Tearing of the eyes in dogs, especially when abnormal or excessive, is something that should never be ignored. Beyond being a cosmetic concern, it may be the visible symptom of an underlying issue that requires attention and care.
We’re talking about the so-called ‘rust tears’, those reddish-brown secretions that often leave unsightly dark stains beneath the eyes, especially in dogs with white or light-colored coats. These tear stains can affect your dog’s appearance, but more importantly, they may be a sign that something isn’t quite right.
This condition is known as Epiphora, and in this article, we’ll explore together what it means, what its causes are, why nutrition plays a key role, and how you can approach it with gentle, natural remedies—always with love at the heart of your routine.
.Happy reading!
How to remove the ‘rust tears’ from this adorable little furry one? With the right products, attention to diet, and, as always, a super dose of love.
Excessive Tearing in Dogs or Epiphora
Epiphora refers to excessive tear production in dogs. When those tears mix with small iron-based waste particles in the natural saline solution, they oxidize and turn a rusty, reddish-brown color. That’s where the nickname ‘rust tears’ comes from.
But Epiphora itself is not a disease. It’s a symptom, a sign that something is affecting your dog’s health or comfort. That’s why treating the stains alone isn't enough—it’s important to understand what’s causing the tearing in the first place. This goes far beyond appearance; your dog’s well-being depends on it.
The excessive tearing of the dog creates the so-called ‘rust tears’, particularly visible in little furry ones with a white coat.
The Most Common Causes of Eye Tearing in Dogs
Just like with humans, signs that appear in one part of a dog’s body may originate somewhere else. That’s why the causes of eye tearing can be both ocular—related directly to the eyes—or systemic, meaning they stem from broader health issues.
It is therefore necessary to "investigate" what the causes of eye tearing in dogs may be, with attention and care.
Ocular causes of excessive tearing in dogs
In this macro-category, we find a series of causes that are closely linked to the eyes and, in general, the visual system. These include:
• Conjunctivitis: yes, even sweethearts can get conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane covering the front part of the eye and the inner eyelid. Conjunctivitis often has a bacterial, fungal, or viral origin, but it can also arise from foreign bodies entering the dog’s eye and irritating it.
• Obstruction of the tear ducts: tears come out of specific small canals called ducts, and when they are obstructed, tears no longer drain properly and overflow from the eyes.
• Presence of foreign ocular bodies: in this case, foreign bodies (among the most common are grass awns, the terminal spines of certain grasses) accidentally enter the sweetheart’s eye and cause an infection, accompanied by abnormal and excessive tearing.
• Injuries to the eye area: it may happen that the little furry ones scratch or injure themselves in the eye area (eyelids, conjunctiva or even cornea) and this causes a lesion, with inflammation and subsequent excess of tearing.
• Ectopic eyelashes: in this case we talk about aberrant eyelashes, that is, eyelashes that instead of curving outward curve inward. Consequently, this creates constant irritation for the sweetheart, accompanied by abundant and abnormal tearing.
• Uveitis: the uvea is the part of the eye that produces fluids and can become inflamed, giving rise to uveitis, which manifests with redness, pain, light sensitivity, and over-tearing.
These are the most common causes of excessive tearing in dogs’ eyes.
There are others, fortunately less common, such as glaucoma, or increased intra-ocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve and, in more serious cases or if untreated, can cause blindness.
Among the causes of tearing in dogs is also Entropion-Ectropion.
Entropion is an abnormal position of the eyelid margin, which rolls inward, while Ectropion occurs when the eyelid (usually the lower one) folds outward, leaving very delicate areas like the conjunctiva and cornea exposed.
This unfortunately facilitates the entry of pathogens and also exposes the dog to trauma.
As we’ve seen, the ocular causes of excessive tearing are many, sometimes interconnected, so it is always necessary to contact the trusted veterinarian to understand them, investigate, and proceed with the most suitable treatments.
But tearing isn’t always caused by a problem in the eye itself. Sometimes, the cause lies elsewhere in the body.
Systemic causes of eye tearing in dogs
Let’s look at what the non-ocular causes of eye tearing in dogs may be, which are called systemic:
• Environmental allergies: as happens to us humans, even little furry ones can suffer from allergies, triggered by certain pollens they come into contact with. Symptoms include itching, redness, and also abnormal and excessive tearing.
• Age: tearing in older dogs may be frequent and the causes very different, including a greater general sensitivity in the sweetheart, which can lead to more frequent infections and inflammations.
• Food allergies or intolerances: the dog may be allergic to certain foods and symptoms may include constant tearing, redness of the eye area, and even conjunctivitis.
• Intestinal imbalances: if the microbiota, the ecosystem of bacteria in the dog’s body, is out of balance, this may manifest in intestinal problems. Symptoms may be: vomiting, diarrhea (or conversely constipation), lack of appetite, weight loss and… eye tearing.
• Poor oral hygiene: the dog’s dental hygiene is fundamental for their health, we know this, and poor hygiene can lead to problems like tooth loss which, if not properly treated, can cause complications. In one clinical case, a dog developed Epiphora due to an unerupted tooth that caused inflammation and obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.
There are some breeds more prone to Epiphora in dogs, such as those with prominent eyeballs or long hair around the eye area.
Which dog breeds are more prone to excessive tearing?
Some breeds of dogs are more prone to Epiphora due to genetic issues, linked to the conformation of eyes, muzzle, and tear system. Specifically, these are:
• Breeds with short and flat muzzles, where the nasolacrimal ducts are shorter and this complicates tear flow: Shih Tzu, Pekingese, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
• Breeds with protruding eyes, which tend to dry more quickly and also produce more tears to defend against external agents like wind or dust: Maltese, Toy Poodle, and Bichon Frisé.
• Breeds with long hair around the eyes, which can irritate the ocular surface and serve as a deposit for microbes, fungi, and bacteria: Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bolognese.
• Breeds with narrower tear ducts: some breeds are subject to partial or total obstructions of the nasolacrimal duct: Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and more rarely Golden Retriever.
After the bath, it’s important to carefully dry the dog’s eye area to prevent the formation of a moist zone where microbes and bacteria can thrive.
Natural Remedies for Tear Stains
If your dog experiences persistent or worsening tearing, don’t hesitate to consult a trusted veterinarian. However, if the tearing is mild and occasional, there are several natural solutions you can try at home.
Begin by gently cleaning the area around the eyes with a soft cotton pad (never cotton balls, which may shed fibers) soaked in a mild herbal infusion such as chamomile, mallow, or witch hazel. These plants have natural decongestant and calming properties that can help soothe irritated eyes.
Another effective, practical and natural solution is a gentle compress of Whitening and Brigthening Shampoo on the area. Carefully apply a small amount to the stained area, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Just be cautious to avoid contact with the eyes.
Then proceed with daily cleaning using an eye contour cleaning lotion, even in wipe format, based on targeted botanical extracts, which cleanses, purifies, and softens the area to be treated.
In dogs, the relationship between tearing and diet is very close.
The Link Between Diet and Tearing
We dedicate a separate paragraph to the relationship between dog eye tearing and diet, because in dogs, the connection between nutrition and eye health is surprisingly strong.
Although research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that a diet rich in grains, sugars, or iron may lead to inflammation, toxic buildup, and increased tear production. Certain additives and artificial colorants can also trigger sensitivities or allergies, which may manifest through the eyes.
For this reason, it’s highly recommended to work with a veterinary nutritionist to design a tailored diet based on your dog’s needs. Opting for natural, grain-free, or hypoallergenic food may help reduce tearing and improve overall health.
How to eliminate tear stains under the dog's eyes?
Today we saw that red tearing in dogs, or the so-called ‘rust tears’, takes on the reddish-brown color because small particles of natural iron-based waste settle in the saline solution tears are made of.
How to Safely Reduce Tear Stains
We've seen that rust-colored stains are caused by oxidized particles in the tears. Once they settle into the fur, they can be very difficult to remove entirely, no product can make them disappear instantly. However, with consistency and care, you can prevent new stains from forming and lighten existing ones over time.
How to Apply Yuup! Eye Contour Cleansing Lotion
Start with a mild whitening shampoo, like Yuup!’s Whitening and Brightening formula, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a daily application of a cleansing lotion or wipes specifically formulated to protect the eye contour. These products not only cleanse but also create a protective barrier against dirt, pollution, and other irritants.
Yuup! Eye Contour Cleansing Lotion is designed to remove secretions gently while respecting the delicate skin around the eyes. Its soothing, decongestant, and refreshing properties make it perfect for everyday use.
To apply, moisten a cotton pad with a small amount of product, and gently cleanse the eye contour until the area is clean.
The formula includes Green Tea for its decongestant action, Lotus Flower to soften the skin, Panthenol for hydration, and Distilled Eyebright Water to calm and refresh. Additionally, Moringa Seed proteins help limit the adhesion of pollution and smog to the coat, ensuring long-lasting protection.
The Eye Cleaning Lotion for dogs is easily applied using cotton pads.
How to Use Yuup! Eye Contour Wipes
For added convenience, Yuup! Middle East soon offers 100% cotton, single-use wipes pre-soaked with the same cleansing lotion. These are ideal for daily hygiene or when you're out on walks or traveling.
Just open the sachet, gently clean around one eye with one wipe, and use a second wipe for the other eye to maintain hygiene and avoid cross-contamination. These wipes help keep your dog’s eye area clean, fresh, and protected, no matter where the day takes you.
Daily Eye Care Is a Daily Act of Love
Cotton pads and wipes, when combined with a high-quality, plant-based eye lotion, are among the most effective tools for maintaining daily eye hygiene. Tear stains may be stubborn, but with the right care, their appearance can be reduced—and your dog will feel more comfortable, too.
Let’s not forget: oral hygiene also plays a role in your dog’s overall wellness. To complete your pet’s grooming routine, discover our dedicated guide on how to brush your dog’s teeth at home using Yuup!’s Dental Spray.
Because every act of care is an act of love. And love, as we know, always starts with the eyes.
Cotton pads and wipes soaked with the specific lotion are extremely useful tools for the daily cleaning of a dog’s eyes.