ANSWER: Unless a medical problem with the
tear ducts, turned in eye lashes or eye itself, (A quick examination by your
Vet will tell for sure and is a must to rule out such problems) those tear
stains are caused by tiny hairs on either side of the nose irritating the
eye. Keep the hair on both sides of the nose and the top of the nose
clipped short. This must be done every month. Long haired dogs, such as
Shih Tzus with pushed in little faces are the worst. Also with some breeds,
the hair on the forehead of the dog if not kept clipped, tied up with a
ribbon, etc. comes down and irritates the eyes.
Tear stain removal works good if done daily
BUT must not accidentally enter the eye itself which can harm the
delicate tissues. Do not soak the cotton ball or other soft wipe you
are using and always stroke downwards from the corner of the eye. Just
wet, not soaked. Daily application will work with time even on badly
stained faces.
Better though is to keep the dogs facial
hair from irritating the eye.