How to Remove Red Tear Stains From A White Dog

Tear-stains are reddish-brown stains that develop below the eyes of white or light-colored dogs. Not just cosmetic, the area affected by tear-stains can harbor foul-smelling bacteria. The constant moisture can cause redness/irritation and pain for your dog. Most treatments take some time to have a noticeable improvement, so remember to try something new for at least a month before ditching it.

The Real Villain
Opinions vary greatly on the cause of tear-stains. They're generally caused by infection, improperly formed tear ducts, diet, water quality, poor grooming, genetics, or any combination of the above. By ruling out causes and trying different solutions, your pet can be clear-eyed and beautiful again.

Infection?
Eye or even ear infection can cause the staining. It's best to have your vet check to rule out an easily treated infection before taking steps that may worsen the condition.

Maybe she's born with it?
Most vets checking complaints of tear-stains are quick to recommend surgery to open blocked tear ducts or irrigate them. I would never suggest disregarding vet recommendations, but it is my personal belief that surgery should be a last resort and other possible causes should be first eliminated.


Erase the Evidence!
If your dog has long hair, like a maltese or bichon frise, take your dog to an experienced groomer (help in choosing a new groomer in a previous article) to have the area around the eyes trimmed very close. Old, stained hair may be hard to lighten and it's easier to start with a fresh surface. Once trimmed, keep the area clean by wiping gently with warm water and cotton gauze at the first signs of tear secretions. If you have a short-haired breed like a bulldog or a dalmation, skip the trim and just keep the area clean.

Doggy Dinner - Featuring New and Improved Tear-Stain Production!
I always stress the importance of a dog's diet because your dog is limited by the vitamins and proteins you choose for him. Try at least to switch (slowly and gradually) to a food without artificial colors and preservatives. Some dogs may also have tear-stains as an allergic reaction to something in their food. Ask your vet to check for signs of food allergy before making any definitive assumptions.

Does Drinking Kool-Aid Cause Tear Stains?

Well, no, Kool-Aid doesn't really change hair color, but the water your dog drinks might. High levels of minerals commonly found in tap water are safe and beneficial for human consumption, but often too much for dogs (especially the littlest ones). Switch your dog to bottled, distilled, or filtered water could make all the difference. This solution, along with the food change solution, may take about a month to really show a difference.
 
Over-the-Counter Cures
I've bought, sold, and heard about dozens of store-bought or even at-home remedies for tear-stains. The only product I've ever seen work was Angel Eyes. A bichon frise client had chronic tear stains covering most of his face for his entire life. After 3 weeks on Angels' Eyes, I trimmed away all the old and stained hair, and he looked like a perfect little bichon. I've heard other treatments may work, but this product is the only one I have actually witnessed to be 100% effective. This product claims to work "from the outside in".

Keeping your dog's tear-stains under control can be difficult, but there are many options and many solutions. With a little patience and time, your dog can smile into the mirror without the unsightly marking of tear-stains.

Happy hairdays, everyone!

How to Pick A Shampoo for Your Dog

Dog shampoos is readily available both online and in stores. The right shampoo for you depends on your pet's coat type, their specific needs, and your scent preferences.

Always avoid the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth with shampoo (even with a tearless formula). If necessary, use a washcloth to wipe the face with a small amount of shampoo and water.

Puppy's First Bath
With all of the attention your puppy gets, he'd better smell good! If your dog is 6 months old or less, check labels carefully to make sure they're tear-free and safe. Some have stronger cleaning formulas and specifically warn against use with younger dogs.

A puppy formula may also be preferred if your adult dog has a tendency to lick the shampoo as you bathe him.

Consider Fido First
Shampoos are made to match specific coat colors, textures, and even breeds. Read labels of "whitening" or "coat brightening" shampoos carefully, as some may contain harsh bleaching agents. Aromatherapy formulas with chamomile or lavender may help a nervous pet relax.

Itchy, Scratchy, Scaly?
Does your dog have allergies? Only consider fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and maybe even "soap-free" formulas. Very gentle, but they can still be effective.

Medicated shampoos can soothe or numb irritated, painful, or itchy skin. Oatmeal and aloe are naturally soothing ingredients that can also help itchiness. Tar and sulfur shampoo will definitely reduce your pet's itching, but the smell it leaves behind is rarely appreciated.

A Softer Side
Moisturizing shampoos and creme rinses are best for dogs with long or dry hair, but can soften any coat. They are especially beneficial during the dry indoor-heating of winter months. Keep in mind that sometimes the added moisture means your dog will take longer to dry. Avoid these products if your dog's coat typically gets oily or greasy.

Waterless?!
This option is perfect for elderly dogs or those terrified by the idea of water. Please check the labels first, but waterless shampoo is usually designed to be applied directly to your pet's dry coat. Typically, it dries as it deodorizes. Some may require brushing or blow-drying to remove residue.

Does Deshedding Shampoo Work?
Groomers give mixed reviews of deshedding formulas. It is my personal opinion at this time that the best way to reduce shedding is with good brushing habits and a good diet. In my experience, deshedding shampoos are often more disappointing than effective.

So Cheap, So BIG!
Buying a concentrated groomer-sized bottle of shampoo (often sold by the gallon) is a great way to save money. It's extremely important, however, to dilute the concentrated formula as specified to avoid irritating your dog's skin. It may be best to buy the regular, small quantity first to make sure you like the scent and how well it cleans.

Smells Like Clean Spirit
If at the store, sometimes it's possible to flip open the tops of shampoo bottles to check the scent. Many formulas labeled "fresh scent" have an almost baby-powder-like smell that tends to last longer. Keep in mind, too, that your dog might be bothered by scents that are too strong or soothed by relaxing essential oil blends.


Go on! Put on your bathing suit and scrub down Scruffy with your new shampoo.

Happy hairdays, everyone!

Home Grooming Basics for Short-Haired Dogs

In this difficult economy, more pet owners are trying to learn grooming techniques at home for their lower-maintenance short-haired-dogs. The right tools and techniques can make it easy to keep your dog beautiful and healthy at very little cost.

With short-haired dogs, the most common complaints are of excessive shedding, and body odor. These breeds include the labrador retriever (lab), beagle, bulldog, pug, boxer, chihuahua, rottweiler, vizsla, and more. Luckily, these doggy dilemmas are some of the easier ones to fix.

The Right Brush
Brushing helps supply air to the dog's skin, distributes natural oils that condition the hair, and even reduces shedding. It can also build the bond between owner and pet. The wrong brush can have no effect or sometimes even hurt your dog.

Rubber-nubbed brushes are the best choice for these breeds. The massaging, soft rubber points will feel like a special treat to your dog while you easily brush out huge piles of dead hair. You'll notice a shinier coat, sometimes after the very first use!

Groomer's Pick: Zoom Groom by Kong

Brushing Technique
Brushing should be with the direction of the coat growth, from neck toward the tail. Reversed-direction brushing may be uncomfortable for some dogs, but others prefer it.

Start slowly with your dog, working up to firmer strokes. As long as your dog is comfortable, don't be afraid to brush vigorously with this tool. There are no sharp points and very little r isk of injury.

Groomer's At-Home Tip
Use this tool outside because quite a bit of dead hair will fall with each stroke. Brushing indoors is easy to clean up if your dog stands on a plastic tablecloth. When you're done, just pick up the plastic and shake the loose hairs right into the trash!

Stinky Dog
Short-haired dogs should be bathed whenever the coat gets greasy or dull, but generally once every two months. Odor relief in-between baths comes easily with the variety of pet colognes, powders, waterless bathing foam, and wipes available at your local pet supplier or online. Use hypo-allergenic only products if your dog has sensitive skin, but these gentler formulas are often less effective.

Excessive odor can also be caused by allergy or infection, especially if you notice any discoloration or painful areas on your smelly dog. Check with your vet if the problem persists.

If He Eats Garbage, He Might Look Like It, Too
A poor diet can cause more shedding and increased body odor. Food quality is judged not by price, but by the ingredients. Look for foods without by-products, or at least make sure "by-products" are not in the top 3 ingredients. Corn or corn meal provides only minor nutritional value, but will make your dog eat more and poop more often. Dry kibble also has many benefits over moist food, even reducing bad breath!

With these tips and tricks, home grooming for short-haired breeds can be easy and even enjoyable for you and your doggy.

Happy hairdays, everyone!