Many dog owners notice dark streaks under their pets' eyes, known as tear tracks.
These marks can cause concern for owners and raise questions about the health of their four-legged friends.
Veterinarians explain the causes of tear stains and their importance for dogs' health.
Anatomy of the Dog's Eye
To understand the causes of tear ducts, it is important to know the structure of a dog's eye. Dogs' eyes, like humans', constantly produce tears for moisture and protection.
This fluid normally drains through the tear ducts into the nasal cavity.
However, in some dog breeds this process may be disrupted, resulting in visible marks under the eyes.
Breed predisposition
Some dog breeds are more prone to tear ducts. This is especially true for flat-faced breeds such as pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus.
In these breeds, anatomical features of the skull structure can impede the normal outflow of tears, which leads to its accumulation and coloration of the fur.
Allergic reactions
Allergies can be one of the causes of excessive tearing in dogs. A reaction to pollen, dust, or certain foods can cause eye irritation and increased tear production. This can result in noticeable dark marks under the eyes.
Infections and inflammations
Bacterial or fungal eye infections can cause increased tear production and tear ducts.
Inflammation of the tear ducts or conjunctivitis can also be the cause of this problem. In such cases, you should contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Problems with teeth
Surprisingly, dental problems can affect the formation of tear ducts.
Infections or abscesses in the upper jaw can cause inflammation that affects the tear ducts, disrupting the normal drainage of tears.
Nutrition quality and overall health
A dog's diet and overall health can affect the amount of tear production.
Deficiencies of certain vitamins or minerals in the diet can lead to weakened immunity and increased eye sensitivity.
A balanced diet and regular checkups with your veterinarian will help maintain your pet's eye health.
Care and prevention
Regularly caring for your dog's eyes can help minimize the appearance of tear streaks.
Gently cleaning the eye area daily with a soft, damp cloth will help prevent build-up of discharge and staining of the fur.
Some breeds may benefit from regular trimming of the hair around the eyes.
When to see a veterinarian
Although tear troughs are often a cosmetic concern, in some cases they may indicate more serious medical conditions.
If the tearing suddenly increases, is accompanied by redness of the eyes, swelling, or changes in the dog's behavior, you should contact your veterinarian for an examination.
Natural feature or cause for concern
It is important to remember that for many dogs, tear streaks are a natural feature and do not always indicate a health problem.
However, careful monitoring of the condition of your pet's eyes and timely contact with a specialist will help ensure the health and comfort of your four-legged friend.
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
