What Causes Tear Stains in French Bulldogs (How to Stop Them)

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If you’ve ever owned a French Bulldog, you know that they are prone to developing a few unsightly marks around their eyes, usually in the form of red or brown spots or stains. They’re very common in all breeds.

bulldog tear stains

To prevent tear stains in french bulldogs, follow this quick guide and learn how to stop them in their tracks.

As a dog owner myself, I know just how much joy and excitement a new puppy brings to someone’s life but remember puppies can have tearstain to more read Are Tear Stains Worse in Puppies?

However, for many people who own a French Bulldog puppy, it can be a bit of a shock when they discover that their pet is prone to tearing. Why does this happen? And what can be done to prevent it? Read on to find out!

What causes tear stains in french bulldogs?

bulldog tear stain causes

A dog’s tears are caused by the discharge of a tear gland called the lacrimal gland. The tear ducts carry the tears from the lacrimal gland to the tear eye. As the duct opens onto the skin it is vulnerable to damage or obstruction. The resulting buildup of saliva in the eye (tear pool) leads to excessive tearing. The eye itself may be irritated by the bacteria and debris that accumulates.

5 Reasons Why French Bulldog Has Stains

We know that French bulldog has the smallest eyes in the world, so, it is not surprising if they get a tear stain on their face. Here are the top 5 reasons why French bulldog has a tear stain.

1. Strain of the eye

Strain is a very common problem for dogs, but most people don’t know that the French bulldog has this problem too. French bulldog strain is caused due to the small eyes of the dog. When the dog cries or gets excited, the muscles in the eyes become strained. So, you will see a red streak near the pupil of the eye.

2. Drool

The French bulldog has a drooling problem, so, you will see a red line near the nose. It is because the dog has a special gland in the mouth that is responsible for saliva production. The drool is mostly seen in the evening when the dog goes to sleep.

3. Fleas

Fleas are the most common reason for redness in the face of the French bulldog. The French bulldog is the most sensitive dog in the world, and when it comes to fleas, it becomes very aggressive and bites its owner.

4. Pimples

Pimples are also one of the common reasons for tear stains. The French bulldog has the same problem as humans, it has pores in the skin and they can get infected. It will swell up and become bigger and bigger and will become painful.

5. Sunburn

The French bulldog has a lot of furs, so, it is always exposed to the sun. If the dog doesn’t have a good coat of fur, then it will easily get a sunburn. And when the dog cries, the tears fall on the skin and create a tear stain.

Prevention & Treatment:

There are two main factors to consider with tear staining:

A lot of people believe that their pets have too much tear fluid, but this is actually an incorrect assumption. Our pets’ tear glands are located in the middle of the upper eyelid, and the amount of tear fluid that is produced is not related to the amount of tear fluid that is needed to keep the eye moist.

How to Prevent & Clean Tear Stains on french bulldogs Face

If your dog has tears stains, there are a number of things that you can do to help. You should start by taking your dog to the vet to determine if the tears are due to something serious. If the tears are due to something serious, then you should take your dog to the vet right away. If the tears are not due to anything serious, then you can still take steps to help. First, you should try to prevent your dog from getting too much salt. If your dog has access to salt, it will increase the number of tears in his eyes. You should also make sure that your dog does not drink from any bowls that contain salt. If you notice any signs of dehydration, you should also give your dog some water. Finally, if your dog has tears stains, you can use a special eye makeup remover that is safe for your dog.

Examine the quality of your food

You might not think about food additives, but you are exposed to them every day. Some of these additives are added to processed foods to make them taste better, but others are added to preserve the food or to prevent it from spoiling. Many of these additives have not been approved by the FDA and may be harmful to your dog’s health. Always use vet-recommended dog food for tear stains.

Daily eye- and mouth-hair hygiene

A simple daily routine of flushing eyes and mouth can go a long way in keeping those stains at bay.

 Make sure your dog’s eyes are flushed with an appropriate canine eyewash, such as Terra Septic eye drops or saline eyewash solutions.

Use an eyewash wipe and rub underneath and around the eye area.

If you want to be able to see the color of your dog’s coat in the summertime, a great way to keep the humidity down is to keep your dog’s coat clean. One of the best ways to keep your dog’s eyes clean is by using OptiClear, which is a water-based product that works to prevent the build-up of dirt, oil, and debris in your dog’s eyes around.

If your dog has sensitive eyes, you may want to avoid using peroxide on your face. But, if you do want to use peroxide, here is a simple way to get the job done without harming your skin.

Take a paper towel and dip it into a mixture of equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.

Using a soft comb, run it over the area around the eyes.

Examine the quality of your water

It’s really easy to get carried away with the beauty of nature and let yourself get caught up in the moment. We all need to take a step back and examine the quality of the water that dogs drink. While you may think your dog is drinking pure, filtered water, you may not realize that your dog may be consuming a lot of minerals that are causing staining to your dog’s eye. Make sure you have access to clean water that is free of minerals.

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Paul Smith

Paul Smith is an author who loves animals and helps readers understand how to handle their pets well. He is an expert writer who has written about the life of pets in digital media.