Some Shih Tzu, especially those with lighter fur, may develop tear stains below their eyes.
It’s not only an unpleasant appearance for your Shih Tzu but can also cause an unpleasant odor. For many Shih Tzu owners, it may seem like there’s nothing to be done about it.
But before you start, it’s important to know why this is happening.
What causes tear stains?
There are several reasons why tear stains are happening with your Shih Tzu. Identifying them can help you solve the problem and, in some cases, prevent it from returning. Some common reasons include, but are not limited to:
- Ingrown eyelashes
- Inverted eyelid
- Hair growing too close to the eye
- Poor drainage of the tear ducts
- Allergies
- Eye infection
Infections are quite straightforward as they have other signs that can be treated with the right medications. You should check with your veterinarian to see which ones work best for this condition.
However, previous eye infections can lead to the accumulation of scar tissue that results in the blockage of tear ducts.
Allergies can also cause excessive tearing. Conditions like dust, smoke, or pollen can irritate your Shih Tzu’s eyes or nose.
Moreover, they may be suffering from food allergies, such as gluten, which can also cause excessive tear production. Address the allergies and you prevent tears from creating stains.
Additionally, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as glaucoma. But most of the time, the reasons for tear stains in Shih Tzu can be minor and easily correctable. Still, if you cannot identify why this is happening, you should consult your veterinarian.
Removing tear stains
After figuring out why the Shih Tzu’s tear stains are happening, now you can remove them using inexpensive products.
Just make sure not to put any of them in your Shih Tzu’s eye. Instead, apply one of the following products to a clean cloth and wipe them on the fur, staying away from the eyes:
- Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Milk of magnesia
- Natural ingredients for tear stain cleaning
Infection: If you add a teaspoon of white or apple cider vinegar to your Shih Tzu’s water bowl, it will increase the acidity levels of the pH in your dog.
As a result, your Shih Tzu will not only stop the tearing process but also prevent the formation of fungal or bacterial infections.
While most Shih Tzu have little problem with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in their water bowl, you can start with a smaller amount initially and then assess the results. When you feel comfortable adding more, do so, but never exceed the recommended amount.
What makes vinegar a good buy is that it can be kept at room temperature for a long time with few chances of degradation. Plus, it has many other uses too.
Removing fur stains: Here, you can mix equal parts of milk of magnesia and hydrogen peroxide and combine them with a little cornstarch. This will create a paste that can be rubbed on the stained areas.
Let it sit for about four hours and then wash with water. A “cone of shame” may be necessary to prevent your Shih Tzu from rubbing it off too soon.
Also, you can use hydrogen peroxide alone when mixing one part of it with ten parts of water. Apply it carefully to the stained areas. The mixture will penetrate the fur and remove the stain relatively quickly.
Baking soda: Along with vinegar, baking soda seems to have many uses. Its main attribute is to dissolve organic substances that cause odors.
You can brush some baking soda into your Shih Tzu’s fur to completely eliminate the odor generated by tear stains. In fact, you can sprinkle a little baking soda on the fur from time to time and brush to remove other odors as well.
Cleaning Shih Tzu fur
Remember that you can use a soft cloth, toothbrush, or regular dog brush to apply the cleaning product to the fur. You’ll want to start farther away from their eyes and work closer, but never get too close. It’s better to err on the side of caution in this regard.
You can also buy specific products from your pet store designed to remove tear stains.
Pet stores usually have a line of products, and your veterinarian may recommend one or more of them. Considering that the cause of tearing may change over time, you should keep some on hand in case it happens again. Or you can simply use one of the cheaper available cleaning products.
You should be careful never to allow any product to reach your Shih Tzu’s eyes. If you don’t want to do the job yourself, ask your pet shop to do it for you. The result will be no more tear stains for your Shih Tzu.