I posted this year instead of GQ because I wanted to brag a little about my new doggie.
I just acquired a year old Chihuahua named Spencer! He’s a pale creamy color and he’s got those tear streaks in the corners of his eyes. I know my grandparents struggled with this with thier white toy poodle. I also know there’s a way to alleviate it, at least mostly, but I don’t remember what it is. Can I buy something to help? Does it hurt or irritate him?
He seems fine now. I mean, he’s not scratching at his eyes or anything. As far as I know this is harmless, I just wonder if there’s something I should do.
He seems to be VERY submissive, which I think is a mostly good thing. He’s checking out his new digs now. I gave him a bite of roast beef and he’s a happy boy.
It’s just dried eye-snot – you know, like when you get allergies and whatnot. You can wipe it off with a damp paper towel if it bugs you, but it’s probably nothing to worry about. (Unless he’s allergic to you.)
I think the OP is referring to brown stains on the dog’s fur, not eye boogers.
Tear stains can be a sign of excess tearing (surprise!), which can be related eye or ear infections. Since you’ve just acquired a new dog you’ll probably be going to the vet soon anyway, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to ask about this. Usually, however, tear stains are nothing to worry about unless you’re planning to show the dog or they bother you for aesthetic reasons. There are lots of products available in pet stores and online to minimize the appearance of stains. You can also find lots of recipes for home remedies, but I’d steer clear of those because you really don’t want to be dabbing anything near your pet’s eyes that’s going to irritate or damage them.
I’ve heard this third- or fourth-hand, so I don’t know how true it is, but I’ve heard about a lady who switched her dog to distilled water, and that has apparently helped considerably…
When I worked at a place that sold animal stuff we sold these little bags of powder/granules that you added to their food that stopped the staining. The wetness was still there but it didn’t stain. It was called Angel Eyes. Some people bought it over and over (because you have to keep using it or the stains come back) and some people bought it once and never came back. I don’t know if that’s because it didn’t work for them or because it did but just wasn’t worth the $30 for the tiny amount you got.
Hey, thanks for the tips, these are great. Spencer is a love…I’ll take photos as soon as I grab some new batteries for my digital camera. He’s VERY docile and affectionate. He has a couple of problems…he hasn’t been walked on a leash and he fights it. But after even one trip outside he was better. He seems to be submissive, almost to a fault, but doesn’t do that “submissive urination” thing, which is GREAT.
We let him sleep at the foot of the bed, which may not be a good idea. But he’s so nice and quiet, it just didn’t seem like it would do any harm. I’m SO excited to have a pet in the house again. I’m in love!
