color of the tear stains is from a pigment molecule called Porphyrins.

This pigment contains iron and this is why the stains are reddish.

All dogs produce porphyrins and these molecules can be present in saliva as well as tears.

That is why when a dog licks itself consistently in one area the fur will turn iron-brown in color.

Preventing Tear Stains on Cavapoos

If you know that your Cavapoo is prone to tear stains then there are a few steps you can take to prevent them from forming.

Clean your dog’s face twice daily – Use a damp cloth and wipe away any excess tears.

Regularly trim the hair around the eyes and nose.

Change their food – If your dog is allergic to food sources like gluten or chicken then you will need to switch them over to a different food.

Let your dog only drink bottled or pre-boiled water.

Can Tear Stains Be Removed?

First, you need to make sure there is no underlying problem that is causing the tear stains to form.

If you don’t then they will just return.

If they are just cosmetic then yes, there are a few ways that you can remove tear stains.

It will take a few consecutive days of treatment before they will disappear so do not expect it to be instant.

Make sure that any product that you use is safe for dogs and never get any of it into the dog’s eyes. The recommended products are only for use around the eyes and not in the eyes.

You can try the following:

Clean the eye area with a washcloth or cotton ball dampened with warm water or saline solution.

Make sure you dry the area afterward.

You can also use diluted baby shampoo in place of the saline solution.

The next option is a commercially available eye wash made especially for dogs.

Below are some recommendations that you can look into.

What Is The Best Tear Stain Remover For Cavapoos?

There are a few very popular options.

Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs

The most common product is ‘Angels’ Eyes.

These eye wipes are easy to use and can be taken with wherever you go.

The textured presoaked wipes help to remove eye secretions and staining from around your dog’s eyes.

Use daily to reduce itchiness and inflammation.

There is no need to rinse after using the wipes and they will not lighten the fur on dark-coated dogs.

The solution is made up of natural ingredients like juniper oil, aloe leaf extract, and safflower oil and is also free of antibiotics.

Remember to close the container after use to make sure the wipes stay moist.

Eye Envy Dog Tear Stain Remover Starter Kit

This value pack is perfect for households with more than one dog.

Not only is the tear stain remover for use around the eyes but it can also be used anywhere on your Cavapoo like the paws and mouth.

The two-step process involves first cleaning the area and then applying the powder.

The powder prevents bacterial growth which is the cause of tear stains.

It is safe for puppies.

This product does need to be refrigerated once it has been opened.

It does not contain any preservatives or steroids.

Eye Envy, when used daily, should remove stains within 7 days.

To keep your dog’s eye clear of future stains it is advisable to use weekly or twice a week if needed.

TropiClean Spa Tear Stain Cleanser For Dogs

TropiClean is made from natural ingredients like blueberries and oatmeal.

The face wash is tear-free and gently lifts the dirt away while exfoliating the skin and removing tear stains.

Great for dogs and cats 12 weeks and older.

Environmentally safe and cruelty-free.

Does not contain any preservatives or parabens.

It is made from oatmeal, vanilla, kiwi, white tea, ginger, and blueberry.

It’s a gorgeous product, smells delicious and when used daily it will get you the desired results.

Shake the bottle well, wet the area where the stains are, and apply the cleaner.

Gently scrub the area and then let it set for 3 to 5 minutes.

Remember to keep it out of the eyes.

After a few minutes rinse your Cavapoo’s face and pat dry.

Apply weekly to prevent future stains.

Does Coconut Oil Remove Dog Tear Stains?

Organic unrefined coconut oil is a natural anti-biotic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agent. 

The oil can help eliminate tear stains and is completely safe to use around your dog’s eyes.

Gently blot away any moisture and dry the hair and skin as much as possible.

Make sure your hands are clean.

Apply a small amount of the coconut oil where the tear stains are.

The coconut oil forms a water-resistant barrier that repels tears and does not allow them to soak in.

It also naturally fights bacteria.

If your dog has stubborn tear stains then use a soft, lint-free cloth to work in the coconut oil.

Make sure the cloth is of a light color so that you will be able to see the gunk collecting on the cloth.

Keep doing this twice a day until the stains are gone.

Does Yogurt Help Dog Tear Stains?

Greek yogurt will not physically remove the tear stains from your Cavapoo’s face.

It is more of a preventative tool as it contains a probiotic that will help maintain your dog’s overall health.

You will first need to clear up the tear stains using any of the methods or products listed above.

Once the tear stains are gone then give your dog 1 teaspoon of plain Greek yogurt twice a day with their meals.

Conclusion

Tear stains are ugly to look at and they need to be addressed.

It can be frustrating getting rid of them but it is very possible to not only get rid of tear stains but to make sure they do not return.