If only you had a dog tear stain remover prior to taking those photos. Nothing ruins a picture-perfect shot of your furry companion quite like a layer of rust-colored tear stains under their puppy dog eyes. And while tear stains are typically nothing more than an aesthetic annoyance for pet parents, taking the time to clean them up on a regular basis can help avoid the potential of future skin issues or irritation.

“Some small breed dogs like Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzu, Schnauzers, Yorkies, and Maltese for example are prone to tear staining in their genetics,” explains Dr. Heather Venkat, a veterinarian based in Arizona, who adds that the reddish brown coloring comes from porphyrin produced in tears. “Porphyrins contain iron and when broken down, produce a reddish brown color which shows up on the dog’s fur underneath their eyes.”

Dogs and puppies prone to cosmetic-level tear stains are typically unbothered by the porphyrin build-up but pet parents who wish to clean up their companion’s face and get rid of tear stains can do so safely with the right dog tear stain remover.

From first-hand experience to veterinarian-approved product picks, below, we’ve rounded up some of the best dog tear stain removers that you can purchase online. All of the following are considered to be safe to use on dogs of all ages and are both economically- and environmentally-friendly.

Best Tear Stain Removers for Dogs

Having had the pleasure of being a pet parent to several Poodles over the decades, I’ve seen my fair share of tear stains—and tear stain removers. My household has always been big into natural and non-toxic solutions and my tear stain preferences reflect that.

By way of our own trial-and-error in the tear stain department and a handful of veterinarian-approved choices, we’ve ranked out top dog tear stain removers based on real-life experience, expert insights and safety measures, and the tens of thousands of consumer reviews on sites like Amazon, Walmart, and Petco.

Our Picks:

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Best Overall Dog Tear Stain Remover

Our pick: Great Eyes Tear Stain Wipes

Great Eyes tear stain wipes
Buy at Amazon

Not only do tear stains look unsightly, but they can cause irritation and itching. Since your pup can’t tell you how she feels, Great Eyes Tear Stain Wipes are a must-have. Avoid messy liquids and multi-level systems with one easy wipe. Keep these handy for photo snaps and selfies with your dog. Gently wipe the area around her eyes, but don’t stop there. Great Eyes is free of any nasty chemicals, alcohol, or sulfates, so you can use them around a dog’s mouth and ears. 

Highlights

  • Non-irritating formula is gentle enough for daily use.
  • 100 wipes per container that won’t dry out 
  • Made in the USA without parabens, MEA, or DEA
  • Handy for seasonal and year-round allergy facial clean up 
  • Soft wipe feels soothing and gentle around the dog’s eye area
  • Gentle formula is ideal for pups with sensitive skin
  • Helps dogs look picture-perfect for social media posts without using a filter 

Things to Consider

  • Must be used daily for at least a week to see results; otherwise, trimming dyed fur is necessary
  • Check with your dog’s veterinarian first to rule out any underlying medical causes of tear staining.
  • Some dogs may need a period of adjustment and positive reinforcement to get used to a tear stain cleaning routine.
  • Safe for dogs 12 weeks of age or older.

Sample buyer review: “Our Golden has an eye infection and needs to have his eyelids cleaned. This product is great because it does not burn or harm the eyes and cleans any discharge he may have. It’s a “Great Pet” product!”

Best Chamomile-Based Dog Tear Stain Remover

Our pick: Burt’s Bees for Pets Natural Tear Stain Remover 

Burt's Bees dog tear stain remover
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Walmart
Buy at iHerb

Looking for a tear stain remover that is both all-natural and safe? The Burt’s Bees for Pets Natural Tear Stain Remover comes recommended by Dr. Woodnutt for its gentle ingredients that are both safe to use on puppies and adult dogs. The formula is also made to be left on—no rinsing required—which makes cleaning tear stains much easier on both pets and pet parents.

Highlights

  • Formulated with natural ingredients.
  • No rinsing off required.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Safe for adult dogs and puppies.
  • Made in the USA.

Things to Consider

  • Must be used frequently to be effective.
  • May take awhile to see results.

Sample buyer review: “The only tear stain product that works for our Samoyed. Works without fail and I am very happy to have been able to get this product on this occasion. Tried other products but no way near as good. Twice daily usage is best and, as with any of these products, you need to remove any existing build-up within the fur for it to be effective.”

Best For Tear Stain Prevention

Our pick: I-LID ’N LASH Vet Pump Ocular Hygiene Cleanser

I-LID ’N LASH Vet Pump Ocular Hygiene Cleanser
Buy at Amazon
Buy at HealthyPets

If you want to get ahead of tear stains and prevent them before they show up, this ocular cleanser is a safe and effective solution. This animal eye wash is safe to use and will help keep your dog’s eyes free from external irritants that often lead to tear stains. As a bonus, it also helps to prevent facial-fold odors in certain breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. 

Highlights

  • Recommended by veterinary ophthalmologists.
  • No harsh chemicals or antibiotics.
  • New, stain-free fur will grow in within 7-10 days.

Things to Consider

  • Meant as a preventive measure, so does not remove existing stains. But it does help clear up eye gunk. 

Sample buyer review: “Just wanted to let everyone know that this is the first product that has really helped my Shih Tzu … I’ve tried the vet, homemade concoctions, saline solutions, and regular old eye drops … to no avail … but this stuff WORKS!!”

Best For Ease of Use

Our pick: Angel Eyes for Dogs Gentle Tear Stain Wipes

Angel Eyes wipes
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Chewy
Buy at Petco

Trying to reason with a fussy dog who wants nothing to do with washing their face doesn’t have to be a struggle. In fact, Angel Eyes for Dogs Gentle Tear Stain Wipes makes it easy and convenient thanks to their pre-soaked design that is both unscented and small enough to get in and out without much of a battle at all.  If used daily, these wipes also reduce inflammation and itchiness.

Highlights

  • Includes 100 pre-soaked wipes per container.
  • Helps remove mucus and other secretions and reduce the risk of eye irritation or itching.
  • No rinsing required
  • Will not lighten fur color on dark-colored dogs. 
  • Made in the USA.

Things to Consider

  • Container must be tightly sealed to prevent drying.
  • Daily use required.

Sample buyer review: “This is a helpful product to keep my cockerpoo’s hair around her eyes free from the red stains.”

Best Tear Stain Chews for Dogs

Our pick: Vedco Tear Stain Soft Chews

Vedco Dog Tear Stain Chews
Buy at Amazon

While it’s great to have wipes and cleaning solutions on hand, these soft chews from Vedco actually help to minimize tear stains from the inside out. Made with all-natural, herbal ingredients, these tasty treat-like chews help to minimize excess tear production at the source and cut down on moisture and bacteria buildup around the eyes. Plus, they taste great and are easy to give to your dog. 

Highlights

  • Simple and easy to administer to dogs.
  • Contain natural ingredients.
  • Works from the inside out—no wiping required.

Things to Consider

  • May take some time to see results.
  • Larger dogs require more than one chew.

Best Budget-Friendly Dog Tear Stain Remover

Our pick: Eye Envy for Dogs Tear Stain Removal Pack

Eye Envy Tear Stain Value Pack
Buy at Amazon

While tear stain removers can be on the expensive end, this value pack by Eye Envy helps slash the cost significantly. The all-natural package includes everything you need to keep your dog’s eyes free of stains for 60-90 days—including gentle eye pads, an application brush, and white powder for light-colored dogs.

Highlights

  • Excellent price-to-quality ratio.
  • Includes veterinarian-recommended all-natural ingredients.
  • Made in the USA.

Things to Consider

  • A little more difficult/messy to use.
  • Should be used daily for best results.

Sample buyer review: “This product really helps (and I’ve tried so many!) You can see a difference right away because the powder conceals the redness but I definitely see a visible difference when I am consistent with application morning and evening.”

Best Multi-Use Tear Stain Product

Our pick: Squishface Wrinkle Paste

Squishface paste for tear stains
Buy at Amazon

Looking for a multi-use product that will ensure your Frenchie or Pug stays looking fresh and feeling hydrated? Squishface Wrinkle Paste takes care of moisturizing their facial wrinkles while also minimizing tear stain build-up and potential irritants. Note that this product will work just as well for other breeds experiencing tear stains.

Highlights

  • Short list of natural ingredients.
  • Helps moisturize skin folds.
  • Very fast results.

Things to Consider

  • More expensive than other options.
  • Can be messy to apply.

Sample buyer review: “We have an 80lb white English Bulldog and this product is the only one that has really helped with his creases and tear stains. Well worth the money as you only use a little bit and it works.”

Best for Multi-Animal Households

Our pick: Arava Pet Eye Wipes

Arava Pet Eye Wipes
Buy at Amazon

It’s not just dogs and puppies that experience tear stains. In fact, many light-colored cats, rabbits, and other animals often develop rust-hued rings under their eyes as well. This all-natural cleaner by Arava is safe and effective on all animals thanks to its natural active ingredients and bleach-free formula.

Highlights

  • Safe for dogs and cats of all ages.
  • Convenient pre-soaked soft wipes.
  • Includes soothing aloe vera and chamomile.

Things to Consider

  • Some reviews mentioned the product dries out rather quickly.

Sample buyer review: “We’ve been using this product on our dogs for the past month or so. It has helped keep tear stains from the corners of their eyes. The cloths are soft and gentle. I think the cloths are an appropriate size since it’s being used just around the eyes.”

Best Tear Stain Remover for Eye Health

Our pick: Vision & Tear Stain Soft Chews  

Pupmate Tear Stain Wipes
Buy at Finn
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Chewy

In addition to helping to remove tear stains, these chews from Finn work to provide overarching health benefits for your pup’s peepers. They contain Lutein, Beta-Carotene, and Zeaxanthin, which are all carotenoid-class antioxidants in the retina that help promote long-term eye health and UV protection. The chews can also assist in lessening discharge and irritation.

Highlights

  • Can help with long-term eye health, UV protection, irritation, and tear stains.
  • Formulated with Omega 3s and Lutein, Beta-Carotene, and Zeaxanthin.
  • Beef liver flavor.
  • Finn complies with NASC standards.

Things to Consider

  • Some customers said their dogs didn’t like the strong smell.

Sample buyer review: “Been using for my labradoodle for the past couple weeks and already noticing a difference!!!! Plus he loves them!!”

Best Dog Treats for Tear Stain Relief

Our pick: Pet Eyez Freeze-Dried Vitamin Treats for Dogs

SCOBUTY Pet Wipes for dog tear stains
Buy at Amazon

Pet Eyez vitamin treats offer all the benefits of a natural tear stain remover infused into a tasty treat for dogs. That means you don’t have to deal with messy powders, ointments, or liquids to remove stains. Just feed your pup one to three yummy, bite-sized treats per day, depending on their weight. Each Pet Eyez treat contains antioxidants and natural ingredients to reduce tear stains and help with ocular disease. 

Highlights

  • Dogs love tasty treats made with real chicken, lamb, or beef liver. 
  • Help reduce tears stains on your dog’s face.
  • Each treat is designed to reduce dry eye, slow cataract formation, nourish the retina, and provide glaucoma support. 
  • Formulated by doctors.
  • Each freeze-dried treat is grain free and contains 18 vitamins and minerals. 
  • No antibiotics.

Things to Consider

  • Product must be used within 45 days of opening.
  • Claims of dry eye reduction, retina support, glaucoma support, and slowing cataract formation have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Sample buyer review: “These pills truly work! My maltese had horrible stains under her eyes and I could not get rid of them, no matter what. Enter [these] pills and one month later, she is a brand new dog! I highly recommend this product.”

Why You Should Clean Dog Tear Stains

So what do those rust-colored rings under your dog’s might mean—and do you really need to clean them consistently or worry about them at all? According to Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, some dogs will get tear stains because they have eye problems, or because the hair around their eyes rubs their cornea. In the first instance, you should check with your vet that your dog’s tear stains are not caused by a medical problem, and ensure your dog’s hair is properly groomed from around their eyes.

“Providing tear stains remain dry, clump-free, and are not getting sore skin beneath, tear stains do not have to be cleaned consistently—or at all,” explains Dr. Woodnutt. “However, most people prefer to clean them to keep their dogs looking tidy and to prevent buildup of tears leading to sore skin.”

Dog Tear Stain Removers: What to Look For

Maltese with tear stains

There are a lot of great tear stain removers out there—but pet parents should take caution when making their selections. After all, this is a product that is to be used very closely to your dog’s eyes so you’ll want to ensure the label’s ingredients are clean and safe. 

Here are some pointers to keep in mind while shopping:

Look for all-natural ingredients. All of the veterinarians we spoke to agreed that the most important factor in a dog tear stain remover is all-natural ingredients. This is a product that will be coming in close contact with your face and eyes and as such should be free of toxic chemicals and other nasties. Look for natural ingredients like witch hazel or dandelion extract, but avoid products with peroxide and antibiotics (unless prescribed by your veterinarian).

Make sure it’s pHbalanced. Dr. Woodnutt suggests looking for a tear stain remover that is specifically formulated with balanced pH levels—this will help ensure that you won’t sting your dog’s eyes in the wiping process.

Consider customer reviews. Not all wipes or formulas are created equal—certain products may mold or dry out quickly. It’s a good idea to find out what other pet parents have to say about a product. Sites like Amazon.com offer thousands of verified reviews that will help ensure the product you’re interested in is of high quality.