If you’re a pet parent of a white dog, you’re probably scratching your head wondering, how do you remove brown stains from white dog fur and how did they even get there in the first place?
“Tear stains are a common problem for many white dogs, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and legs,” explains Myriam Doré, an animal health technician. “The tendency to develop stains depends on a combination of genetic, anatomical, and certain health factors.”
Keep reading to learn more about what causes these brown stains and how you can effectively address them to get your pup back to looking their very best!
What Causes Brown Stains on White Dog Fur?
The cause of reddish-brown stains on your dog’s white fur is not completely understood, but they’re thought to be caused by an iron-containing pigment in your dog’s tears, saliva, and urine called porphyrins.
When this compound sits on your dog’s fur, either through tears running down their face or from saliva around their mouth, their white fur can turn a rusty brown color.
All dogs have porphyrins in their tears and saliva, but the stains are just more noticeable on white dogs.
Other suspected culprits of brown stains include bacteria, yeast, and other minerals that sit on your pup’s fur, causing it to become discoloured. Additionally, debris like dirt and grass can also stain your dog’s light hair.
So now we know what causes these brown stains, let's look at why they might be occurring in the first place:
-
Eye anatomy: Myriam notes that some dog breeds have especially narrow tear ducts, which make natural tear drainage more complicated. As a result, the tears drain onto their face instead of down their tear ducts, causing brown staining. This is common in brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus.
-
Eye irritation: Fur getting into a dog’s eyes or eye infections can cause watery eyes and, subsequently, brown stains.
-
Allergies: Myriam explains, “Dogs suffering from allergies tend to chew/lick their paws or certain other areas of the body, and this can cause rust-colored spots.”
-
Skin irritations: Other causes of skin irritations, like skin infections or fleas, can cause your pup to lick that area to soothe it, which can lead to brown stains from the saliva.
-
Poor diet: “A poor-quality diet can also cause food sensitivities, leading to excessive tearing, especially in sensitive breeds,” explains Myriam.
“In general, light-colored dogs are more susceptible to staining, as their coats simply contrast more sharply with the discoloration,” explains Myriam.
How to Safely Remove Brown Stains from White Dog Fur
1. Cleaning the Affected Area
Since these stains are caused by tears and saliva, the first step is to remove this excess from your dog’s fur. Gently wipe away tears or saliva with a damp cloth or Earth Rated’s pet eye wipes, then dry the area.
While this won’t remove stains immediately, it helps prevent new fur from becoming discolored. As your dog’s old, stained fur grows out, you can have a groomer trim it away, leaving the clean, white fur.
2. Grooming Routine
A consistent grooming routine is an important step in keeping your dog’s coat stain-free. Routinely trimming the fur around your dog’s eyes can stop them from becoming irritated and watery.
Removing eye boogers can also help prevent eye infections and irritations.
Regular brushing and bathing with a shampoo pH-balanced for dogs, like Earth Rated’s, helps remove dirt and debris that can cause skin irritations and also promotes healthy skin and coats.
3. Diet and Hydration
“A high-quality diet, rich in protein and essential fatty acids, is crucial for maintaining a healthy and shiny coat,” explains Myriam. “Vitamins and minerals like zinc and biotin play an important role in hair growth and skin health.”
A nutrient-rich diet helps prevent skin dryness, excessive hair loss, and a dull coat, so your pup won’t be drawn to lick irritated areas.
Additionally, if your pup is licking excessively due to food allergies, removing the allergen from their diet can help reduce the licking and subsequently the brown stains.
4. Professional Grooming and Veterinary Care
Sometimes, you might need to call in some professional reinforcements. If you notice excessive tearing, constant licking, or other signs of irritation, it’s important to call your vet and rule out potential eye infections and health concerns.
If you can pinpoint what’s causing the excessive tear production and licking, you can find a solution to the problem and consequently, target the brown stains.
Preventing Brown Stains on White Fur
Like many things, prevention is key. Preventing brown stains is much simpler than trying to remove them once they’re there. With a lot of consistency and a little know-how, you can help keep your pup stain-free.
-
Regular grooming: Tear stains are caused by tears and debris. So, keeping your dog's eye-area clean and dry can help prevent stains from forming in the first place. Consider using Earth Rated’s eye wipes to gently clean around your dog’s face to keep those pesky stains under control.
-
Keep feeding areas clean: Your dog’s face can get dirty when eating or drinking. Keeping their water and food bowls clean can help with overall hygiene.
-
Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls: These materials are easier to keep clean with a quick wipe, helping to prevent bacterial growth, which can cause skin irritations.
Putting it All Together
Brown stains on your dog’s fur can come from a mix of tears, saliva, and everyday messes, like food and dirt buildup. Certain dog breeds are more prone to these issues, but regular grooming can make a huge difference. If the culprits are removed before they can cause stains, you can help your dog stay stain-free.
The key to preventing these stains is consistency. From using Earth Rated’s eye wipes to trimming the fur around the eyes, every little step helps. Brown stains are often benign, but they can occasionally indicate an underlying health issue like an eye infection or ingrown eyelash so always speak to your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog.
If you’re ready to step up your pup’s routine, check out Earth Rated’s grooming products for a cleaner, healthier coat
