Question:
I have an adorable 1-year-old white Shih Tzu with unsightly red-tear stains. We use a wheat-free diet and have tried distilled water. We have also tried Angels' Eyes for the past four months. Do you have a safe remedy for red-tear stains?
M.O., Neptune, NJ Sep 27, 2009
Answer:
Reddish tear stains can be due to two sources of pigment: food coloring, like the hazardous azo dyes in far too many manufactured dog foods and treats; and porphyrins, natural body secretions that occur in some individual dogs and particular species (like gerbils).
Check out what you are feeding your dog and have her eyes checked for conjunctivitis or other eye problems that could cause excessive tearing. Wipe her tear-stained areas with hydrogen peroxide diluted in equal parts of warm water about once per week. Dogs also get red/brown stains around their mouths and front paws when these substances are secreted in their saliva.
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