Solving The Tear Staining Issue

The bichon breeds, being long-haired, non shedding breeds, tend to need daily eye-care to prevent tear staining. Tear staining is the reddish-brown discoloration that may occur at the inner corners of the eyes and under the eyes.

Staining around the eye is caused by tearing excessive issues. This excessive tearing is a medical condition called "epiphora."

There are a variety of potential factors that can cause epiphora and the resulting staining. These include heredity, infection, negligence in grooming, improper diet, allergies, drinking water factors, fleas, and teething,

We'll examine each of these possible causes of excessive tearing and staining. As well, we'll consider some of the actions that we, as owners of a Bichon breed, can take to successfully address these issues.

HEREDITY

Studies indicate that 20% - 25% of small dogs, such as members of our Bichon breeds, are born with closed, shallow, or narrow tear ducts. One function of properly formed tear ducts is to connect the eye area with the naso-pharyngeal area and provide a drainage between these areas. When the tear ducts are closed, shallow, or narrow, the tear ducts overflow because there is an inadequate (or closed) channel for the passage of fluids.

If the tear ducts are clogged or narrow, there is a veterinary procedure which may help alleviate the condition. When this is a viable option, a veterinarian may flush the tear duct while the dog is under light anesthesia. Successfully performed, this procedure not only flushes out the tear duct, but helps to open and sometimes slightly stretches the duct. If a congenitally narrow tear duct can be slightly stretched as a by-product of this procedure, it can allow more adequate drainage to occur.

If the excessive tearing is due to hereditary or congenital factors, daily care will be a primary factor in alleviating the associated problems. (Proper daily care will be addressed in the GROOMING section of this article).

INFECTION

When the facial hair stays damp from excessive tearing, it is the breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. In this situation "Ptyrosporin" or "Red Yeast" is one of the most common yeast infections that can result. It causes a deep reddish-brown stain. Similarly, a low-grade bacterial infection can, in turn, cause excessive tearing. A viscous cycle of excessive tearing and infection can ensue. What begins as a small staining problem can develop into the signs of a more serious underlying health
issue.

When infection is suspected, it is important that a veterinarian be consulted, as prescription antibiotics will be needed. These may be in the form of oral medication or drops. It is of little value to work on discoloration without identifying and treating the cause of the problem In combination with medication, the eye area must be cleaned. A daily routine will be needed to keep the eye area healthy and looking good.

GROOMING

An effective grooming routine for the area around the eyes is a critical part of the solution to excessive tearing and the resulting stain issues.

Good grooming should begin with clean hands. Any matter that has accumulated in the corners of the eyes should then be removed. It may help to use a cotton moistened with warm water to loosen the matter. A commercial cleaning product for hair around the eyes, as long as it is designated as safe for daily use, is another way to clean off the accumulated matter.

Hair near the corners of the eyes naturally gets moist from tears and then fosters the growth of bacteria and yeast. Therefore, trimming the hair in this area (and keeping it trimmed) is a major step in eliminating the breeding ground for matter accumulation, infection, and staining. Similarly, some of our Bichon breeds have a classic hair style that, unchecked, may allow hair above the eyes to grow far enough down so that it hangs in the eyes and causes irritation. This, in turn, causes
excessive tearing. Trimming this hair so that it cannot touch the eyes is also important for stopping irritation that triggers excessive tearing.

ALLERGIES

Food allergies, plant allergies, and allergies to shampoos and other household chemicals (such as air or carpet fresheners) can cause excessive tearing.

DRINKING WATER

High mineral levels in the drinking water can cause excessive tearing. Bottled or filtered water can be a healthier alternative for our Bichons for many reasons, including excessive tearing issues.

FOOD

Many commercial dog foods (and treats!) contain preservatives, additives, food dyes that can cause staining. It is in the best interest of our Bichons that we read the labels carefully, not just on their main foods, but also on their treats.

FLEAS

Fleas need moisture to live. The eye area makes an ideal place for them. Flea feces can contribute to the red stains around the eyes.

Hopefully this information has provided some very effective ways to address the causes of excessive tearing so that the associated staining and health challenges do not have to be chronic issues for your Bichon buddy.