What are tear stains in dogs and cats?

Have you ever noticed that pets' tears are a different colour to humans? Unlike ours which are clear, our pets are a rusty brown colour. This is because their body gets rid of waste products from the breakdown of red blood cells, mostly iron-containing molecules called porphyrins, through their tears, saliva and urine. As a result, tear stains are a red-brown colour under your pets eyes. These are caused by excessive tear production that can be from a variety of reasons such as allergies, stress, diet, excess fur around the eyes, lodged eyelashes and medical reasons. Tear stains are also most commonly seen on cats and dogs with lighter-coloured fur.

To help get rid of saliva or tear stains on your pet's fur, you need to make sure you are using something gentle. A simple tissue may work as a one off for dried mucus, but can cause irritation if you scrub too much. Instead, it is usually best to use a natural solution that helps to remove the stains whilst also being caring, soothing and gentle on their skin and fur whilst protecting from bacteria that can cause infections.

Key Ingredients

Juniper berry

Derived from the Juniper tree that grows in parts of Europe, Asia and North America, Juniper berries have been used in medicines for thousands of years. While it is known to provide a wide variety of benefits, here it is included for its skin-benefitting properties.

Lotus Extract

Lotus extract is used for lots of different things. It’s known as a natural relaxant and sedative, and can even help the gut. Thankfully, it also soothes the skin, and is known to help with rashes on the skin.

Passion flower

This natural herb has multiple uses, and is included here for its known benefits toward skin irritation that can occur from tear stains.

Directions

To use, simply moisten a cotton ball or pad with some of the solution and gently wipe over the area of stained fur, being careful around the delicate eye area. Once the stain has been removed, rinse the area with water to remove any residue. Do not use this solution directly in your pets eyes or mouth. Use daily until the stains have subsided and after to prevent reoccurance. Use alongside Animigo’s Tear Stain Remover Soft Chews to help from both the inside and out.

Ingredients

Water (50%), Passion Flower (Passiflora) Extract (10%), Juniper Berry (Juniperus) Essential Oil (9%), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Extract (8%), Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Extract (10%), Evening Primrose Seed Extract (7%), Glycerin (5%), Polylysine (3%)