If you have a Shih Tzu or Maltese, then you know how often they get tear stains. It is extremely common in small dogs because they have tiny tear ducts which end up leaving the stains under their eyes. If your dog has these kinds of tear stains, don’t stress. There are ways to get rid of them and keep them from coming back,

Materials You’ll Need

Cotton swabs
Mineral oil
Hydrogen peroxide solution
Over-the-counter tear stain remover
1 tsp. white cider vinegar

After you’ve gathered your materials, you’re ready to begin

1) Start by cleaning away the tear stains your Maltese or Shih Tzu has using the hydrogen peroxide solution. You’re going to want to mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 10 parts water in a cup to dilute it so it is safe to use around your pup’s eyes. Then, apply this mixture with one of the cotton swabs to clear away the stains. Do this once a day if their tear stains are stubborn or keep coming back.

2) In your dog’s drinking water, add a teaspoon of white cider vinegar. This will help treat the tear stains. It does this because white vinegar will alter the pH of your dog’s tears, meaning the bacteria that causes the stains will not be able to form under their eyes. If your dog doesn’t want to drink the water because of the taste, start out with a lower amount like ½ teaspoon and then work them up to 1 teaspoon.

3) Once your Maltese or Shih Tzu dog’s hair starts getting too long around their eyes, take them to the groomer to get a trim. When the hair around their eyes gets too long, it can cause the tears to become trapped under the fur, which leads to the stains you see. It is best to get a groomer to do this so you don’t accidently poke your dog’s eyes or make them look silly.

4) You can also buy some over-the-counter tear stain remover for use on dogs. Always read the instructions on the product and follow them before ever applying the solution to your dog’s face. There are many different kinds you can pick from, so find the best one for your dog.

5) If you are looking for another way to prevent tear stains, then you can use mineral oil. Take a small bit of mineral oil on a cotton swap and apply it to the area under your dog’s eyes once a day. Mineral oil is safe for use around your dog’s eyes and will ensure the tears cannot build up underneath your dog’s eyes.

How to Remove Tear Stains from Eyes of Shih Tzus and Maltese?