Caring For your Pomeranian, Pom Health, Pomeranian Grooming

How to Remove and Prevent Pomeranian Tear Stains

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Last Updated on 09/02/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on April 28, 2023.

As a Pomeranian owner, you know that tear stains on your pup’s face can be frustrating and unsightly. Left untreated, tears, mucus, saliva, and dried secretions from the eyes can cause staining around the delicate area of their faces.

So, how do you effectively remove those stubborn marks? It is possible to clean them up without damaging their coat or skin – this post will explain exactly how!

We’ll also provide helpful tips for preventing future tearing and keeping it under control so that your fluffy friend always looks their best. Keep reading to learn more about removing and preventing Pomeranian tear stains.

What Are Pomeranian Tear Stains?

Pomeranian eye stains can be dark brown discolored hair 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.

Pomeranian eye stains are a common issue with 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 Tear Stains
Pomeranian Tear Stains

Pomeranian Puppies Can Develop Tear Stains

Pomeranian eye stains may develop on young Pom puppies still feeding on 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 from food. 

What Causes Tear Stains in Pomeranians?

Excessive tearing or epiphora isn’t normal for Pomeranians, and it indicates that your Pom has a problem that you must fix.

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 lots of things that may cause potential allergies for your Pomeranian. Examples include pollen, dust, secondhand smoke, plastic, perfumes, and other sprays.

He might be allergic to his plastic water and food bowls. It could be seasonal, which might take longer to identify. Some Poms have an allergy to grain, and if their food is grain-rich, the 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 make them feel better.

Having inward-growing lashes might not sound bad but must be treated urgently to avoid 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 cornea damage.

The medical term for this is Entropion. It’s often genetic and is sometimes present when the puppy is born and diagnosed before his first birthday.

4. Cornea Injury

Pomeranians are very curious animals. They may accidentally scratch away part of the cornea with a toy, stick, blanket, or something similar. 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 Pomeranian eye stains and/or discharge from the eyes. 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.

Removing Pomeranian Eye Stains
Removing Pomeranian Eye Stains

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 determining the underlying cause because that 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 twice daily in each eye 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 Pomeranian eye stains.
Tools used for cleaning Pomeranian eye stains
Tools used for cleaning Pomeranian eye stains

Many Pomeranian breeders also recommend:

  • Only provide bottled/distilled water for your dog to drink.
  • The use of moisturizing eye drops.
  • Giving your dog Vitamin C.
  •  Include half a teaspoon of coconut oil in his food daily.
  •  Apple cider vinegar for dog eye stains helps. One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar added to the dog’s food daily may also be helpful. Some dogs won’t eat their meal with the added vinegar, so start slowly, only adding a few drops and increasing slowly to one 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 and tried all the following methods to remove eye stains successfully. Removing unsightly eye staining is an important part of Pomeranian grooming.

How to clean Pomeranian tear stains
How to clean Pomeranian tear stains

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 need minor surgery or electrolysis to correct the problem. If your Pomeranian suffers from severe allergies, you may need to give him an antihistamine to decrease symptoms. However, if an infection is a 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 abovementioned steps and apply a dog tear stain remover that works 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.

Pictured Above: Pomeranian tear stains. Before and after using the recommended tear stain remover product.
Pictured Above Left: Pomeranian tear stains. Pictured Above Right: Pomeranian with little or no tear stains after using dog tear stain remover that works. Before and after using the recommended tear stain remover product.

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 has disappeared. That would take an average of 10 days. After that, use it as needed.

Pomeranian HQ Pomeranian Tear Stain Web Story:

Click on the image to play the web story below:

How to Remove Pomeranian Tear Stains

How to Use Dog Tear Stain Remover

I started seeing good results, using the dog tear stain remover that works after a week.

  • Apply the tear stain remover powder every night.
  •  First, wipe the area clean with a make-up remover pad.
  • Comb the hair under the eye in the opposite direction to encourage powder to coat each strand of hair.
  • Apply Eye Envy – Tear Stain Remover Powder- for Dogs and Cats, 4oz – Safe and Natural with either the tip of your finger, 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 proved very successful, and my Pomeranian Puppy is now a consistent winner at Dog Shows.

Pomeranian Puppy is now a consistent winner at Dog Shows
After the use of Eye Envy tear stain remover, this Pomeranian Puppy is now a consistent winner at Dog Shows.

Best Product to Remove Tear Stains on Dogs

Eye Envy Dog Tear Stain Remover Starter Kit with ProPowder Brush | Stain Solution, Applicator Pads, Stain Powder and Small Applicator Brush | Lasts 30-45 days
  • 30-45 DAY SUPPLY KIT: The Tear Stain Remover Pack contains 2 oz Tear Stain Remover Solution for Dogs, .5oz Tear Stain Remover Powder, 30-Count Applicator Refill Pads, and Small or Large ProPowder Applicator Brush.
  • TWO-STEP SYSTEM: Tear Stain Solution cleans the affected area and helps fight the root cause of the staining; apply with included applicator pads. Tear Stain Powder absorbs excess moisture and helps repel new tears. It is NOT a chalk or cover up, but a natural silk-like powder that safely keeps your pet’s eye dry, stain-free and full of luster. Apply Powder safely with the ProPowder Brush.
  • REMOVE TEARS: Safely remove tear stains with non-irritating and 100% natural ingredients including Colloidal Silver. Remove tear stains in 7 days with daily use. For tear free eyes, use weekly once original tear stains are removed. Apply directly around the eyes and between skin folds.
  • SAFE AND NATURAL: Eye Envy products are non-irritating and applied topically, never ingested. Eye Envy does not contain; parabens, peroxide, bleach, or steroids. Safe for pets of all ages. Made in USA with human grade ingredients since 2001.
  • EFFECTIVE ON WHITE DOGS/WRINKLED BREEDS: Proven effective by breeders, veterinarians, professional groomers and dog show enthusiasts worldwide. Maltese, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Bichon, Poodle, Samoyed, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Pugs, Bulldogs and other white/light colored toy breeds.
Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Solution for Dogs|100% Natural,Safe|Recommended by Breeders/Vet/Professional Handlers/Groomers|Contains colloidal Silver|Remove Stains from White/Light Fur,Skin Folds (8oz)
  • STEP 2 IN 3-STEP SYSTEM: Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Solution cleans the affected area and uses natural ingredients that leads to unsightly and smelly tear stains.
  • REMOVE TEARS: Remove tear stains in 7 days with daily use. To keep stain free, use weekly once original tear stains are removed. Safely remove tear stains with non-irritating and 100% natural ingredients including Colloidal Silver. Apply directly around the eyes and between skin folds.
  • SAFE AND NATURAL: Eye Envy products are non-irritating and applied topically, never ingested. Eye Envy does not contain; parabens, peroxide, bleach, or steroids. Safe for pets of all ages. Made in USA with human grade ingredients since 2001.
  • EFFECTIVE ON WHITE DOGS/WRINKLED BREEDS: Proven effective by breeders, veterinarians, professional groomers and dog show enthusiasts worldwide. Maltese, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Bichon, Poodle, Samoyed, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Pugs, Bulldogs and other white/light colored toy breeds.
  • 3-STEP SYSTEM: Use the Eye Envy Tear Stain Facial Cleanser to remove heavy staining and debris/gunk. Follow this with the Eye Envy Stain Remover Solution to clean the affected area. Finally, finish with the Eye Envy Tear Remover Stain Powder to absorb moisture and repel tears.
Eye Envy Cat Tear Stain Remover Starter Kit with ProPowder Brush | Stain Solution, Applicator Pads, Stain Powder and Small Applicator Brush | Lasts 30-45 Days
  • 30-45 DAY SUPPLY KIT: The Tear Stain Remover Pack contains 2 oz Tear Stain Remover Solution for Cats, .5oz Tear Stain Remover Powder, 30-Count Applicator Refill Pads, and Small or Large ProPowder Applicator Brush.
  • TWO-STEP SYSTEM: Tear Stain Solution cleans the affected area and helps fight the root cause of the staining; apply with included Applicator Pads. Tear Stain Powder absorbs excess moisture and helps new tears. It is NOT a chalk or cover up, but a natural silk-like powder that safely keeps your pet’s eye dry, stain-free and full of luster. Apply Powder safely with the ProPowder Brush.
  • REMOVE TEARS: Safely remove tear stains with non-irritating and 100% natural ingredients including Colloidal Silver. Remove tear stains in 7 days with daily use. For tear free eyes, use weekly once original tear stains are removed. Apply directly around the eyes.
  • SAFE AND NATURAL: Eye Envy products are non-irritating and applied topically, never ingested. Eye Envy does not contain; parabens, peroxide, bleach, steroids, or antibiotics. Safe for pets of all ages. Made in USA with human grade ingredients since 2001.
  • EFFECTIVE ON PERSIANS, HIMALAYANS & EXOTICS: Proven effective by breeders, veterinarians, professional groomers and cat fanciers worldwide. Ideal for Persians, Himalayans and Excotic Shorthairs, and other white/light colored breeds. The Small ProPowder Brush is ideal for kittens and smaller felines. Use the large ProPowder brush for medium and large sized cats.
Eye Envy Tear Stain Wipes for Dogs | Textured to Gently Clean | Presoaked in 100% Natural Formula | Recommended by AKC Breeders, Vets, Groomers | Treats The Cause of Staining | 60 Count
  • PRESOAKED WITH EYE ENVY’S TRUSTED SOLUTION: Eye Envy Tear Stain Wipes are presoaked with Eye Envy’s Tear Stain Remover – step 2 in a 3-step system. The formula cleans the affected area and uses natural ingredients to fight the root cause of unsightly, smelly tear stains. Remove tear stains in 7 days with daily use.
  • TEXTURED TO REMOVE DEBRIS: Waffle-like texture gently cleans away debris. Use to wipe around eyes and between skin folds.
  • SAFE AND NATURAL: Eye Envy products are non-irritating and applied topically, never ingested. Eye Envy does not contain; parabens, peroxide, bleach, steroids, or antibiotics. Safe for pets of all ages. Made in USA with human grade ingredients since 2001.
  • EFFECTIVE ON WHITE DOGS/WRINKLED BREEDS: Proven effective by breeders, veterinarians, professional groomers and dog show enthusiasts worldwide. Maltese, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Bichon, Poodle, Samoyed, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Pugs, Bulldogs and other white/light colored toy breeds.
  • 3-STEP SYSTEM: Use the Eye Envy Tear Stain Facial Cleanser to remove heavy staining and debris/gunk. Follow this with the Eye Envy Stain Remover Wipes to clean the affected area. Finally, finish with the Eye Envy Tear Remover Stain Powder to absorb moisture and repel tears to prevent the stains from forming.

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

Final Thoughts on Pomeranian Eye Stains

Pomeranian tear stains are not an uncommon problem for Pom owners. There are two schools of thought on dealing with them, but the most important thing is taking steps early rather than waiting until it becomes a more significant issue.

The first step should be making an appointment with your veterinarian so they can give you advice based on their professional expertise and knowledge base. A Veterinarian should check excessive Pomeranian eye-watering.

Certain health issues can produce excessive tear production and result in eye staining. 

Your veterinarian should check your dog’s eyes for an eyelid or lash problem that could irritate her eye or blocked tear ducts. Sometimes, simple surgery can fix the problem of Pomeranian eyes watering. 

They might recommend at-home treatments or prescription solutions depending on the severity of your dog’s condition. That said, there will come times when self-care isn’t enough—your vet may even refer you back to us here at Pomeranian Headquarters.

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

About

Denise Leo

Pomeranians are my passion, and I have shared my life with these darling little dogs for many decades. The creator and face behind this website is published author and Pomeranian breed authority Denise Leo of Dochlaggie Pomeranians.

Denise Leo
Denise Leo