We work hard to make sure that all of our customers, four-legged and two, love our products and what we stand for. But whenever you go against the grain and create something better for dog lovers, you are bound to make a few enemies.

So what is it about us that makes Angels' Eyes cringe? Well, there's a few reasons, and maybe making it into a list will be an easier way to show you each one:

1. Our products are NATURALLY effective. That's right. Our products use natural ingredients to treat tear stains and always have. We have never used Tylosin or any other harsh chemical ingredients that are considered dangerous by the FDA. In fact, after Angels' Eyes got hit by the FDA, and the dog lovers like us discovered that they were using harsh chemicals on precious dogs, we knew there had to be a better, natural solution to tear stains. 
2. Our 100% Happy Dog Guarantee. Part of what our customers love about us is our money back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the results after following our instructions, you can return the product or package for a full refund of your entire order price, no questions asked. That means that it is completely risk free for you to try our products out. If you decide that they are not right for your dog, or if you or your dog simply don't like us, then you return the product for your full money back. We're pretty sure no other company can beat a guarantee like that.
3. We offer a thorough range of tear stain products from tear stain combs to powders and chews and liquid remover and tear stain wipes, all natural and all made in the USA. Our philosophy on treating tear stains is that using multiple methods provides the fastest and most consistent long term results. While the Angels Eyes brand does have a good selection of products, our range of products is just more thorough.

But don't worry, these were just a few of the smaller reasons that Angels Eyes hates us. We saved the biggest reason for last. The number one reason that Angels Eyes hates us is that: Angels' Eyes customers are flocking to Petpost. 

With more effective natural products, fantastic customer service, and a wide range of products, its no surprise that so many dog owners are switching to Petpost.

If you want to join thousands of Maltese, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, and Poodle lovers that have switched to Petpost, you can click here to order our Tear Stain Starter Pack. 

If you have noticed a difference in effectiveness from Petpost vs. Angels' Eyes and are seeing amazing results, let us know by commenting below!

Tear stains—two words that are all too familiar—and all too annoying and inconvenient—for us humans whose pooches have to endure this unsightly and uncomfortable reddish-brown streaks. While some causes of these rusty streaks may not warrant an emergency trip to the vet, it helps to know how to remove tears stains and keep them away—without using anything that may harm or compromise your dog’s health.

 

Recognizing the Signs—Beyond the Obvious, That Is

Tear stains are caused by the overproduction of tears in your pup’s eyes and failure to drain it down the proper way, called epiphora. Some of the reasons behind this may include:

• Congenital (inborn) defects in or total absence of the puncta (tiny holes in the corner of the eyes that serve as primary drainage pathways leading to the nasolacrimal duct system)
• Allergic reactions to food, grooming products, pollen, dust, smoke, or other allergens
• Irritation of the eyes caused by foreign objects
• Eyelids and / or eyelashes growing inwards instead of out
• Injury or scarring along the tear drainage system
• Teething for puppies (though epiphora should lessen after this period)
• Fungal or bacterial infection
• Overactive tear glands

Dogs with flatter facial structures, or deep set eyes often get the short end of the stick when it comes to epiphora—Pugs, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and the like are more than likely to experience having tear stains marring their beautiful faces at one point of their lives—and for some, for the most part. It is also more obvious for pooches with light colored coats and long facial fur (as tears get stagnant around the eyes by pooling under and around the lids, sticking to the hair follicles and skin).

So what makes the tear stains reddish? Tears contain substances similar to dye called porphyrins, just like saliva and urine. Porphyrin is iron-rich, and once exposed to air and sunlight, rusty, brownish staining occurs. The longer the tears remain stagnant in the coat, the more it darkens and discolors the fur.

Some of these causes may require more up close veterinary intervention and observation, and with the case of the obstruction of the puncta, surgery may be needed to remove the scar tissue or widen the opening of the holes to permit easier drainage of the tears.

But once you’ve confirmed with your favorite doc that Fido’s epiphora is due to more manageable circumstances such as seasonal or dietary allergies, the occasional teary eyes because of too much fun in the pool, or that incident in the park sand box, there are easy and safe ways to get rid of those ugly red marks on your beloved canine buddy’s face at the comfort of your home.

 

Choosing Your Grooming Tools

Wanting to know how to remove tear stains the natural and safe way puts you on the right track to ensuring that you get a good handle of these unattractive streaks without putting chemicals and other synthetic ingredients that may make things worse, or cause other health problems to Buster—you want to stop his tears, not start yours.

What most well-meaning humans don’t know is that a lot (if not most of) supposed effective and safe tear stain removers contain antibiotics—yes, antibiotics. For some reason, Tylosin has managed to find its way into grooming product shelves in the market, and with FDA’s blessing, too. Not only does it pose a risk in causing major damage in your dog’s liver, Bruno may also develop antibiotic resistance due to repeated use of these grooming aids—this will not bode well once he falls sick and actually needs these antibiotics to cure him. Other countries have already demanded a recall on stain removers containing this ingredient.

Fortunately, there are all-natural tear stain removers that you can still conveniently stock up on for your pooch. The magic word: coconut oil.

Yup! This superfood not only boost the immune system and regulates appetite, healthy digestion, and a whole enchilada of other benefits for the internal canine system, it also makes for a superb grooming partner and—you guessed it—tear stain buster.

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How do you develop your own home-based tear stain removing regimen?

1. Choose a comfy spot for Spot. While most well-socialized dogs tolerate face grooming, it can be a challenge for some, especially if their eyes are irritated. Cuddle for a minute or two with Scruffy until he doesn’t eye your grooming kit with suspicion—maybe add a treat or two in the mix, and you’ll get him—and yourself—in the zone in no time.

2. Use damp, well-woven cotton pads or wipes to clear off the gunk and tears. Avoid using cotton balls that may leave wisps stuck to your dog’s eyes—it will cause more irritation, and not to mention more cleanup. Never use any wet wipes containing alcohol because if you don’t like the way it stings when it goes anywhere near your eyes, it goes without saying that poor Goldie won’t be too happy with it either.

3. Snip away. Preferably using blunt-tipped scissors, of course. Trim away the matted, clumped fur around the eyes for easier access to the skin underneath. If you don’t get to clean the area thoroughly, it will become a veritable breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

4. The main event: the tear stain remover. Use the product according to its instructions (they’re there for a reason; going trigger happy with the fluid may not help at all and cause a lot of mess, and a lot of unnecessary cleanup). 

5. Bonus round: keep those wipes handy. You have to make sure Ginger’s eyes are always dry, so get ready to wipe when you see your pooch’s eyes acting up in between grooming sessions.  

Consistency is Key

Staying committed to keeping your dog tear stain-free will require your dedication to your grooming regimen. No product can get rid of tear stains in one go (though you’ll be surprised at how many of them promise to do so). Good things come to those who wait, and stain-free puppy eyes come to those who clean it regularly.

The best thing that you can do for your dog today is purchase our popular tear stain remover and join the thousands of groomers, vets, and dog owners that have clean and happy dogs! You can click here to purchase your Tear Stain Remover today!

 

Have you ever had a run in with tears stains? Tell us how you keep your canine baby clear-faced and tear-free in the comments below!

Runny, wet eyes and reddish-brown, unsightly tear stains? Not only does the overproduction of tears result to a cosmetic catastrophe, it also indicates other underlying conditions that you may need to remedy right away. Epiphora in dogs is one of the most common problems in canine eye health, and whether it’s a one-time occurrence for your Fido or a challenging series of watery episodes throughout the year, it pays to understand it, and know the correct and appropriate way to stop, treat, and prevent this literal and figurative eye sore. 

There are also other telltale signs that your fur baby is suffering from epiphora:

• Red, bloodshot eyes
• Swelling around the eye areas
• Pus-like, or mucus-like discharge
• Tender, loose skin under the eyes
• Itchiness (you will see your pooch frustrated and pawing against his face)
• Tear stains (reddish-brown, or in some cases, pinkish in color)

 

Is it a Disease?

Surprisingly, the overproduction of tears is rarely a stand-alone health concern—it is, for the most part, a symptom rather than an illness in itself.

Sounds complicated? Let’s break down the main reasons why this occurs in our canine buddies:

1. An allergic reaction or automatic response to foreign objects lodged in the eyes. Irritants such as dust, sand, or insects that come in contact with your pooch’s eyeballs are always an unwelcome guest that needs to be immediately deported from the area—and this is where the tears come in. The objective, in a nutshell, is to flush away the offending intruder and wash the eyes clean.

In some cases, though, the eyes wage war on their own constituents. Eyelids, for example, can cause epiphora when congenital problems such as entropion and ectropion (the lower or upper eyelids that fold inwards and against the eye ball) are present. Your pup’s lashes can also grow in the wrong direction and poke mercilessly on Juju’s peepers—this condition is called trichiasis.

Respiratory or food allergies can also trigger the waterworks, just as we humans tear up when we accidentally eat something, or get exposed to something that we are allergic to. If Gigi’s eyes pool up more frequently during certain times of the year, you may be looking at seasonal allergies.

2. Blockage in the tear drainage system. Your dog’s nasolacrimal or tear duct system usually flushes down tears through the puncta, those teeny, tiny holes in the corner of the eye. It then leads to a series of pathways that end up in your pooch’s nose—yup, the nose.

Step one of this process is compromised when the puncta is blocked due to swelling (when infection is present), congenital defects (abnormally small holes, or absence of the hole altogether), or scarring due to previous injuries or trauma. If the tears have nowhere to go, they pool around and under the eye area, get trapped under the fur, and cause further fungal or bacterial infection—not to mention those hideous, rust-colored tear stains. 

3. Overproduction of tears due to overactive tear glands. A very rare case, in which the lacrimal glands are working overtime to produce tears, even without the presence of irritants in the eyes, infection, underlying disease, or blockages in the drainage system. This is when epiphora in dogs is a condition, and not a symptom of any other health issues. If every other cause is tested by your veterinarian and ruled out, you may want to check if this is the reason why you’re running out of facewipes for Spot.

Your trusted vet may need to take note of any environmental changes you may have made, say, if you did some spring cleaning in your home, or if you switched your daily doggie walk route and ended up in a dusty area. Any new food items that you may have added into your pooch’s meals may also have triggered an episode, and should be eliminated from Vito’s diet.

There are also several clinic tests that can be done to check the particular cause of epiphora. You may need to have a Saline Flush done to make sure you’re not dealing with blocked paths in the nasolacrimal duct system, and a physical check up to see if there are an scars or tissue growths covering the puncta. Rose Bengal Staining, another procedure, rules out any damages in the cornea that may cause swelling or irritation. The more complicated tests, such as Tonometry (for glaucoma) and Dacryocystorhinography (the insertion of a liquid into the tear ducts, viewable via X-ray) can further indentify any problems that may cause the overproduction of tears. 

Ending the Drama – No More Tears!

Epiphora in dogs require a little more than the usual wiping, especially if the root of the problem is more complicated than a speck in the eye. A series of saline flushing, or even corrective surgeries may have to be done for abnormal or nonexistent puncta, or if there’s something blocking the duct system that needs to be pushed out.

For the luckier ones, though, switching to a grain-free or vet-prescribed diet may do the trick. Adding superfood into the doggie bowl, such as kefir and coconut oil, also increases your pup’s ability to fight off infection, prevent fungal overgrowth, and promote healthy eyes and fur.

 

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As for grooming, choosing the right eye cleanser is your ticket to clear, bright peepers. But don’t go sweeping the pet supplies shelves blindly—the fact that some products made it to the market does not mean they’re good for your beloved buddy.

One big no-no in picking out tear stain removers or cleansers is not reading the ingredients list—or reading the ingredients list and thinking antibiotics is okay. Yes, they kill of bacteria, but unless your vet says your pooch needs it, stay away from antibiotics. Not only can it do more harm than good, your dog may also develop resistance to its good functions if carelessly used.

Fortunately, it’s not hard to find good, quality grooming products that you can use. Coconut-oil based tear stain removers, for one, gently removes those ugly marks under the eyes without bleach, and prevent bacterial and fungal infection, without the use of those hard-to-spell chemicals. With regular use, you and your gorgeous Lily will be staring into each other’s tear-free and tear stain-free eyes in no time at all.

 

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Care to share your experience with epiphora in dogs? Tell us how you and your canine friend ended the tears in the comments section!

 

You love snuggling up to that adorable face, but lately it looks like Bitsy is crying all the time. You know she's not actually sad, but the fur under her eyes has turned reddish brown, maybe even black. If you're not sure how to get rid of tear stains, it's actually a simple process. With a little bit of routine care, you can get Bitsy's coat back to that powder-white fluff you've always loved.

 

Know What Causes the Tear Stains

The tears themselves are not causing the stains. For a variety of possible reasons, when Bitsy's eyes get irritated the tears aren't dissipating the way they do in most dogs. It could be because Bitsy produces more tears than most dogs or that her eyes tend to get irritated more easily. It might even have something to do with the areas of the eye that typically drain the tears being clogged in some way.

No matter what is causing the tears to stay on her coat, the tears themselves aren't causing the stains. It's the dirt and debris that the tears collect. That's why it's often a reddish brown color. In most cases, you're not going to be able to treat the cause of the tears themselves, so knowing how to get rid of tear stains comes down to treating the area where the tears settle.

 

The Treatment Process

The good news is that the treatment itself is a great time for you to spend pampering your best friend. You only need a few supplies such as 4-5 cotton balls, a safe cleaning solution. After that, it's a very simple process:

1. Shake the bottle of Tear Stain Remover.
2. Squeeze the solution onto a cotton ball.
3. Rub the stained area to get rid of dirt and gunk.

Most tear stain removers are safe for external use, but you want to be careful not to get any of the product in Bitsy's eyes or mouth. When you first start, you'll want to repeat this process for 5-7 consecutive days in order to clean the area. After that, weekly treatments will typically protect the fur from future stains. As the new fur grows in, you'll start to see the roots coming in as snow white as the rest of her coat.

Eventually the stains will go away because you're getting rid of the dirt that causes them. If you'd like to get rid of the faster, use cotton balls to apply a mixture of 10% hydrogen peroxide with water to the area. You'll be safely coloring Bitsy's hair, although we recommend patience and letting the fur grow back naturally.

 

Pick the Right Treatment

Not all tear stain removers are created equally. Some contain antibiotics which have not been approved for use on dogs. In addition, antibiotics for tear stains are unnecessary. If you notice a discharge that suggests an infection or if Bitsy is scratching at the area, you need to see your veterinarian. While microbes can grow in the area of the tear stains, infections caused by the tears themselves are unlikely.

Since you'll be treating the tear stains regularly, it's critical that you choose a product that is safe for your pet. Go for a natural formula.

Figuring out how to get rid of tear stains on your pet comes down to understanding your treatment options. In a small number of cases, allergies cause the excess tearing, but for most pets the cause is something genetic that is going to have to be treated regularly. Once you know how to get rid of tear stains though, the best part will be that you have an excuse to spend a little mommy or daddy time with Bitsy curled up in your lap. Not that you needed an excuse in the first place.

You've found the perfect dog for you. You take little breaks at work to check out all the pictures on the internet you can, thinking about that cuddly ball of fur. You've read about the breed, you know the temperament, and you've been keeping yourself awake at night thinking about how awesome it's going to be when you finally get that new friend home. 

What those pictures and articles often leave out are the grooming issues that come with many breeds. A long coat will need to be brushed regularly, but dogs usually love that. Some breeds will shed, but you can anticipate that with the change of seasons. One of the things you won't see in the perfect pictures, and might not think about until you've had Pickles for a while, are dog tear stains. Certain breeds are more prone to these superficial blemishes. Thankfully, getting rid only takes a few minutes of care each week.

Here is your expert guide to dealing with dog tear stains.

 

Investigate the Causes of Your Dog's Tear Stains

It's true, some breeds seem to be more prone to tear stains than others. Tears themselves are not causing the stains, though. If a dog has excessive tearing or if the tears don't drain naturally, they can collect dirt which turns the fur reddish brown. These problems are usually due to inherent physical features. It could be any of the following.

• Shallow eye sockets - Certain breeds such as Chihuahuas or Pugs have eyes that protrude more than others. With more of the eye exposed to the elements, more surface is available for irritation.

• Eyelids turning inward - In some dogs, the eyelid can turn so far inward that it actually blocks the holes that tears naturally drain through.

• Hair growth - The same flowing coat that drew you to your perfect pet can also contribute to the stains. In breeds like the Maltese, the hair can drop into the eye irritating it. In other instances, long fur around the eye can prevent proper drainage.

• Blocked drainage holes - For some dogs, the holes through which tears normally drain become blocked possibly through scarring or other allergies.

In these situations, you're going to find little that you can do about excessive tears. In a small number of cases, the tearing can be a reaction to diet. You do have a few things you might be able to adjust to control the tears themselves.

• Diet - Many of today's foods come with grain or color additives which can cause allergic reactions.

• Water - Some dogs are allergic to the chlorine and fluoride added to tap water. 

• Bowls - Plastic bowls can leech chemicals into the water and food that dogs react to. 

Prevent the Problem

If the tearing is related to the fur around the eyes or the hair falling into the eyes, you may be able to minimize it with proper grooming. You should ask the next time you take your Pickles to get a hair cut.

You can also modify things to see if you can help through her diet. If you're using plastic bowls, switch to steel and see if things improve over a few weeks. It's hard to imagine Colonel Pinkbelly stalking prey for his survival, but millennia ago his ancestors were in fact carnivores fending for their own survival. Check the ingredients in her food to see that it's all natural and with limited filler. You can also see about giving her fresh water. If you're not ready to break out a case of Evian, you can use filtered water to see if that helps. You can change all of these at once or do them slowly to determine the exact problem.

For most breeds, dog tear stains come with the territory. It could be related to a physical cause, or it could just be that the stains show up better on white or light fur. In those cases, you're going to find yourself treating the stain itself, and the best method of prevention is frequent cleaning.

 

Develop a Cleaning Routine

When you treat dog tear stains, keep in mind that you're treating a superficial condition that results from a healthy reaction. You want to prevent the tears from collecting on the coat as well as dirt collecting in the tears.

The first step is to start cleaning the area regularly. When treating dog tear stains, your primary goal is to stop them from getting worse, and then eventually the permanently dyed fur will grow out and beautiful fresh fur will grow in. Use cotton balls and a natural cleaning solution (like our AWESOME Coconut Oil Based Tear Stain Remover) to remove the dirt that has built up. The solution itself won't turn the stained fur back to its natural color, but it will prevent further staining. Here's a simple routine to follow.

1. Gather all of your materials in one place (4 to 5 cotton balls and tear stain remover).
2. Have Fluffy lay down and reassure her.
3. Apply the solution to the cotton ball or pour it into a cup and dip the cotton ball in it.
4. Gently rub the solution on the area to remove any build up.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the other eye.
6. Give her a treat and scratch her belly so she wants to do it next time.

The advantage of our coconut oil based tear stain remover is that it is a plant-based solution made of the absolute highest quality extracts from coconut and palm. These natural oils provide a barrier that prevents tears from soaking into the fur and collecting dirt. It also gives Roxy's coat a healthy sheen.

Repeat that process for 5 to 7 consecutive days and then weekly to prevent further staining. As the fur starts to grow in, you'll notice that the roots are coming in their natural color. You could trim away the stained area, but it will eventually grow out on its own. Besides, using scissors or trimmers around a dog's eye is very dangerous. If you want to return the area to a lighter color, you can make your own dye mixture of 10% hydrogen peroxide and water. Under no circumstances should you ever use bleach near your pet's eyes. Let's repeat that. Under no circumstances should you ever use bleach near your pet's eyes. Any product that claims to immediately whiten the areas around your dog's eyes should be immediately reported to the FDA.

Now You're the Local Expert of Dog Tear Stains

Dog tear stains aren't something we typically think about when we're picking out that perfect pup. Fortunately, getting rid of them is a simple process that will help your pet get back to looking her best. If you benefitted from this guide, send us a picture of your dog and we will post it on our instagram or facebook page, which you should follow if are not already.