How to Get Rid of Red Tear Stains Under Your Morkie's Eyes
What Causes Those Unsightly Streaks, Anyway?
I learned that these red spots were tear stains. Mila's eyes are easily irritated, which causes them to water frequently. The tears run down her face, leaving a damp environment where red yeast can grow. I haven't yet discovered a way to completely avoid the problem, but I have found several tricks to help minimize it.
1. Clean the area at least once daily. I like to use filtered or bottled water and a cotton ball to clean around Mila's eyes. I dip the cotton ball in clean water, making sure it's damp but not too wet, and run it under each eye. You might need to gently rub to loosen up crusty spots. Then I use a small comb to pull any dirt and gunk out of her hair. Be careful not to pull too hard if the comb gets stuck in a tricky spot, or to poke your pup's eye.
2. Trim around her eyes each day. Long hair around the eyes can cause excess tears in dogs. It can get in your pup's eyes, causing red tear stains under your Morkie's eyes. Keep this area well-groomed with a small pair of grooming scissors -- make sure they have rounded tips for your pet's safety. I trim under Mila's eyes every day to get rid of current stains and to keep the problem from becoming worse.
3. Switch to bottled or filtered water. I used to give my pets regular tap water, but the minerals and chemicals in it can make a tear staining problem worse. Now I give them both fresh filtered water daily. Another plus: It has helped keep the hair around Mila's mouth from becoming stained with red.
4. Get a gentle cleaner from the vet. Your Morkie's veterinarian might have a special cleaning product that will help get rid of the red staining. You can also make your own homemade cleaner, but be sure to approve it with the vet first.
5. Go to the groomer. If the problem becomes really bad, bring your dog to the groomer to have her face cleaned up. If necessary, they might have to carefully shave the area under her eyes so the red yeast has nowhere to grow.
Related Content:
How to Care for Your Morkie Dog
Morkie Puppy Potty Training Tips
Winter Grooming for Your Morkie
Published by Tonya Hillukka - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Tonya writes about a variety of topics that interest her. Having earned a degree in Interior Design, she is knowledgeable in various aspects of the home improvement industry, including decorating and green l... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentI had two white American Eskimo or spitz dogs and had to do this for their eyes as well!
Simple yet important ideas.
Really good info! My sis used to have a Great Pyrenees that often had the same problem -- this would have been helpful info for her.