When Tears Leave a Mark

At Vermont Animal Hospital in Los Angeles, we often meet young dogs whose bright personalities are hidden behind something simple—but frustrating—like tear staining.

✨ Meet Coco (a young Poodle with a common issue)

Coco, a playful young Poodle, came in with noticeable reddish-brown tear stains under both eyes. Her owner was concerned—not just about appearance, but also whether it signaled a deeper problem.

Tear staining is very common in breeds like Poodles, Maltese, and Shih Tzus. While sometimes cosmetic, it can also be linked to underlying issues that deserve attention.

🔍 What Causes Tear Staining?

In Coco’s case, we performed a thorough eye exam and found that her tear drainage system wasn’t working efficiently.

Dogs naturally produce tears to keep their eyes moist. These tears should drain through small channels called the nasolacrimal ducts. When these ducts are partially blocked or narrow, tears overflow onto the face—leading to staining.

Other contributing factors can include:

• Mild congenital narrowing (common in young dogs)

• Hair irritation around the eyes

• Tear composition changes

• Secondary bacterial or yeast growth on moist fur

💧 The Solution: Tear Duct Flushing

To help Coco, we performed a nasolacrimal duct flush, a simple and minimally invasive procedure.

Under gentle restraint and topical anesthesia, we:

• Inserted a small sterile cannula into the tear duct opening

• Flushed sterile saline through the duct

• Cleared any blockage or debris

Almost immediately, we were able to confirm improved tear drainage.

🌟 The Result

Within days, Coco’s excessive tearing improved. Over the following weeks, the staining gradually faded as the area stayed drier and cleaner.

Her owner was thrilled—not just because Coco looked better, but because we addressed the root cause rather than masking the symptom.

🏥 Why This Matters

Tear staining isn’t always “just cosmetic.” In many young dogs, early intervention can:

• Prevent chronic staining

• Reduce risk of skin irritation or infection

• Improve overall eye health

At Vermont Animal Hospital, we focus on practical, affordable solutions—always tailored to your pet and your budget.

💬 When Should You Check Tear Staining?

Consider a veterinary visit if you notice:

• Persistent or worsening tear stains

• Excessive tearing (epiphora)

• Squinting, redness, or discharge

• Odor or skin irritation under the eyes