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Alright, fellow Maltese parents, maybe you already clean your Maltese eyes everyday (or at least a few days a week) but those not-so-glamorous tear stains are still a part of our fur baby’s life. Those pesky reddish-brown streaks around their eyes that make them look like they’ve been crying through a doggy soap opera. Fear not! In this guide, I’m going to spill the tea on tackling tear stains with diet, sharing things that is working well for my Luna and Sol, my two Maltese dogs. Luna is 5 years old and Sol is only 6 months old.
Some of the information here is from my own experience (trial and error) and others are from things I learned while I was trying to find a solution for my fur babies.
Get to Know Tear Stains
So, picture this: you’ve got your adorable fluffball of joy, and suddenly, there it is – the tear stains. It’s like a tiny Picasso painting, but not exactly the masterpiece you had in mind. Now, why do our Maltese buddies get these stains? Well, let’s dive into the doggy drama.
- Blame it on Genetics: First up, genetics. Yep, it’s in their DNA. Some Maltese just have a knack for producing more tears than others. I can say that Luna, my oldest Maltese clearly produces more than Sol. It’s like they’re the emotional drama queens of the dog world!!
- Teething and Irritants: Then there’s the teething phase. Puppies are like babies – they drool, they chew, and they cry. Mix that with environmental irritants like dust and pollen, and… hair falling on their eyes (this on my digs is the worst) and you’ve got yourself a tear-staining party.
- Eye Shape Matters: Check out your Maltese’s eyes. Are they like deep pools or more on the protruding side? The shape matters and can contribute to those tear stains setting up camp.
- Food, Glorious Food: Now, let’s talk doggy diet. What your fluffster eats can influence those tear stains. Skip the junk altogether, opt for high-quality dog food (I will write a blog just on that later!), and watch those stains take a back seat.
Now that we’ve dissected the drama, let’s get to the real action – how to tackle those tear stains and restore your Maltese’s fabulous look. If you’re just getting started, I have a tutorial here with step-by-step on How to Remove Tear Stains from Your Maltese at Home. But in this blog post I will mostly focus on the food and water you’re giving your dogs and see what you can change to make the tear stains disappear or at least improve.
Tackling Tear Stains by upgrading their food
Say goodbye to cheap dog food with mystery ingredients. Upgrade to a high-quality, natural option. Please, read the nutrition facts and talk to your vet about the best quality food for your fur baby. Think of it as giving them the canine equivalent of a Michelin-star meal.
Tackling Tear Stains by removing grains
I have read this tip in several Maltese communities when I had only Lunda (my 6 year-old Maltese) and I was initially skeptical about it, but since I started to see good results within a month of changing her food. I now only give Luna and Sol the grain-free version of the Wellness Core brand. I only have tested 3 brands before I settled on this one, but I can write a blog someday about each one of them and why I picked this one. So, do your research, you may need to try a few before you settle on one that your Maltese like.
Tackling Tear Stains by changing their water
Fancy Water, Anyone? It’s not just about food; it’s about the water too. I have swapped out tap water to distilled water (but some people have success with filtered water too). It’s like upgrading from tap water to fancy bottled water but for your Maltese. I have read online that some people don’t recommend offering only distilled water to your dogs as they can lack some nutrients. So, please ask your vet. My vet gave me the green light for both of my dogs, so this was a life changer for the tear stains!
Tackling Tear Stains with supplements
Supplement Superheroes! Supplements aren’t just for bodybuilders; they can be for our fur babies too. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can be tear-stain-fighting superheroes, so consider talking to your vet before adding them to your Maltese’s diet.
Tackling Tear Stains with proper hydration
Keep ’em Hydrated. Thirsty dogs produce more tears. You may think it’s the opposite, right!? But it’s actually science. So, I always make sure that my Maltese have a constant supply of fresh water within their reach, all day and every day. If you’re leaving for long periods of time, make sure they have an extra amount of water available to them until you’re back.
The Benefits of Food and Water to Fighting Tear Stains
Still wondering how can food and water help prevent or remove tear stains from your Maltese? Check out the table below for a quick cheat sheet:
| Benefit | Food | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration | High-quality, moisture-rich diets can keep the body hydrated, aiding in tear production regulation and reducing tear staining. | Clean, fresh water helps maintain proper hydration levels, which can reduce tear staining by diluting tear production. |
| Nutrient Balance | Balanced diets containing essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can promote overall health, potentially reducing tear stains. | Proper hydration supports nutrient absorption, ensuring that the body receives essential nutrients for overall health and potentially diminishing tear stains. |
| Digestive Health | Easily digestible foods can support optimal digestion, reducing the likelihood of tear stains caused by digestive issues or food sensitivities. | Ample water intake aids in digestion by promoting the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients, potentially decreasing tear staining related to digestive issues. |
| Immune Support | Foods rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting nutrients can help support a healthy immune system, potentially reducing tear stains caused by underlying health issues. | Adequate hydration supports immune function by assisting in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body, potentially mitigating tear staining associated with immune system imbalances. |
| Eye Health | Diets containing ingredients beneficial for eye health, such as antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, can promote healthy tear production and reduce tear staining. (1) | Proper hydration helps maintain moisture balance in the eyes, supporting tear production and reducing the likelihood of tear stains caused by dry eye or irritation. |
Now that you have a list of things that worked for me, and know what may work for your Maltese, talk to your vet, test a few things, and please let me know what worked for you too! I would love hearing from you.
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References:
(1) https://iheartdogs.com/best-eye-supplements-for-dogs/
Photo Credit: Free Stock photos by Vecteezy
