Pomeranian Tear Stains: Causes, Removal & Prevention (Expert Guide)

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Tear stains are a common concern for Pomeranian owners, particularly in light-coloured dogs where staining is more visible. These reddish-brown marks beneath the eyes can detract from the clean, bright expression that is so important in the Pomeranian breed.

As a long-time Pomeranian breeder, exhibitor, and ANKC Championship Show Judge, I’ve seen tear staining in many dogs over the years. While it is often harmless, it can also indicate underlying issues that should not be ignored.

In this guide, I will explain what causes Pomeranian tear stains, how to remove them safely, and most importantly, how to prevent them.

What Are Pomeranian Tear Stains?

Pomeranian eye stains are dark brown discolorations under the Pomeranian’s eyes. Food does not cause stains. The orange stain results from an iron ingredient that the Pom secretes in his saliva, tears, and urine.

This is why your Pom may always have orange on his lips, paws, or anywhere else he licks. The excessive tearing is only aggravated if he’s out in the sunlight and wind.

Pomeranian eye stains are a common occurrence in dogs with light-colored fur. Eye irritation, allergies, or other health problems cause most eye staining issues.

Eye stains are a common issue for most Pomeranians.

To avoid tear stains in your Pomeranian, you’ll need extra care around the eye area. If you are wondering what to do about it, this article is for you.

Pom owners will be pleased to know there are ways to remove tear stains.

Pomeranian Puppies Can Develop Tear Stains

Pomeranian eye stains may develop in young Pom puppies who are still nursing their mother. Pomeranian eye stains and staining on paws and around their mouth are very common on white and cream-colored Pom puppies. 

Light-colored Pomeranian puppies may develop food stains on their paws and around the mouth. 

What Causes Tear Stains in Pomeranians?

Excessive tearing, or epiphora, isn’t normal for Pomeranians and indicates a problem that you must address.

So, let’s take a quick look at the most common causes of watering eyes in Pomeranians that can lead to stains.

1. Pomeranian Allergies

If something gets into your Pomeranian’s eyes, an involuntary reaction is to begin to water because this flushes away lots of irritants. So, this makes allergies a major cause of stains.

There are many things that may cause allergies in your Pomeranian. Examples include pollen, dust, secondhand smoke, plastic, perfumes, and other sprays.

He might be allergic to the plastic in his water and food bowls. It could be seasonal, which might take longer to identify. Some Poms have a grain allergy, and if their food is grain-rich, tears may flow freely.

2. Eyelash Problems

Pomeranian tear stains and watering eyes may happen if conditions affect his eyelashes. Some may bend inward, and some could grow from part of his eyelid where they shouldn’t be growing.

If these happen, your Pomeranian’s eyes may be red, swollen, and watery. It can become so uncomfortable at times that you may see him pawing at his eyes to ease the discomfort.

Having inward-growing lashes may not sound bad, but they must be treated promptly to prevent damage to one or both corneas.

3. Eyelid Problems

Apart from eyelashes pointing inwards, eyelids can bend inwards partially, too. Lashes may then brush the eye, causing corneal damage.

The medical term for this is Entropion. It’s often genetic and sometimes present at birth, diagnosed before his first birthday.

4. Cornea Injury

Pomeranians are very curious animals. They may accidentally scratch part of the cornea with a toy, stick, blanket, or similar object. Depending on the level of damage, you may see redness, swelling, and some tearing.

5. Blocked or Narrow Tear Ducts

Pomeranian tear stains can occur if your Pomeranian has a blocked tear duct because the tears have nowhere else to go, except to spill onto his fur. Some Poms may have been born with narrow ducts; the single symptom is the teary discharge.

6. Pomeranian Eye Infections

Various eye infections can cause eye staining and/or discharge in Pomeranians. It could be a bacterial or viral infection, such as conjunctivitis. If the discharge is yellow and thick, it’s time for a quick trip to the vet.

If you notice your Pom having wet hair around his face, get him to the vet, as it’s an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Certain forms of yeast can change the fur color around his eyes to a rusty color.

7. Diet and Tear Stains

Diet can influence tear staining in some Pomeranians.

Some owners report improvement when:

• Feeding high-quality diets
• Avoiding artificial additives
• Using filtered water

👉 While not always the cause, diet can contribute in some cases.

8. Teething in Puppies

Teething in puppies is a normal developmental stage that can often lead to temporary tear staining in Pomeranians. As adult teeth begin to erupt, pressure on the gums and facial structures can stimulate the tear ducts, leading to increased tearing. This excess moisture can sit on the coat beneath the eyes, leading to staining—particularly noticeable in lighter-coloured Pomeranians.

This phase typically occurs between 4 and 7 months of age and usually resolves once teething is complete. During this time, it’s important to keep the eye area clean and dry, while also ensuring the puppy has appropriate chew items to ease discomfort. In most cases, tear staining caused by teething is temporary and will improve naturally as the puppy matures.

How You Can Clean Pomeranian Tear Stains?

Tear stains present no danger to your Pomeranian. However, they’re not pleasing to look at as they detract from that cute face.

You ask how I get rid of tear stains on my Pomeranian.

Cleaning these discolorations isn’t difficult. However, an important first step is to determine the underlying cause, as it could present problems.

There’s a chance the stains will reappear if you don’t learn their cause and fix it.

To Reduce Pomeranian Eye Stains, Follow These Steps:

• Human eye drops can be used to flush your dog’s tear ducts. A couple of drops in each eye twice daily often stops ugly eye staining.
• Use a damp makeup pad to wash away the stains each day. (Use sterile water or eye drops to moisten the pad.) Never use tissues around your dog’s eye area. Tissues are made from wood and may cause severe eye irritation.
• Get antibiotics from the vet to prevent eye staining in Pomeranians.

Many Pomeranian breeders also recommend:

• Only provide bottled or distilled water for your dog to drink.
• The use of moisturizing eye drops.
• Give your dog Vitamin C.
•  Include half a teaspoon of coconut oil in his food daily.
•  Apple cider vinegar helps with dog eye stains. Adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the dog’s food daily may also be helpful. Some dogs won’t eat their meal with added vinegar, so start slowly, adding only a few drops and gradually increasing to 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar daily.
• Pomeranian eye wipes are applied daily.

There are many products available to help remove and prevent eye staining. Certain products are added to your dog’s food.

Another approach is using a product applied externally to help minimize Pomeranian eye staining. Coconut oil applied to the hair under the eyes will help prevent ugly tear staining. Unfortunately, most of these eye-stain-remover-type products don’t work.

Some can even be dangerous to your Pomeranian’s health.  As an exhibitor of Pomeranian show dogs, I have experimented with all the following methods to successfully remove eye stains. Removing unsightly eye staining is an important part of Pomeranian grooming.

How Can Vets Treat Tear Stains and Watering Eyes?

What treatments for Pomeranian watery eyes are more widely used? The best treatment largely depends on the cause. Flushing the irritated dog’s eyes is the simplest option.

However, eyelash and eyelid issues might require minor surgery or electrolysis to correct them. If your Pomeranian suffers from severe allergies, you may need to give him an antihistamine to decrease symptoms. However, if an infection is the cause, it could mean eye drops or antibiotics are needed regularly.

Pomeranian Tear Stain Remover That Works

Presentation is extremely important for show Pomeranians. I follow the aforementioned steps and apply a dog tear-stain remover externally daily. 

How to Get Rid of Tear Stains:

I have found the best tear stain remover for dogs is Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover.

I recommend Eye Envy – Tear Stain Remover Powder- for Dogs and Cats, 4oz – Safe and Natural as a Pomeranian tear stain Remover that works.

I have been using Eye Envy Tear Stain remover on the Pomeranian Puppy pictured above for a month, and the results are amazing.

Repeat Every Day

Once you have the tear-stain remover, you’ll need to apply it daily until the discoloration disappears. That would take an average of 10 days. After that, use it as needed.

How to Use Dog Tear Stain Remover

I started seeing good results with the dog tear stain remover after a week.

• Apply the tear stain remover powder every night.
•  First, wipe the area clean with a makeup remover pad.
• Comb the hair under the eye in the opposite direction to encourage the powder to coat each strand.
• Apply Eye Envy – Tear Stain Remover Powder – for Dogs and Cats, 4oz – Safe and Natural with the tip of your finger, a toothbrush, or a cotton bud (I use either a cotton bud or a toothbrush, but you can purchase a special applicator if required).

At this stage,  I have only purchased the powder Eye Envy.

Using the Eye Envy – Tear Stain Remover Powder – for Dogs and Cats, 4oz – Safe and Natural has proven very successful, and my Pomeranian Puppy is now a consistent winner at Dog Shows.

Best Product to Remove Tear Stains on Dogs

For complete Pomeranian Grooming information, refer to the Pomeranian Grooming Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pomeranian Tear Stains

Are tear stains harmful?
Usually not, but they can indicate irritation or underlying issues.

Why does my Pomeranian have tear stains?
Common causes include blocked tear ducts, irritation, or grooming issues.

Can tear stains be removed permanently?
They can be reduced, but ongoing care is usually required.

Do all Pomeranians get tear stains?
No, but they are more visible in light-coloured dogs.

Does food cause tear stains?
Sometimes — diet may play a role in certain cases.

Final Thoughts on Pomeranian Eye Stains

Pomeranian tear stains are common, but with the right care and attention, they can be effectively managed. The key is to understand the cause, maintain proper grooming, and act early if changes occur.

A clean, bright expression is an important part of the Pomeranian’s overall appearance — and with consistent care, most tear staining can be significantly reduced.

N.B. This article regarding Pomeranian health issues was written in consultation with our resident veterinarian.

Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq
DVM, University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2019
MSc. (Hons.) (Animal Breeding & Genetics), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 2021

Copyright Pomeranian.Org. All Rights Reserved.

References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo, “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
[2] Denise Leo “Pomeranian Grooming.”

The Pomeranian Handbook

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