You’ve probably noticed the dark brown stains, also known as cocker spaniel tear stains, under your dog’s eyes. At some point, you might’ve even thought your dog was crying. Tear stains are more visible in breeds with light fur, and they can indicate several health concerns.

What are cocker spaniel tear stains?

Cocker spaniel tear stains are brownish or reddish in color and appear underneath a dog’s eyes. They’re more visible on dogs with light-colored fur and often come with discharge.

The tear stains are caused by epiphora, a condition that results in the production of excess tears. Epiphora can be acute or chronic.

The tears appear red because porphyrin, a pigment in tears, accumulates beneath the eyes. Rust-colored stains may also indicate a yeast infection under the eyes from the constant moisture from the tears.

What causes cocker spaniel tear stains?

Blocked Tear Ducts

If your cocker spaniel previously experienced eye infections, there might be scar tissue blocking his tear ducts, which results in excess tearing. To be certain, take your dog to the veterinarian so that they can “flush” out his ducts. Do note that his ducts may not be completely flushed after one visit. You may have to return several times.

Punctal Atresia

Punctal atresia is a common condition shared among cocker spaniels and golden retrievers. It means that the dog lacks development in his tear ducts. Your dog must undergo surgery so that the vet can create a tiny opening in the duct.

Glaucoma

Cocker spaniels often have problems with fluid drainage from the eye. This makes them prone to glaucoma, a condition where fluid builds up inside the eyeball, creating pressure. Aside from the visible reddish tears, if you notice your dog scratching at his eyeballs, and if his eyes appear red and cloudy, take him to the vet immediately. Glaucoma can suddenly flare up, and delayed treatment might cause him to lose his vision.

Bacterial and Fungal Infections

This is one of the most common causes of cocker spaniel tear stains. Bacteria and fungi can block the puncta, resulting in the overproduction of tears.

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs are allergic to lots of things. Your cocker spaniel could be experiencing excessive tearing because of an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, and even food. Your vet can pinpoint specific allergens that you should avoid.

How to Clean Cocker Spaniel Tear Stains

Regardless of what’s causing your cocker spaniel to experience tear staining, you have to keep your dog’s eyes as clean as possible to prevent the worsening of his condition and to make sure that he’s comfortable.

Clean his eyes frequently

You should clean your cocker spaniel’s eyes at least once a week, but it really depends on the severity of the tear stains. If your dog has hard or crusty tear stains, you might want to clean his eyes every day.

Use safe materials

You can clean your cocker spaniel’s eyes using a cotton ball or soft cloth. If you don’t have a dog-safe eyewash or sterile saline solution, lukewarm water can do the job. There are lots of products that claim to do the trick, but these are usually harmful to your dog. Avoid products that have these substances as they are not safe around your dog’s eyes: hydrogen peroxide, topical vinegar, and makeup remover.

Clean the area

Once your cleaning materials are ready, clean the area where you want to perform the cocker spaniel tear stain cleaning. You want to make sure that you won’t be adding more dirt into his eyes. Dogs typically squirm and try to break free during grooming, so it’s possible that they will lay down, roll over, or even try to run.

Carry a handkerchief

Always have a handkerchief or soft cloth at the ready. Gently dab underneath your cocker spaniel’s eyes throughout the day to reduce the appearance of tear stains.

Take him to a vet

Sometimes, the cause is more serious, which is why you should take your dog to the vet. If your cocker spaniel is suffering from an eye infection, your vet might prescribe your dog antibiotics or eye drops. Genetic conditions like Punctal Atresia will require surgery, while allergies will require you to make some changes to your dog’s diet. It’s important not to switch to a certain diet without consulting your vet, as it might cause more problems.

If you can’t take your cocker spaniel to the vet immediately, just make sure to keep your dog comfortable by cleaning around the tear-stained area, and by trimming the fur around his eyes to prevent further irritation.

Cocker Spaniel Health at Cuttin Blue Farms

Cuttin Blue Farms specializes in cocker spaniel health care. We’ve trained and treated American cocker spaniels for several years, and we know how to make them well again.

Visit our website to see our cocker spaniels and how you can maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog.