Beautiful Bichon Frise - How to Prevent Tear Stains
Bichon Frises are beloved for their fluffy white coats and charming personalities. However, their adorable looks can be marred by unsightly tear stains around their eyes. These reddish-brown streaks can be a result of a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, allergies, and even stress. As a Bichon Frise owner, it can be frustrating to see your furry friend’s face stained by tears. But not to worry, there are ways to keep tear stains at bay and keep your pup looking beautiful. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of tear stains in Bichon Frises and share tips and tricks on how to prevent tear stains and treat them. So, whether you’re a new Bichon Frise owner or a seasoned pro, read on to learn how to keep your furry friend’s face looking bright and beautiful.
Causes of Tear Stains in Bichon Frises
Tear stains can occur in any dog breed, but they are especially noticeable in Bichon Frises due to their white coat. There are several factors that can contribute to tear staining in these dogs, including:
- Genetics – Some Bichon Frises are simply more prone to developing tear stains than others. If your dog’s parents or littermates have tear stains, there’s a good chance that your pup will too.
- Diet – The food that your Bichon Frise eats can also play a role in tear staining. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in their food, which can cause tear stains. Additionally, feeding your dog a diet that is high in carbohydrates or artificial preservatives can also contribute to tear staining.
- Allergies – Allergies to environmental factors like pollen or dust can cause your Bichon Frise’s eyes to water excessively, leading to tear staining.
- Stress – Believe it or not, stress can also cause tear staining in dogs. If your Bichon Frise is feeling anxious or nervous, they may produce more tears than usual, which can lead to tear stains.
How to Prevent Tear Stains Using Natural Remedies
If you’re looking for a natural way to treat your Bichon Frise’s tear stains, there are several home remedies that you can try. Below are a few options recommended by Bichon owners.
Apple cider vinegar
Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water and use a cotton ball or clean cloth to gently wipe your dog’s face. This can help to break down the bacteria that is causing the tear stains.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help to soothe the skin around your Bichon Frise’s eyes. Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area and gently massage it in.
Chamomile tea
Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Use a clean cloth to soak up the tea and apply it to your dog’s face. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce redness and irritation.
Witch Hazel
Mix together 1 part witch hazel with one part liquid aloe vera and 1 part pure coconut oil. Dip into mixture with a cotton ball and wipe away from the eyes gently to clean the area.
Corn Starch
Corn starch won’t remove or reduce tear stains, however what it does do is to help keep the area dry, and hopefully prevent tear stains. After cleaning under the eyes, sprinkle some corn starch, lightly rub it in, then gently brush out. Repeat a few times until dry.
How to Prevent Tear Stains with Commercial Products
If natural remedies are not working, you might like to give the below products a try. These products have been recommended by Bichon Frise owners as products that have worked for them.
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Angels' Eyes Tear Stain Powder
Angels’ Eyes Tear Stain Powder is a food supplement composed of natural antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Angels’ Eyes helps keep tear stains away by reducing oxidation released through tear ducts. The recommended amount is 1/4 teaspoon daily for dogs 14lb and under, which is about right for a Bichon, however always check the packaging for the correct amount for your pet as weights can vary.
Angels' Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes
Angels’ Eyes Gentle Tear Stain Wipes is recommended to be used together with the Angels’ Eyes Tear Stain Powder to help keep prevent tear stains on your Bichon. Use the wipes daily or as needed to clean your Bichon’s fur with no rinsing needed. The wipes don’t completely remove tear stains but do make it much lighter.
Lillian Ruff Berry Blue Brightening Face and Body wash
Lillian Ruff Berry Blue Brightening Face and Body Wash is a whitening and brightening shampoo that delivers professional results. The formula is proven to reduce tear stains, dirt and product buildup while restoring fluorescent whites and brightening all coat colors. It is a whitening and brightening shampoo that actually works, leaving your Bichon with a soft, fresh berry smelling coat that lasts for days.
Vet's Best Natural Eye Cleansing Wipe's
Use Vet’s Best Natural Eye Cleansing Wipes 1-2 times weekly to maintain clean eyes. They are made with all-natural ingredients like Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera and are free from Parabens. Vet’s Best Natural Eye cleansing wipes are designed to fit most fingers for easy use – simply slide the little wipe over your finger and clean your Bichon’s tear stains using gentle circular motions.
In addition to the above products, Bichon Frise owners might like to also consider ShowOff food supplement and Animology White Wash dog shampoo to help prevent tear stains.
How to Prevent Tear Stains through Grooming
One of the best ways to prevent tear stains in your Bichon Frise is to regularly keep their face clean and dry. Here are some grooming tips to help you do just that:
- Regular grooming – regular grooming is essential for Bichon Frises, especially when it comes to their face. Use a gentle dog shampoo to wash your dog’s face and be sure to dry it thoroughly with a clean towel afterwards.
- Trimming hair around the eyes – Keeping the hair around your Bichon Frise’s eyes trimmed can help to prevent tears from getting trapped in the fur and causing stains. Use scissors or clippers to carefully trim the hair around the eyes.
- Use a tear stain remover – There are many tear stain removers on the market that can help to prevent and treat tear stains in Bichon Frises, some of which we’ve mentioned above. Look for a product that is specifically designed for dogs and follow the instructions carefully.
- Use a warm, damp cloth – If you don’t have tear stain wipes on hand, you can use a warm, damp cloth to gently clean your dog’s face. Be sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards.
How to Prevent Tear Stains with a Healthy Diet for Bichon Frises
Feeding your Bichon Frise a healthy diet can go a long way in preventing tear stains. Here are some tips:
- Choose a high-quality dog food – Look for a dog food that is made with high-quality human grade ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives or fillers.
- Avoid food allergens – If you suspect that your Bichon Frise may have food allergies, try switching to a limited ingredient dog food that is free from common allergens like wheat, soy, and corn.
- Add supplements – Adding supplements like probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids to your Bichon Frise’s diet can help to support their immune system and keep their eyes healthy. Incorporating specially formulated supplements such as Angels’ Eyes Tear Stain Powder can reduce tear stains.
- Natural supplements – try adding a real food supplement of 3 blueberries and a teaspoon of plain full fat yoghurt daily
- Raw diet or home cooked food – commercially made dog food might not be suitable for your Bichon Frise and may be the cause of your Bichon’s tear stains. Whether you prefer a raw or cooked diet, ensure your Bichon has a balanced combination of high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fibre from vegetables.
How to Prevent Tear Stains with Drinking Water
While there is no direct scientific evidence linking water quality to tear stains in dogs, some pet owners and veterinarians believe that minerals or impurities present in water might contribute to tear staining. It is hypothesized that certain minerals or additives in water, such as iron or high mineral content, could potentially increase tear production or contribute to the formation of tear stains.
To address this concern, some pet owners opt for filtered or bottled water for their dogs. Filtered water can remove impurities, including minerals, chlorine, or other substances that might be present in tap water. Using filtered or bottled water for drinking may help minimize tear staining in some cases.
Adding vinegar to drinking water might also prevent tear stains. Tear stain production in Bichon frises could be due to a pH imbalance that allows yeast to grow, creating the red tint. By adding approximately one teaspoon of white vinegar to your Bichon’s water, you alter the pH slightly to prevent the yeast growth.
Conclusion and Recap of How to Preventing Tear Stains
Tear stains can be a frustrating issue for Bichon Frise owners, but with a little bit of trial and effort, they can be prevented and treated. Remember to keep your dog’s face clean and dry, groom them regularly, and feed them a healthy diet. If tear stains do appear, there are many tear stain wipes, whitening shampoos as well as supplements and home remedies that can help to get rid of them. Please remember to always consult with your vet first before trying new foods, supplements or products on your Bichon Frise. We hope you found this article useful and answered your question of how to prevent tear stains for your Bichon Frise.