Whether you are a show dog breeder or just the proud owner of a fine looking dog, you will want to keep your dog in tip top condition, including avoiding white fur stains.

We have all seen dog with tear stains, but thankfully those tears are not ones of sadness!

So what are the reasons for streaming eyes in dogs?

Excess tearing caused by low grade bacterial infections can be one, and if anyone has ever seen those reddish brown stains on a West Highland or other white dog’s face, they are caused by Red Yeast which will flourish in these damp, overtearing areas.

Other explanations include blocked tear ducts, ear infections, genetics, allergies, a high mineral content in the water, diet and fleas.

Changing your dog’s diet may solve the issue if food is the culprit. A water test can be done just by substituting normal water for filtered water and seeing whether there is an effect.

Sometimes your dog might just have teary eyes, and you need to sort it out just at that moment.

This is especially true for show dogs with pale faces.

You can’t just use soap and water on your pet’s face. Firstly some soaps may cause an allergic reaction or get in the eyes, and also you need to be within reach of a faucet to rinse off the face.

Sometimes water is not readily available so you need a better solution.

Thank heavens for Eyewipes from ClearQuest, which you can use on cats and dogs. Eyewipes should be used to gently cleanse the area around the eyes.

Safe, effective and convenient, they can be used to gently remove dried mucus, discharge and tear stains from the eye area.

There are so many good reasons to use EyeWipes, and not just cosmetic ones; keeping that area clean will reduce the chance of an infection in the eye and also they can be useful when out and about.

No rinsing required.

Available in packets of 100; the ingredients are: Deionized Water UV Sterilized, Cocamido Propyl Betaine, Propyl Paraben, Methyl Paraben and Boric Acid.

Be careful not to touch the actual eye itself with the wipe, as this could irritate.

Another option especially for show dogs is the Vitacoat Diamond Eye Tear Stain Remover.

With a 40 year history, this product has been used to clean off stubborn stains in anticipation for the show ring. It is safe and effective and can be applied by soaking a cotton ball and gently cleaning the fur.

All you need to do is soak a swab and use it to gently rub the fur. A quick solution for you dog to look his best.