Tear stains
in shih tzus are caused by red yeast that grows in the fur around the face.
Tear stains are caused by red yeast that grows in the dog's hair, when it is kept constantly moist from an overflow of tears. The stains can be temporarily removed with commercial wipes or cleaning solutions: But they will return, unless the underlying cause of the tears is addressed. Causes include improper diet and grooming, allergies, and bacterial infections in the dog's tear ducts. Talk to your vet for a permanent solution.
Instructions
1. Consult with your veterinarian to check for eye infections; or congenital defects, such as narrow or blocked tear ducts.
2. Trim the hair around the dog's eyes, close to the muzzle. Long hair can rub against the surface of the eye, causing excess tears from irritation.
3. Feed the shih tzu a high quality food that does not include dyes. Dogs don't care what color their food is, and many dyes can cause excess tearing.
4. Switch the dog to filtered water. The minerals in tap water can also cause tearing. You can purchase filtered water at any grocery store.
5. Add a small amount of vinegar to the dog's drinking water. This will change the pH balance of the tears, making it harder for the yeast to grow.
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