If you own a Maltese, you may have noticed those frustrating reddish-brown stains creeping around their beautiful white eyes. These eye stains aren’t just unsightly; they often indicate issues related to tear drainage and eye health. Understanding the causes and learning safe removal methods can help keep your beloved Maltese looking fresh and feeling comfortable.
Causes of Maltese Eye Stains
Maltese dogs are famous for their pure white coats, but this also makes tear stains especially noticeable. These stains manifest as reddish-brown discolorations under and around the eyes, often referred to as tear staining or medically as epiphora. The primary causes include both genetic factors and underlying medical issues that affect tear production and drainage.
Genetic and Anatomical Factors
Maltese are predisposed to tear stains largely because of their facial structure and genetics. Their eyes tend to protrude slightly, and their short noses result in narrow, sometimes tortuous tear ducts that do not drain tears efficiently. This poor tear drainage causes tears to spill onto the fur under the eyes. The long, white hair around the eyes traps moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast growth, which worsen staining.
Interestingly, not all Maltese littermates develop tear stains, indicating that genetics plays a nuanced role. Some dogs simply have better tear drainage and less excess tear production, which helps prevent staining despite similar environments.
Medical Conditions Affecting Tear Staining
Tear staining may be a sign of underlying health issues such as:
- Blocked Tear Ducts: When the nasolacrimal ducts, responsible for draining tears into the nose, become blocked, tears overflow onto the face, causing persistent wetness and staining.
- Eye Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections cause irritation and increased tear production, contributing to staining and sometimes unpleasant odors.
- Eyelid Abnormalities: Conditions like entropion (inward-turning eyelids) or ectropion (outward-turning eyelids) interfere with normal tear drainage and eye protection.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye can lead to excessive tearing and secondary staining.
- Ingrown Eyelashes or Irritants: These can cause chronic eye irritation, triggering excessive tears.
Because these conditions can cause discomfort and worsen staining, consulting a veterinarian is essential to rule out or treat any health problems before focusing on cosmetic removal methods.
Why Are Maltese Tear Stains Rust-Colored?
The reddish-brown hue of tear stains is primarily caused by a pigment called porphyrin. Porphyrins are iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. They are naturally excreted in tears, saliva, and even paw pads.
When tears containing porphyrins sit on the white fur for prolonged periods, the iron oxidizes on exposure to air and sunlight, creating rust-colored stains. Additionally, yeast overgrowth (especially Pityrosporum species) thrives in the moist environment created by tear overflow and can contribute a reddish-brown discoloration along with a noticeable odor.
So, the stains are not just dirt; they are biological pigments and microbial byproducts that require specific care to remove safely.
How to Safely Remove Maltese Eye Stains
Removing tear stains safely involves a combination of gentle cleaning, addressing underlying tear production problems, and managing microbial growth. Here are trusted methods to help restore your Maltese’s bright, white face.
1. Gentle Daily Cleaning
Cleaning the fur around your dog’s eyes daily prevents tear residue from building up and staining the hair. Use a soft, damp cloth or pet-friendly eye wipes to gently wipe away discharge. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing, which can irritate the delicate skin and increase tear production.
Cleaning after meals is especially helpful, as food particles can contribute to staining if they get near the eyes.
2. Safe Tear Stain Removal Products
Several veterinarian-approved products are formulated specifically to remove tear stains safely. These usually contain gentle enzymes or mild astringents that help break down porphyrin pigments and reduce yeast growth without harming your dog’s eyes or skin.
Always choose products designed for pets and avoid home remedies like hydrogen peroxide or human skincare products, which can damage skin and worsen staining.
3. Address Underlying Medical Issues
If tear staining is persistent or accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, discharge, or odor, consult your veterinarian promptly. Treatments might include flushing blocked tear ducts, medication for eye infections, or surgery for eyelid abnormalities to restore normal tear flow and reduce staining.
4. Diet and Hydration Support
Some dog owners find that improving their Maltese’s diet helps reduce tear staining. High-quality dog food free of artificial additives and fillers can support overall health and reduce excessive tear production. Additionally, ensuring your Maltese stays well-hydrated helps keep the eyes and nose moist but not overly watery.
5. Regular Grooming and Fur Trimming
Keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed short reduces the chance of tear moisture lingering on the fur. Regular grooming also improves airflow and minimizes the moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive.
Preventing Tear Stains in Maltese Dogs
Prevention is often easier than removal. The following proactive steps can minimize tear staining development:
- Wipe your Maltese’s face daily with a damp cloth to remove tear buildup before it stains.
- Keep the fur around the eyes trimmed and clean to reduce moisture retention.
- Ensure your dog’s eyes are free of irritants like dust, pollen, or shampoo residue after baths.
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet and provide fresh water to promote overall health and normal tear production.
- Schedule regular vet checkups to catch and treat any eye or tear duct problems early.
Paying close attention to your Maltese’s eye health and facial hygiene can keep tear stains at bay and maintain their signature pristine look.
When to See a Veterinarian
While mild tear staining is common, visit your veterinarian if you notice:
- Persistent or worsening reddish-brown stains despite regular cleaning
- Eye redness, swelling, or unusual discharge
- Foul odor coming from the eye area
- Signs of eye pain or discomfort, such as pawing at the eyes or squinting
Early diagnosis of infections, blocked ducts, or other eye conditions is crucial to prevent complications and reduce tear staining effectively.
Summary
Maltese eye stains are caused mainly by genetic predispositions leading to inefficient tear drainage and excessive tear production. The iron-based pigment porphyrin and yeast growth amplify the staining, especially on their white fur. Treatment involves gentle daily cleaning, using pet-safe stain removers, addressing any medical issues, and maintaining good grooming habits. Preventing and managing tear stains not only enhances your Maltese’s appearance but also supports their eye health and comfort.
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