Why Are The Whites Of My Dogs Eyes Brown?
Pieter Maas
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What is pigmentary keratitis? – Pigmentary keratitis refers to a brownish-black discoloration of the surface of the eye, caused by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules. Pigmentary keratitis is most common in brachycephalic dogs, such as Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. This is likely due to their facial conformation, as well as genetic factors.
Why are the whites of my dogs eyes not white?
Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Red? – Animal Medical Hospital Blog – Charlotte, NC Your pet’s eye or eyes appear red in color due to increased inflammation. This inflammation can be on the eyelids themselves leading to the red appearance or even due to the blood vessels becoming enlarged on the whites of the eyes known as the sclera.
What color should a dog’s sclera be?
Examining a dog’s eyes – To examine the eyes, the head is cupped between both hands with one thumb on the upper eyelid and the other thumb on the lower eyelid. To see the parts of the eye beneath the upper eyelid, pull the upper eyelid up with your thumb to open the eye widely. The white part of the eye is the sclera, which is normally glistening white and has small, thin red blood vessels on its surface. Abnormal findings on the sclera include:
large, engorged blood vesselsbruises, which may indicate a local injury or a problem with the clotting systemyellow discoloration of the sclera, which indicates jaundice
If you stretch the lid more, you will see a pink tissue, which is the conjunctiva. In health, the conjunctiva should be about the same shade of pink as the gums. Abnormal findings on the conjunctiva include:
pale pink, which may indicate anemiayellow discoloration, indicating jaundicebruises, which may indicate a local injury or a problem with the clotting system
Peering through the pupil, you look through the lens, which is clear, and you may see a bright colorful structure, which is the retina. The iris can be one of several different colors and some dogs have two different colors. Some, but not all, dogs with blue eyes are deaf. Abnormal findings on the iris include:
ragged edges, although this can occur with aging and is called iris atrophygrowths on the irisblack spots on the irisblood spots on the iris
The pupil is the black spot in the center of the eye. Dog pupils are round. The pupils should be the same size and should constrict to a pinpoint when a bright light is shined in the eye. The pupil is a hole in the center of the iris. The lens is behind the pupil but is not seen when healthy, as it is clear. Abnormal findings in the pupil include:
cloudy or blue discoloration of the pupil, indicating cataracts or an aging change called nuclear sclerosisdifferent sized pupils, which is called anisocoriaragged edges, although this can occur with aging
Use your lower thumb to pull down the lower eyelid. When you pull the lower lid down it pulls away from the eyeball and creates a pouch that is lined by pink conjunctiva. This pouch is where eye medications are placed. When you pull down the lower lid you may also see the third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane, that will protrude over the bottom inner corner of the eye.
pale pink, which may indicate anemiayellow discoloration, indicating jaundicedischarge accumulation in the pocket
Is pigmentary keratitis in dogs painful?
Figo: Signs of chronic eye inflammation Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company. July 13, 2017 Short-faced dog breeds—like the Pug—are susceptible to chronic eye infections. Dr. Lee shares the signs of pigmentary keratitis with a concerned dog parent. Q: Our pug, Gertie, has a black film across the lower inside corner of each eye. Do we need to do anything about this? A: Yes. Gertie probably has pigmentary keratitis, a common and painful condition seen in pugs and other brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs.
Because of the pug’s flat face, the nasal folds sometimes rub against the eyes. The dark pigment often starts like Gertie’s and then spreads across the entire eye, causing blindness. Misdirected eyelashes also can irritate the cornea and cause pigment to be deposited on it. Dry eye, or KCS, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (“sicca” is Latin for dry), occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears. Each blink of the eyelids feels like sandpaper scraping across the sensitive cornea and conjunctiva.
All of these disorders are common in pugs, cause the black film you are seeing on the surface of Gertie’s eyes, and are painful. Make an appointment today with Gertie’s veterinarian, who can tell you the cause(s) of her pigmentary keratitis and how it should be treated to save her sight.
Can pigmentary keratitis be cured?
Treatment – There isn’t any treatment for pigmentary keratitis. Instead, your vet will try to identify the underlying cause of the condition in order to heal the cornea and save your dog’s vision. When treated correctly, your dog’s eyes feel better, and their vision can improve.
Treatment options include: Surgery — Surgery is often needed to repair eyelid abnormalities such as entropion, ectropion, eyelash abnormalities or eyelid tumors and to help the eyelid function better. During surgery, your vet will restore the eyelid to its normal shape to prevent more damage to the cornea.
Surgery is not used to remove the pigment on the dog’s eye, however. Pigmentary keratitis usually recurs, so surgery is not a permanent fix. Medication — Dogs who have dry eye that is causing pigmentary keratitis may be prescribed medicine such as a corticosteroid ointment or artificial tears to increase the production of tears.
- This will lubricate the eye and stop the progression of the condition.
- Unfortunately, the deposits on your dog’s eye from pigmentary keratitis are permanent in most cases.
- The brown or black spots on the cornea may get lighter, but they won’t fully disappear.
- However, if the cause of the inflammation is found and treated, this may stop pigmentary keratitis from progressing and from happening again.
SEE RELATED: What eye drops are used for dogs? Page published on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Page updated on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Medically reviewed on Monday, April 25, 2022
How do I get the brown out of my white dog’s eyes?
Owners of dogs that are prone to tear staining almost always reach a point where they have heard it all and nothing works. Removing tear stains is hard and it takes time. More importantly, it takes the right products to get it right. Eye Envy’s Natural Dog Tear Stain Remover is one of the most effective all natural stain removers but for it to work, like with all tear stain remedies, there is a process.
- Step-by-step how to remove dog tear stains Dark haired dogs may have just as big of a problem with tear stains as light haired dogs; you just can’t see it as well.
- Think about how uncomfortable it is when you have tear gunk in your eyes.
- That gunk turns into stains in certain dogs.
- Makeshift solutions like pasting over the stains with eye makeup or applying human creams to bleach those stains can do more harm than good.
More to the point, any process that simply covers up the stains is not removing them. Eye stains are caused by bacteria that can’t simply be washed away with soap and water. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you remove dog tear stains and keep them away.
- 1: Deep Cleanse The first step to removing tear stains from your dog’s eyes is to get them super clean.
- Before you begin a daily regimen is an excellent time to take your dog to a doggie spa or bathing station for a professional deep cleaning.
- Particularly if you have tried to remove your dog’s tear stains before with whiteners, you’re going to have to start from scratch.
It’s best to spend the extra money so that your dog’s fur, especially around the trouble spots is as clean as possible before you begin your removal process. #2: Trim Facial Hair Toy dogs and other small breeds are prone to tear staining because of the way that they are built.
Terriers have long hair around their eyes and mouths as do many other breeds. That hair, if not properly groomed, can irritate the eyes and create excessive tearing which leads to staining. You should let a professional groomer take care of keeping your dog’s eye fur and beard to a minimum. If you must, use a guard on clippers to groom your pet and never use scissors; too many accidents can happen.
#3: Develop a Daily Maintenance Routine If you are wiping the gunk from your dog’s eyes every day and bathing them on a healthy schedule, you can definitely remove tear stains for good. Here is an example of a strong daily grooming regimen for dogs that tend to accrue tear stains:
Use a pet safe saline flush on mornings where your dog’s eyes look especially wet or dry. Every morning, take a wet cloth or pet safe wipe and clean gunk from the corners of your dog’s eyes, wiping the fur surrounding the eyes, nose, and mouth. Mix a tablespoon of peroxide with an 8 ounce glass of water and dip a cotton ball into the solution for a homemade daily removal concoction, then dab solution on the fur around the eyes before rinsing it off with warm water. Be careful not to get any in your dog’s eyes!
You can use canine wipes instead of the peroxide mix to be on the safe side. You could even use warm water mixed with a dab of contact solution to gently cleanse the area daily. There are a couple of other home remedies that may work for your dog. One is a paste similar to mask treatments that humans use on their faces.
You mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of peroxide and mix it together until it is pasty. Then dab it under your dog’s eyes. After it dries, wash it out. This can be hard unless you have a collar cone to keep your pet from scratching the mixture and getting it into their eyes. The peroxide and cornstarch will sting if it gets in their eyes.
There are also a lot of stain removers on the market but beware – most contain antibiotics. Though they can be effective, tear staining is an ongoing problem that has to be treated regularly. If you use antibiotics on your dog every day, they will build up a resistance to it.
After that, even good stain removers have to work a lot harder to remove stains, not to mention the other health problems that long term use of antibiotics can create. #4: Isolate and Eliminate Causes of Stains Outside of your regular daily maintenance routine, you will need to isolate the things that are causing excessive tearing and eliminate them.
While you may not be able to stop the problem from recurring without constant care, you can reduce the effort it takes to keep the stains away. For instance, what your dog eats and the cleanliness of his or her food and water dishes can affect how badly the staining problem is.
- If your dog is constantly eating scraps from the table and not a healthy diet appropriate for his breed, they will develop digestive problems.
- Those digestive problems manifest through your dog’s tear ducts when waste byproduct starts leaking out through their saliva and tears.
- If you fill your dog’s water dish with tap water, the lead and iron in the water can cause those rust colored tear stains around the mouth and eyes.
Always use sanitary dishes for your dog’s food and water. A little tip to boost stain prevention; drop a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in the distilled water you give to your dog – it kills bacteria. #5: If All Else Fails, Go See a Vet There are underlying medical issues that could be causing tear staining in your dog.
- Certain birth defects in breeds of dogs can cause excessive tearing which leads to staining.
- One of the most easily treatable abnormalities is entropion; inverted eyelids that irritate the cornea.
- If regular treatment doesn’t work or your dog appears to be in pain or constant irritation, it’s time to take them to the vet.
It could be a yeast infection or an eye infection that is causing the problem. Left untreated it can get worse so you may want to start with the vet if the problem seems to point to a deeper medial issue. Eye Envy All Natural Dog Tear Stain Remover Products Even though there are many tear stain removers out there that are effective, some of the chemicals contained in them end up doing more damage over the long run. It’s tempting for dog owners to go for the quick and easy solution if your dog’s eyes look really bad because of tear stains.
The fact of the matter is there is no quick and easy solution for removing dog tear stains. Any solution that works is going to take time and consistent effort over the course of your dog’s life; daily. What you can find however is a good quality stain remover that proves lasting results, even if it takes a couple of months to clear all the way up.
Too many dog owners give up before a solution has a chance to work. The problem is that antibiotic resistance is just one downside to those quick fixes. Other chemicals can dry out your dog’s eyes, create skin reactions, or cause stomach issues after years of use.
Remember, tear stain removal is a step-by-step process, every day at a time. If at any point you quit your daily maintenance routine or you skimp on the quality of your dog’s shampoo, tear stains will come back. Eye Envy’s All Natural Tear Stain Removers are designed to be used over the long term. Your dog won’t build up resistance to it and instead of using harsh chemicals or man-made antibiotics, our products use natural antibiotics to combat tear staining.
Our shampoos and powders will not harm the skin or damage your dog’s fur while being one of the most effective commercial treatments for dog tear stain removal available. Instead of covering up the issue, our shampoos get to the root of it. If your dog has sensitive skin, sensitive eyes, or suffers from allergies, this is the exact product you need.
How do I get my dogs eyes white again?
3. Daily eye- and mouth-hair hygiene – A quick daily “face grooming” will go a long way in keeping those stains at bay. Some tips: • Flush eyes with an appropriate canine eye-wash, such as saline eye-wash solutions or Terra Septic eye drops. • Use an eye wash wipe and rub underneath and around the eye area.
- Opti-Clear and Bio True are two pre-made options; a do-it-yourself option is to mix one tablespoon boric acid powder boiled in one cup of distilled water.
- Be sure to keep refrigerated, and remake a fresh batch weekly.) • Wash the muzzle hair with dry shampoo or waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth.
You may also try 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Comb and blow-dry afterward. • Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to avoid it irritating the eye and causing tearing.
Should you see the whites of a dogs eyes?
They say the eyes are the window to the soul. We can learn a great deal about how a dog is feeling by looking at the eyes. Soft relaxed eyes and a relaxed body indicate a calm, happy dog. Hard eyes, hard stare are a threat. You can see worry in a dog’s eyes. The dog above is relaxed and happy. But, look at the eyes on this dog. His face is tense and his mouth is closed. The hard stare on this dog is threatening and lets you know not to come any closer. He may not yet be growling, but it is likely to start if he is approached.
Whale eye (or half moon eye) is when you can see the whites of a dog’s eye – this indicates worry and stress.This is a very worried dog. Not only is he whale eyed, his eyes are bugging out. Noticed the worried frown as well.
You can see the whale eye on these dogs. Some are actually already threatening, others worried and stressed.
Such a cute puppy. but, see the whale eye. He is telling us to move away from his toy. He is guarding his toy because he is afraid that someone will take it away and is is very valuable to him. Don’t approach dogs who look like this when hunkered down with a toy or food.
This dog is not enjoying the baby’s attention. Notice the whale eye and frown. No relaxed happy expression here. He may tolerate this for a while, but he is not happy. I would move that baby away as soon as possible!
Should the whites of my dogs eyes be pink?
Q. How can I tell the difference between fatigue-related bloodshot eyes and something more serious? – A. “Time of day is helpful in determining if the eyes are bloodshot from fatigue or something else. Examine the white of the eye by gently pulling up the upper eyelid and looking for redness.
In the morning, the whites of the eyes should look quite white, with a few pink blood vessels. At the end of the day, we are all more bloodshot, but increased redness of the white area may indicate ocular disease. If one eye looks redder than the other or if both eyes look redder than they did the day before, and if there are any other changes in the color or comfort of either eye, see a veterinarian.
Ocular changes, such as squinting, rubbing, tearing and discharge, are good reasons to visit the vet.”
What do healthy dog eyes look like?
Other than a wagging tail, your dog’s eyes communicate so much – that she’s ready for a walk, she’s feeling happy or she wants to play. Her eyes are one of the most precious and complex organs, and maintaining healthy eye function will play a key role to her life-long happiness. Understanding How Their Eyes Work The eyes of dogs differ from human eyes in a variety of ways:
- Larger pupils to see better in dimly lit conditions
- Stronger at detecting movement rather than color and detail
- Long-nosed dogs focus sharply at a distance, giving them great peripheral vision
- Short-nosed dogs excel at short-distance vision such as reading your facial expression
- A third eyelid that works as a thin shutter to protect the eyeball
These differences account for them seeing the world in a different way than we do. Most dogs see forms rather than defined images, similar to the way we see at sunset. Dogs rely in their sensitive noses to “see” the world around them; their vision is less important.
- In a brightly lit area, look into your dog’s eyes. They should be clear and bright and the white area around the eye should be white. The pupils should be the same size; and healthy eyes would be free of tearing, discharge or crust in the corners. If you see cloudiness, yellowish whites, unequal pupil size or a visible third eyelid, bring your dog to the veterinarian.
- Using your thumb, gently roll down your dog’s lower eyelid so you can see the lining. It should be pink, not red or white.
- If you notice runny eyes or discharge, your dog may have some dirt in her eyes. Gently clean using a damp cotton ball, wiping outward from the corner of the eye. Be careful not to touch her eyeball or scratch the cornea. If the problem continues, your dog may have an eye infection needing the care of your veterinarian.
- Groom the area around your dog’s eyes to keep from hairs poking or scratching their eyes. Use a round-tipped scissors and use extreme care. You might enlist the help of someone to hold your dog’s head during this process.
- Protect your dog’s eyes if you are applying any spray products or flea-control formulas. Avoid grooming products that could be irritating if they get in your dog’s eyes.
- Observe your dog’s behavior. Watch for frequent rubbing of her eyes or squinting. These may be clues that something else is going on and needs veterinarian attention.
- Don’t give in to your dog’s crazy desire to hang her head out the window when you’re driving. The wind can dry your dog’s eyes; and the risk of infection or injury if debris or a bug hits her eye is not worth it.
- Research your dog’s breed to see if she may need more attention throughout her life to maintain optimal eye health.
- Make sure your vet checks your dog’s eyes at your regular well pet checkups.
Changes Brought on By Age As your dog grows old, she will experience natural changes brought about by the aging process. After the age of 6, many dogs develop clouding of the lenses. This process comes on gradually, and your dog will adapt to these changes.
- Night vision will be less acute as they age.
- Your dog may be more hesitant to go out at night, and extra lighting can help ease her uncertainty.
- Some dogs may become more light sensitive as they age, but will adapt as this change slowly develops.
- Best Foods for Eye Health A healthy diet rich with antioxidants is very important in supporting your dog’s eye function.
Unless noted, these foods should be fed raw. For the fruits and vegetables, gently puree them for optimal digestion:
- Blueberries – Carotenoids, phytonutrients and flavonoids
- Carrots – Vitamin A and beta-carotene
- Kale – Antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin
- Broccoli – Beta-carotene
- Sweet Potatoes – Beta-carotene and anthocyanins (always serve well cooked)
- Eggs – Lutein, sulfur and cysteine (lightly cooked or raw)
- Sardines and Salmon – Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA (raw salmon must be deep-frozen before serving)
Adding these antioxidants to your dog’s commercial diet will go a long way to supporting their eye health. They will help cushion the effects of the free radicals brought on oxidation. Just like human bodies, free radicals brought on by stress, metabolic functions and poor diet can attack cells and tissues.
Eye tissues are especially sensitive to this free radical damage, but they can also affect your dog’s immune system. Starting at an early age, a diet rich in antioxidants will go a long way to supporting their overall health as they age. This blog is brought to you by Under the Weather ®, provider of bland diet products for dogs,
These bland diet products offer a quick and convenient solution when dogs experience digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Ready to go in minutes – just add boiling water to rehydrate. Our bland diet recipes are made with 100% human-grade meats – no meat by-products, antibiotic free and no hormones added! They are gluten free and have no chemicals or dyes.
What does pigmentary keratitis look like?
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PIGMENTARY KERATITIS? – Redness and increased discharge from the affected eye(s) is common. The eye can appear cloudy/white due to scarring, red due to blood vessel formation or brown due to pigmentation.
Can pigmentary keratitis cause blindness?
Background – Pigmentary keratitis is a term used to describe the development of corneal pigmentation associated with chronic inflammation, If PK encroaches upon the visual axis, it can cause significant visual impairment and, in severe cases, blindness,
Pigmentary keratitis occurs due to centripetal migration of melanocytes from the limbal and perilimbal region and subsequent deposition of melanocytic pigment within the corneal epithelium and anterior stroma, Corneal pigmentation is also frequently reported as a feature of inflammatory corneal pathology, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), chronic superficial keratitis (pannus) and chronic, ulcerative/nonulcerative keratitis,
Pigmentary keratitis appears to develop more rapidly and readily in some brachycephalic breeds and it has been shown to be widespread within the Pug breed in two studies based in the United States of America (USA) and one study from Austria, that reported estimated prevalence rates of 82.4, 71.8 and 70%, respectively,
- Reputed causative or contributory factors of PK in Pugs include chronic irritation from distichiasis, nasal fold trichiasis, medial entropion, and macroblepharon ; however, supporting evidence for their influence on the development of PK has so far proven elusive,
- Additional suggestions have been made of possible primary components in the development of PK in the Pug breed, such as a limbal stem cell deficiency or genetic factors,
Pugs are a popular breed in the UK, with the number of Pugs registered with the UK Kennel Club (KC) having doubled between 2009 and 2015; figures plateaued at approximately 10,000 Pugs per year between 2014 and 2018. The aim of this study was to contribute to the body of research on this poorly understood but widespread condition by estimating the prevalence of PK in Pugs in the UK, and determining if there were any statistical associations with ocular, adnexal or facial features.
How can you tell if dog is going blind?
Vision Loss: Causes and Symptoms – There are many causes of vision loss in older dogs, including glaucoma and macular degeneration. One of the more probable causes is a cataract, when the lens of the eye is clouded over. A cataract will appear as a hazy, opaque white growth over the eye and often goes hand-in-hand with other illnesses, such as diabetes,
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can cause a multitude of ocular problems, such as retinal detachment, which could lead to blindness. Untreated infections, chronic dry eye, and tumors or cancer can also cause blindness. It’s vital for your elderly dog to have regular visits (at least every 6-to-9 months) with his veterinarian, as the sooner the condition is detected and diagnosed, the better the possible outcome.
Signs that your dog is losing his eyesight can be quite obvious. He might bump into walls or furniture or have trouble locating his food or toys. He might stop making eye contact with you. The signs can also be subtler, such as being reluctant to jump on or off the couch, a new level of anxiety, or becoming clingy.
- Your dog may even begin to show aggression because his vision loss may leave him feeling vulnerable and more inclined to act offensively in an attempt to keep himself safe.
- If the loss of eyesight is gradual enough, you may not even notice until you take your dog to a new environment or rearrange your furniture.
This is because dogs can adapt so well. If you notice any of the above changes, be sure to book an appointment with your veterinarian.
How do dogs get pigmentary keratitis?
PDF version available for download here Pigmentary keratopathy/keratitis in the dog is due to pigment migration onto the cornea and is a frequent cause of blindness in the Pug, Shih Tzu and Pekingese. The cause of pigmentary keratopathy is multifactorial.
Corneal irritation from abnormally placed lashes, medial entropion (eyelids rolling in), and nasal fold trichiasis are common. Decreased production of tears (“dry eye”) and/or premature evaporation of tears is almost always present. Pigmentary keratopathy occurs in dogs with shallow orbits and incomplete blinking, especially the Pug.
Chronic irritation may permanently alter corneal immunity as well because the pigment migration often progresses to areas of non-irritated corena if the problem is not addressed. The pigmentation frequently progresses to cover the central corneal and pupil and eventually interferes with light entering the eye.
Many owners are not aware of the problem until the animal becomes visually impaired. Treatment is directed at halting the progression of pigmentation and correcting the inciting cause. Medial pocket flap canthoplasty (surgical reconstruction of the medial canthus) is frequently employed in young dogs with severe disease.
Surgery usually slows the pigment but rearely halts it. Surgery is usually performed in dogs that have a good chance of going blind in their lifetime. Correction of distichiae, dry eye, nasal folds or skin disease (especially allergies or demodectic mange) is important.
Removing the pigment directly via keratectomy, cryotherapy or laser excision is unfortunately ineffective and makes the disease worse. Chronic topical medical therapy using corticosteroid ointment and/or a tear stimulator (cyclosporine or tacrolimus) are most effective in promoting regression of medial granulation and pigmentation.
Combination therapy is usually started at twice daily. Significant results may not be seen for four to six months. Lubricant ointments such as lacrilube should be used prior to bedtime. In many scenarios, prevention of progression is considered successful therapy.
What happens if keratitis is left untreated?
Overview – Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped tissue on the front of your eye that covers the pupil and iris. Keratitis may or may not be associated with an infection. Noninfectious keratitis can be caused by a relatively minor injury, such as from wearing your contact lenses too long or getting a foreign body in the eye.
Why is the inner corner of my dog’s eye Brown?
3. Reddish-Brown Tear Stains – Light-colored dogs often develop a reddish-brown discoloration to the fur near the inner corner of their eyes. This occurs because tears contain a pigment called porphyrin that turns reddish-brown with prolonged exposure to air.
Wipe the area a few times a day with a cloth dampened with warm water or an eye-cleaning solution that’s made specifically for dogs Keep the fur around your dog’s eyes trimmed short Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining
Keep in mind that it can take several months for porphyrin-stained fur to grow out and for the effects of any of these remedies to become obvious. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for an eye examination if you notice any of the following:
An increase in the amount of tear staining A change in the appearance of your dog’s tear staining Your dog’s eyes become red and painful
Do all dogs get tear stains?
Tear Staining in Dogs: An Ophthalmologist’s Perspective – MedVet Our clients often seek advice on how to treat the messy, frustrating problem of tear staining. If you research “tear staining”, you will find numerous different products, ideas, and suggestions that claim to fix or prevent the staining. Figure 1. Tear staining in a middle-aged dog.
How do I keep my white dog’s face white?
For help with all your grooming needs, do have a look at our website – top quality products only. We can also help you with top quality toys, no matter what toys your dogs prefer, plus, we have toys and items for cats, and of course the ‘little critters’.
In fact, we have just about everything you will need for your pet. Available both on-line, and also at our suppliers. www.mcmac.co.za If the only obstacle keeping your dog from looking as well-groomed as you do is the brown stain around his mouth, there are several ways to remove the unsightly discoloration.
Check with your vet first to make sure the stain isn’t caused by a yeast or bacteria infection. Wipe the dog’s discolored beard with a damp washcloth daily, especially after your pup eats or drinks. This helps remove saliva, water impurities and food dye from the fur.
- Mix one part milk of magnesia and one part hydrogen peroxide with corn starch to create a paste.
- Start with a teaspoon of corn starch and stir the mixture to create a paste.
- If the mixture is too liquid, add more corn starch one teaspoon at a time until the mixture becomes more solid.
- Wipe the paste on the discolored fur without getting any in the dog’s mouth.
Leave it on for at least four hours, then remove with a damp washcloth. Repeat daily until the stain fades. Buy a food-safe ceramic bowl for your dog’s water. Some metal bowls can rust, transferring the iron oxide to your dog’s fur when he drinks. Change the food you give your dog to one that doesn’t include dyes.
If you opt to cut the stained fur, get in the habit of wiping the area with a damp cloth every day to help the new fur stay clean.
Warning
Beware of many commercial fur whiteners, which often contain bleach that can irritate your dog’s skin
How to Prevent Tear Stains on Your Dog’s Face With white-coated breeds such as Bichons Frises, many at some point in their life will develop those very distracting, ugly, red-brownish tear stains underneath their eyes, around their muzzles, and in between their toes.
The cause can be related to health issues, shape of the eye, blocked tear-ducts, puppy teething, ear infection, allergies (either food or environmental), and so on. Therefore if your normally white-faced puffball develops aggressive staining seemingly out of the blue, first consult your veterinarian, and possibly a veterinary ophthalmologist, to rule out any underlying health concern.
After confirming that your dog is indeed healthy, the following tips and suggestions from my own experience and feedback from other breeders will hopefully restore and maintain that beautiful, white furry face.1. Examine the quality of your food. It is generally agreed among Bichon Frise breeders that although there are numerous and passionate opinions about brands (and further passion about kibble versus raw), a high-quality, grain-free diet works best for our breed.
The corn, wheat, and meals that are used as fillers in inferior-quality foods just don’t ensure long-term good health and can cause allergic reactions, resulting in excess tearing and other problems.2. Examine the quality of your water. After traveling a couple of times with my own dogs without their normal water and pouring for them from my own bottled water, I’ve noticed that they will develop staining pretty quickly in response to excess minerals.
Use purified, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water sources.3. Daily eye- and mouth-hair hygiene. A quick daily “face grooming” will go a long way in keeping those stains at bay. Some tips:
Flush eyes with an appropriate canine eye-wash, such as saline eye-wash solutions or Terra Septic eye drops.Moisten a cotton ball with the same eye wash or a contact lens solution, and rub underneath and around the eye area. Opti-Clear and Bio True are two pre-made options; a do-it-yourself option is to mix one tablespoon boric acid powder boiled in one cup distilled water. (Be sure to keep refrigerated, and remake a fresh batch weekly.)Wash the muzzle hair with dry shampoo or waterless shampoo and a wet washcloth. You may also try 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel. Comb and blow-dry afterwards.Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to avoid it irritating the eye and causing tearing.
4. Keep those moist or “rusty” areas dry! Try using glass water bottles (such as made for birds) instead of water bowls, or use paper towels to absorb the excess water around your dog’s mouth after he drinks from a bowl. Cornstarch can also be dusted underneath the eye, around the muzzle, and in between toes.5.
- Food additives can help.
- Two things that have worked for me are adding one teaspoon of either organic apple-cider vinegar or buttermilk powder to meals.
- I-Stain, a probiotic enzyme, is another product with reportedly good results.
- Mild antibiotics can be used for short periods of time, naturally, after consulting with your vet.
Those commonly prescribed include Lincosin, Tylosin, and/or neomycin-polymyxin or chloramphenicol eye drops. Vetericyn opthalmic gel is available over the counter and may be enough without a vet trip. Stain removal is another chapter to itself, but it’s important to mention that neither I nor anyone I spoke with have had much success with the expensive products advertised for this purpose.
What foods cause tear stains in dogs?
What Causes Dog Tear Stains? Plus Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention offers an affordable and veterinary-quality pre-soaked wipe that helps to remove buildup and prevent staining around the eye. also offers a waterless eye wipe, although it’s not formulated specifically for tear stains.
This product is made with natural and organic ingredients that helps provide a preventative and maintenance solution for less severe staining. Remember the ears! A high-quality ear cleaning solution can help remove buildup and keep ears and eyes clean. Some ear related issues can contribute to inflammation, including the eyes.
Some of our favorites include EarthBath, Earth Animal & Kenic. For stubborn ear buildup, or dogs who spend a lot of time swimming we like Liquid Health’s ear cleaning solution. Our team would be happy to help you pick out the best option for your situation.
are known to be lacking in most diets for pets and even humans. A high-quality fish oil that is made under high standards can help reduce inflammation. In addition, human studies do show some benefit to essential fatty acid supplementation and eye problems. High quality fish oils are packed in glass (and never plastic), are stored in the fridge and are sourced ethically and responsibly.
Some of our recommendations include Nordic Naturals, Thorne and Omega Alpha which can be found on our shelves. Regular exercise is important! Just like humans, canines and felines benefit from regular exercise to reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight and promote proper digestion.
- Exercise promotes blood flow, oxygenation and therefore helps to effectively cleanse all organ systems, including the skin and liver! In addition, regular exercise can help keep bodyweight in check.
- Excess bodyweight – even a pound or two in cats and dogs – can increase inflammation on many levels.
- It’s a simple and seemingly small detail that makes a world of difference! Reduce or eliminate high carbohydrate snacks.
Instead, opt for freeze-dried meat, jerky and chews instead of biscuits. Most pet biscuits contain very little meat (if any at all) and are instead filled with flour, tapioca, molasses, maple syrup, potatoes and other starches and sugars. These directly influence the amount of inflammation within the body.
- Some of our favorite pet treats include, and Nandi freeze-dried.
- You can even supplement some frozen raw food as treats for a healthy and high value treat! Our team will be happy to show you their favorites too – just ask! Be attentive to additives/preservatives, red meat and excess carbs in your pet’s food.
These often tend to cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in tear stains. A fresh, well-balanced diet is best in pet’s who suffer from tear staining! Just remember that it may take several weeks to months to see a difference – patience and consistency will eventually pay off! : What Causes Dog Tear Stains? Plus Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Should you see the whites of a dogs eyes?
They say the eyes are the window to the soul. We can learn a great deal about how a dog is feeling by looking at the eyes. Soft relaxed eyes and a relaxed body indicate a calm, happy dog. Hard eyes, hard stare are a threat. You can see worry in a dog’s eyes. The dog above is relaxed and happy. But, look at the eyes on this dog. His face is tense and his mouth is closed. The hard stare on this dog is threatening and lets you know not to come any closer. He may not yet be growling, but it is likely to start if he is approached.
Whale eye (or half moon eye) is when you can see the whites of a dog’s eye – this indicates worry and stress.This is a very worried dog. Not only is he whale eyed, his eyes are bugging out. Noticed the worried frown as well.
You can see the whale eye on these dogs. Some are actually already threatening, others worried and stressed.
Such a cute puppy. but, see the whale eye. He is telling us to move away from his toy. He is guarding his toy because he is afraid that someone will take it away and is is very valuable to him. Don’t approach dogs who look like this when hunkered down with a toy or food.
This dog is not enjoying the baby’s attention. Notice the whale eye and frown. No relaxed happy expression here. He may tolerate this for a while, but he is not happy. I would move that baby away as soon as possible!
Are dogs supposed to have white eyes?
Lenticular Sclerosis Lenticular sclerosis occurs when there is a blue/white transparent “haze” that develops within the lens of the eye in senior dogs. It is a naturally occurring condition associated with effects of aging, which can lead to white and cloudy eyes.
Cloudy color in the lens Lack of vision Lack of distance and depth perception Typically present in both eyes Cloudiness differs on lighting
When white eyes occur in dogs due to the presence of lenticular sclerosis or cataracts, there are several causes as to why it develops. In lenticular sclerosis in dogs, the lens becomes harder as time passes. As the central lens is compressed by new fibers which are then deposited on the outer rings of the lens, the compression results in lens hardening.
Cataracts Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. Cataracts are characterized as white and opaque. Cataracts cloud the eye lens and can cause either partial or complete loss of vision. Cataracts develop as result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your dog.
In turn, this may cause the loss of vision. Untreated cataracts can lead to further eye inflammation, glaucoma, and blindness. While cataracts are slightly more likely to be observed in senior dogs, they can occur at any age and can be observed in either one or both eyes.
White/cloudy eyes Discoloration of the eye Changes in lighting
In cataracts, the most common cause of this condition is due to genes. There are certain dog breeds that are prone to developing cataracts such as Miniature and Standard Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, and Bichon Frises.
Squinting Avoidance of light Redness of the eye
Why do white dogs have pink eyes?
What Is Albinism? – Albinism in dogs — or any species — isn’t a specific breed, but is a rare, genetic mutation known as tyrosinase (full albino) or tyrosinase-positive (partial albino). Albinism causes a complete lack of pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge.
In fact, one of the tell-tale differences between a true albino dog and a dog with white fur is that the albino has pink eyes. A white-coated dog carries the genetic make-up for white pigmentation, or may be a partial albino, whereas a true albino dog has no pigmentation. As explained by the National Wildlife Federation, “Not all paler-than-usual animals are albinos, however.
Some lack pigment everywhere except their eyes – a phenomenon called ‘leucistic’ by biologists.” Therefore, an all-white dog with blue eyes, such as a Siberian Husky, is not considered an albino. In order for the condition to manifest itself in offspring, both parents must carry the albinism gene.