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!

Everyone’s going cuckoo over coconut oil—and for good reason! Not only is it the most versatile superfood for both humans and canines, it’s also a palate-approved, all-around booster for your beloved pooch’s overall wellness. Want to know more about this amazingly healthful liquid of life? Check out the top coconut oil benefits for dogs here:

 

7. Improves Appetite and Aids in Digestion

Is little Finn being finicky with his food? Adding coconut oil to his daily noms not only ups the quality of his chows, it also adds a sweet-smelling yummy flavor to his meals that most pooches can’t resist.

But isn’t oil, well, fatty? It is, but that’s not a bad thing. Coconut oil for dogs is mainly composed of the good stuff—saturated fats, with a very high percentage of MCTs, or Medium Chain Triglycerides. Not only does it jump start a better digestion for your Rocco, it’s amazing antioxidant properties also enhances nutrient absorption, so he gets the most out of what he eats.

If your dog is suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other gut-related problems, ask your favorite vet about adding coconut oil to his diet to help heal these disorders and give his medicine a good push to speed up his recovery.

 

6. Speeds Up Metabolism and Assists in Weight Loss

If Portia is getting a little bit too portly for her size, it may look cute, but it can cause a lot of health complications and discomforts in the long run. Heart disease, diabetes, joint problems—the list goes on and on, and so do the vet bills.

Luckily, there is a natural a safe way to gently rev up her metabolism. Adding coconut oil to her diet may sound incredibly counterproductive given that the goal is to lose a few (or a lot of) pounds, yes, but with better nutrient absorption and improved digestion—paired with regular exercise, of course—you will see considerable results over a few weeks, and less paunch on the belly, too.

 

5. Energy Booster

Coconut oil is often recommended for dogs who have just recovered from illnesses, or even those who are just a little bit on the lazy side. The high concentration of saturated fats and its ability to kickstart metabolism provides a nice boost of energy to liven up your couch potato! Dogs with active lifestyles can also benefit from adding coconut oil into their meals to maintain their stamina for those draining activities.

 

4. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

The MCTs in coconut oil consists of a high concentration of Lauric acid, fully loaded with natural properties that fight off bacteria and viruses that can affect your fur baby’s health. Taking this oil orally helps stave off infections and helps discourage the overgrowth of fungi that causes a great number of illnesses in our pets.

Not only does it safely and naturally help cure diseases from the inside, coconut oil is just as wonderful and effective when used topically. You can always trust coconut oil-based ear cleansers for those sensitive, reddened ears due to mites, fungal infection or allergies. There are also great tear stain removers that take care of bacterial problems and fungal growth in the eye area when your canine buddy suffers from epiphora.

 

3. Promotes Healthy Thyroid and Balances Insulin Levels

Thyroid disorders can result to loss of hair, mood swings, weight gain and lethargy to name a few. Coconut oil added to Hunter’s daily food can, over time, improve his thyroid gland’s function and help relieve and lessen the symptoms.

One of the best coconut oil benefits for dogs is its ability to stabilize insulin levels, and in turn, blood sugar. This is especially helpful for dogs susceptible to, or are currently in danger of developing diabetes. A good, balanced thyroid gland activity and insulin ensures energetic, active dogs with healthy coats and ideal weights.

 

2. Helps Heal Skin Problems

When something does a whole lot of good for your dog’s insides and does wonders for his outside as well, you know you have a winner. Coconut oil’s all-around goodness also benefits Bandit’s skin, and can help with a lot of issues that leave him irritated and scratching: 

• Alopecia (loss of fur)
• Flaky, dry skin and paws
• Fungal skin infection
• Wounds, cuts and scratches
• Hot spots
• Rashes from insect bites and allergic reactions from food, pollen, or even fleas
• Itchy, inflamed skin
• Dermatitis and eczema

Massage coconut oil onto Spike’s paws or muscles and folds for that stimulating, relaxing spa-like experience with all the added healing and rejuvenating properties! This wonder oil combined, with the magic that your fingers are making, will dramatically improve blood circulation and energize him after a long day of playing fetch and catching Frisbees. Talk about royal treatment after the gym!

 

1. Deodorizes and Conditions the Fur

As dedicated humans to our canine friends, it’s always our life’s goal to make sure that our pooches feel good, look good, and smell good. Lucky for us, coconut oil covers all our bases!

Up your shampoo’s ante by adding some coconut oil, and giving it a good shake before the doggy bath—this wonder liquid naturally neutralizes odor and prevents Sam from stinking up for days, with that sweet, fresh, coconut-y scent.

For a lustrous fur, enhance your grooming and maintenance routine for that marvelous mane with regular brushing, topped off with a coat of coconut oil to pump up the shine and moisturize round the clock—all without any harmful chemicals or questionable additives.

From fighting off diseases, fungi, and viruses, to keeping your pup’s fur shine game on point, the possibilities are endless once you make this superfood a super-staple in your canine care arsenal! Grab that tub and start your journey towards optimizing your fur baby’s health with all these coconut oil benefits. For dogs who need to lose weight, improve their fur, get rid of ear infections, or boost their digestion and overall wellness—this all-purpose magic-in-a-liquid is your new best friend. 

Do you have your own health success stories using coconut oil? Tell us about it today in the comments!

If you’re all about giving your pooch nothing but all-natural, safe and nurturing TLC, you’ve probably already shunned pretty much the majority of products in the pet supplies section, pretty much everywhere. That includes most oral and topical supplements that contain all those nasty chemicals and additives that may endanger your canine buddy instead of keeping him in healthy.

It’s no secret that the wonderful coconut oil is at the forefront when it comes to safe, effective, and multi-purpose allies that we can depend on, for our health, and the health of our beloved 4-legged family members—and why the heck not? This superfood is jam-packed with loads of beneficial properties that keep your canine buddy in tip top shape, looking good, and smelling great, too!

 

Slick With All the Good Stuff

If you’re worried about coconut oil being, well, oil, don’t. It may be classified as fat, but it’s primarily made up of the good kind—the kind that will actually help boost metabolism and give Fido extra energy for those long hikes and hours of playing fetch.

Oral intake of this liquid miracle ups the ante on your dog’s digestive system. A very high percentage of coconut oil is made up medium chain triglycerides—also known as MCTs. It may be a mouthful, but it’s guaranteed to be a mouthful of antioxidants that aid in optimum absorption of nutrients and improved digestion. The saturated fats help jumpstart metabolism, convert food into energy, burn those flabs, and make sure maximum nourishment from doggie bowl to doggie belly, without going over the numbers on that weighing scale.

Tummy problems? A daily dose of coconut oil is known to relieve those aches and help heal digestive disorders, such as colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

 

Healing Naturally

Remember the MCTs in coco oil? It predominantly consists of high concentrations of Lauric Acid—a medium chain fatty acid that can also be found in breast milk. When taken orally and processed by the body, Lauric acid generates monoglyceride monolaurin, a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent that can efficiently and naturally kick most diseases and illnesses in the butt—but without the harmful chemicals that may disrupt, or even kill the good bacteria in your doggie’s gut.

This is why the best natural canine cleansing products—for ears, for those eyes and tear stains, and for the fur—are made with coconut oil! These grooming shampoos and cleaning fluids kill bacteria and discourage the overgrowth of fungi safely, and without the potentially harmful chemicals and antibiotics. So if you have a pup with a nasty, red, painful ear infection, or sad, teary eyes with those ugly, rust-colored stains, your best bet is this versatile oil. 

 

Keeping Fido Sharp and Healthy 

The many benefits of coconut oil don’t stop at the stomach. It also helps regulate your pup’s thyroid functions and keep his insulin levels in check, making it an ideal addition to the elderly canine diet, as well as those with high risks of heart trouble and diabetes.

With proper guidance from your favorite vet, you can also incorporate coconut oil into your geriatric canine friend’s meals to aid in lessening the effects of dementia and alleviate the signs of aging.

 

The Outside Matters, Too

If there is an award for being the most multi-purpose and multi-beneficial food of all time, coconut oil will get the trophy, hands down, plus standing ovation. Not only is it a wonderful oral supplement that enhances the appetite of picky eaters and help improve your pooch’s overall internal health, it is also the perfect skin food for your pet!

Coconut oil can be used pure, as a soothing balm for those insect bites and itchy rashes caused by allergies-just dab a small amount and give it a good rub. And if you want to go all-out, give your dog an amazing spa experience by massaging his body with warmed coconut oil. It will gently moisturize skin, remedy the flaking, cure those unpleasant (and contagious) ringworms, and also help get rid of mites, ticks and fleas—no need to use five different products for five different uses!

Adding some of this fabulously-scented oil to your favorite hypoallergenic shampoo will also give your bathing product an effective deodorizing power that also leaves a naturally sweet smell for days, and your pooch’s sensitive nose won’t have to endure any obnoxious, synthetic perfumes—just a pleasant, light tropical aroma that you will both enjoy.

You Know What They Say About Things in Excess… 

In order to make coconut oil work its wonders on your dog’s health and wellness, it is absolutely crucial to properly introduce it to his daily regimen—in the right amount, that is—to prevent unwanted consequences.

Too much of this oil too soon can cause diarrhea, largely due to its detoxifying effect on the body. Medical professionals recommend giving an initial dose of a fourth of a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, gradually increasing the amount that you give orally until you reach one teaspoon per 10 pounds, over the course of a month. It tastes great, and Bruno will want to gobble it down, but be patient—all good things come to those who wait.

Speaking of good things, how have you included coconut oil into your dog’s daily eating and grooming routine? Tell us how this superfood has helped you and your canine buddy in the comments!

With countless pet goods in the market pumped full with hard-to-pronounce (and quite frankly, dangerous) chemicals and substances, we may be doing more harm than good for our beloved dogs. Going natural is indeed the best road to take to ensure overall canine wellbeing, and there’s one particular product that is making a lot of buzz for being an all-around health care solution. But before we get all excited, first things first: Is coconut oil safe for dogs?

In all its humble simplicity, it’s one of the best things you can give your beloved canine friend! Coconut Oil has been proven in aiding the improvement and maintenance of digestive, skin, and overall health—and it doesn’t hurt that it is very agreeable to your dog’s tastes buds, too.

 

When did fat become so good?

Giving coconut oil to dogs, whether topically or orally, seems like an unusual route to take—especially since it’s, well, oil.

Coconut oil is mainly composed of saturated fats, and luckily, it’s got all the good stuff. They provide a multitude of health benefits, mostly from medium chain triglycerides or MCTs. 

It’s a confusing mouthful, yes, but don’t drift off just yet—we’re getting to the awesome part. MCTs in coconut oil do wonders for your dog’s body:

• Improves overall digestive health;
• Has Lauric acid, well-known for its proven antibacterial and antifungal properties;
• Provides energy and prevents obesity
• Maintains good thyroid condition;
• Supports the immune system
• Keeps the skin and coat healthy and shiny

The Lauric acid, Cypric acid, and Caprylic acid in coconut oil is safe for dogs and has wonderful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that protect your dog’s health, without harming his liver or kidneys—how great is that?

Happy Tummy, Happy Doggie

Giving your pooch the best meals is futile if he isn’t properly absorbing the right amount of nutrients. Poor digestion can lead to constipation, malnourishment, diarrhea, or irritated bowels—it could get rather unpleasant for both dog and human. 

You can prevent these health mishaps by sprinkling Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Spot’s regular food everyday to help his digestive system function more effectively, and assist in healing of some illnesses such as Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and even Colitis.

It may seem unlikely, but coconut oil also gently enhances metabolism in dogs and provides a good kick of energy and stamina. Coupled with exercise, a diet with a healthy dose of VCO will prevent Roscoe from becoming a couch potato—and get rid of those unwanted, unhealthy doggie flabs.

 

Superfood for Superdogs

Aside from aiding in weight loss and maintaining a good weight and energy level, coconut oil has a truckload of superior benefits for your dog’s health:

• Helps keep the thyroid gland in good condition
• Ensures good levels of insulin
• Assists in balancing blood sugar levels, thereby preventing diabetes
• Alleviates symptoms of arthritis and joint problems
• Boosts the immune systems
• Eases allergic reactions
• Eliminates bad breath
• Improves brain function, especially for geriatric dogs

Getting all these great effects from something that canines naturally go crazy for is a major plus: adding this sweet-smelling and flavorful oil to Lulu’s food will turn Little Ms. Picky into Little Ms. Can-I-Have-One-More-Bowl-Of-This-Please!

 

Going Skin Deep

Coconut oil doesn’t just take care of your dog’s insides—it doesn’t hurt that using this natural wonder product does, well, wonders for canine skin and coat as well. Lathering some VCO onto your pooch’s skin after bathing or during regular brushing improves circulation, and almost single-handedly cures most skin and coat problems such as:

• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Rashes from flea allergies
• Ringworm and other fungal infections
• Wounds, cuts, and scratches
• Hot spots
• Insect bites
• Dry skin and flaking
• Itchy and irritated skin

Problems with stinky Sparky? Try this great idea: combine VCO with your favorite gentle dog shampoo! It will add luster and shine to your dog’s fur, and keep it oh-so-shiny. It also deodorizes odor—you’ll go nuts over its fantastic smell that will last for days (without driving your pooch crazy with synthetic scents and perfumes).

Another great coconut-oil-based product to watch out for: natural ear cleaner!  A small dab of this on a cotton swab or ball will effectively cleanse Mr. Bark’s ears and help get rid of mites and infection. With regular use, no more insistent scratching and funky odors—a huge relief for the human who has to do the cleaning, too, yes?

 

With Great Superfood Comes Great Responsibility

Great digestive health, improved immunity, ravishing skin and coat—who wouldn’t want this for our dogs? But, as with all things, too much of a good thing is bad, bad, bad. Coconut oil may arguably be the best natural superfood for canine health and wellness, but overdosing your pup in the hopes of amplifying its beneficial effects is, to put it mildly, not the smartest thing to do.

Diarrhea and Flu-like symptoms are two of the most common side effects of excessive coconut oil ingestion.

Veterinarians recommend one teaspoon of organic coconut oil for every 10 pounds of body weight, but to prevent loose stools, make sure to introduce it gradually to your pooch’s diet. You can start with ¼ teaspoon, and gradually add to it over the course of 3 to 4 weeks to ensure no tummy protests and no intestinal acrobatics with greasy number two’s.

And hey, try not to go crazy while lathering it on your dog, either. Using this oil topically in proper amounts also ensures optimal absorption, with none of the sticky fur and icky mess.

While the possibility of these side effects may worry you, just remember: coconut oil IS safe for dogs, but what it does to your dog depends entirely on you using it in moderation. Proper introduction into your dog’s usual diet is key to prevent unwanted reactions—do it right, and you won’t have to deal with oily poop, a grumpy Fido, and on a more serious note, health risks and emergency trips to the clinic.

If in doubt, or if Spike has a history of, or ongoing treatment for any illness that think may be affected by changes in his diet, always consult your vet, and ask for advice on how you can incorporate the ever-dependable and healthy coconut oil into your everyday canine regimen.

We’ve heard this about a million times: men are dogs. And in behalf of all beloved canines in the world, we absolutely beg to differ.

Whether you’ve been duped too many times by a guy, or you simply could no longer be bothered to baby another manchild with more issues than Time magazine, hating on the opposite sex is made too easy by the wonderful perfection of having the unconditional love of a furry, snuggly, and warm-as-honey puppy. It’s no contest, but in case there’s any doubt, here are 7 reasons why a dog is better than a boyfriend:

1.  No ugly breakups.

Let’s face it—you’re far from perfect. Amidst all your good points and redeeming qualities is a whole slew of screw ups and missteps. But unlike a boyfriend, your dog won’t storm out in the middle of a fight (because there will be NO fights), or sit you down and tell you, “We just lost it somewhere along the way. It’s just not there anymore.” With your beloved pooch, it will ALWAYS be there—pure, unending love.

 

2. No (bad) history lessons.

Dogs were spared from having the ability to hold a grudge against the person they love. Unfortunately, the male human species may have been too blessed with such talents—and selectively sharp memories—when it comes to enumerating everything that you’ve done wrong from two to ten years ago, like reserve arsenal for when an argument starts going your way.

No matter how many times you accidentally step on Spot’s tail, and no matter how many horrid episodes of vet trips you make him go through, your dog still thinks the sun rises and sets on your behind.

 

3. Your fashion statement—or lack thereof—matters not.

Men hate to admit it, but you looking all nice and pretty for them is one of the biggest ego—and testosterone—boosters. Guys always say, “It’s the inside that counts,” but let’s be honest here—they like to show off, and they like it when you’re eye candy, so to speak.

But no, not your beloved doggie. You can wake up with your hair on horizontals and waddle around in your gym sweats all day, and he will still stare at you with those beady, beady eyes full of affection and admiration—even sans makeup and in some cases, sans the shower.

 

4. Fat? What Fat? Who’s Fat?

Dogs don’t count—and that includes calories. And kilograms. And inches.

He won’t judge you for that weekend pizza binge, or that afternoon cake and tea party with your gals that was more cake than tea. Your weight may fluctuate more than a seismograph on an intensity 10 earthquake, but your pooch’s love will never go flat line.

 

5. None of those itches.

Whether you read it on a magazine or hear it from one of your friends, there will always be the subject of love fizzing out over time.  Some say it’s in six months, some in two years—it’s as if there’s an expiration date to every romantic relationship, and you better keep up or break up.

Dogs, on the other hand, don’t have any commitment issues or relationship hang-ups. No matter how many butts Romeo sniffs at the park, you will always be his Juliet until the very end.

 

6. They miss you—and they mean it.

Do boyfriends wait by the window and yelp in excitement the moment they see your car pull into the garage? Maybe—but it depends on the time. Unlike having a human beau, your pooch will always be happy to see you—no matter what time you arrive. No questions, no tantrums, no where-have-you-beens, only OH-MY-GOSH-YOU’RE-HOME-I’M-SO-HAPPY-YOU’RE-REALLY-HOME-OH-MY-GOSH-I-LOVE-YOU!

 

7. They always take your side. ALWAYS.

Sometimes, you just want to vent out and yammer all night about a particularly upsetting situation, and the last thing you need is a boyfriend who asks questions. Who analyzes things. Who points out that you’re wrong. Who tells you what to do when you already know what to do and yet insists on telling you anyway.

Dogs are equipped to listen without judgment. You can rant all night long and then some, and you will still have their full, dedicated attention—no interruptions, no unwanted opinions. And no matter how many horrible things you end up saying, you’re still up at the top of that pedestal, and you’re still the best person in the world, bar none.