Shih Tzu tear stains are reddish-brown marks caused by porphyrin, an iron-containing pigment in tears. Shih Tzus get them because their flat faces and large eyes let tears spill onto the fur instead of draining into the nose, and their light-colored facial hair shows the stain. Most cases are cosmetic and improve with daily cleaning, drying and trimming, but new or sudden staining should be checked by a vet.
- Caused by porphyrin pigment in tears
- Flat face makes tears overflow
- Wipe the face at least twice a day
- Dry the fur and trim hair near the eyes
- Avoid hydrogen peroxide near the eyes
- New staining? See your vet first
If your Shih Tzu has rusty-brown streaks running from the inner corners of the eyes, you’re far from alone. Tear staining is one of the most common complaints among Shih Tzu owners, and most of the “miracle” fixes online don’t explain what’s actually going on.
This guide explains what tear stains are, why this breed is so prone to them, which causes need a vet, and the simple daily routine that keeps most stains under control.
From my own dogs: Tear stains were the grooming problem that took me longest to get on top of with my 5-year-old Shih Tzu. My Himalayan Sheepdog never had them, which is part of what sent me looking for the real reasons this breed is so prone to them. This guide is what I found, checked against veterinary sources.
01
What are Shih Tzu tear stains?
Tear stains are reddish-brown discolorations of the fur below the eyes. The color comes from porphyrin, an iron-containing pigment the body releases when red blood cells break down.
According to PetMD, porphyrin is excreted in tears, saliva, urine and bile. When tears constantly spill onto the face instead of draining away, the pigment builds up in the fur and leaves the familiar rusty streak. VCA Animal Hospitals describes the overflow of tears itself as epiphora, which is a symptom rather than a specific disease.
Why it shows so clearly on Shih TzusPetMD lists white fur among the risk factors for visible staining. Many Shih Tzus have white or light-colored facial hair, so the same amount of staining is far more noticeable than on a darker-coated dog.
02
Why do Shih Tzus get tear stains so easily?
Mostly because of face shape. Shih Tzus have flat faces and large eyes, so tears often spill over the lid instead of draining into the nose through the tear duct.
- Flat (brachycephalic) face. VCA notes that dogs with flat faces may not drain tears properly, so the tear film runs onto the face instead of entering the duct.
- Large, prominent eyes. PetMD lists short noses, large eyes and flat faces among the main risk factors, and names the Shih Tzu among predisposed breeds.
- Eyelid shape at the inner corner. In flat-faced breeds, the lower lid near the inner corner can roll inward and block the drainage openings. Today’s Veterinary Practice describes this as a cause of tear overflow and irritated, moist skin below the eye.
- Hair close to the eyes. Facial hair can wick tears onto the fur, and VCA lists hair blocking the duct entrance among the causes of poor drainage.
The good news: PetMD notes that most dogs with tear stains don’t have an underlying eye problem. For many Shih Tzus, it’s simply anatomy plus fur, and daily care makes a visible difference.
03
What medical problems can cause tear staining?
Heavy tearing can also come from eye problems that produce too many tears or stop them draining. These need a vet’s diagnosis, not a stain remover.
| Type of problem | Examples (from VCA Animal Hospitals) |
|---|---|
| Too many tears produced | Conjunctivitis, allergies, eye injuries, abnormal eyelashes, corneal ulcers, eye infections, eyelids rolling in or out, glaucoma |
| Tears can’t drain | Hair at the duct entrance, debris or a foreign body in the duct, a duct opening that never formed, ducts narrowed by chronic infection or allergies |
A vet can check drainage with a simple fluorescein dye test: a drop of stain goes in the eye, and if the system works, it should appear at the nose within a few minutes. If a duct is blocked, VCA notes it can be flushed under anesthesia.
Shih Tzus are also prone to inherited eye conditions, which is another reason not to assume every tear stain is cosmetic. Our grooming guide’s face and eye section lists the warning signs.
Tear stains are one part of the routine
Brushing, bathing, eyes, ears, nails and teeth: the full Shih Tzu grooming routine in one place.
Read the Shih Tzu grooming guide04
How do you clean and prevent Shih Tzu tear stains?
Wipe the area around the eyes at least twice a day, dry the fur afterwards, and keep the hair near the eyes trimmed. Regular cleaning prevents most new staining.
- Wipe at least twice a day. PetMD suggests a slightly damp cloth or cotton ball, or an eye wipe or cleanser made for dogs.
- Always wipe away from the eye. Never wipe toward the eye or let the product get into it.
- Dry the fur. Pat the area dry with a clean towel. Damp fur holds the pigment and can irritate the skin.
- Keep the hair around the eyes short. Trimming reduces wicking, and PetMD notes it can also remove existing stained hair. Use blunt-tip scissors only if your dog holds still, or ask your groomer.
- Use a topknot to lift longer head hair away from the eyes. Redo it every day or two.
- Be patient with old stains. Stained hair doesn’t “un-stain.” Daily care stops new staining, and the old color grows out or is trimmed away over time.
VCA also notes that daily probiotics may help some dogs, though improvement can take a couple of months. Ask your vet before adding any supplement.
05
What should you avoid when treating tear stains?
Avoid hydrogen peroxide near the eyes, unproven over-the-counter products, and long-term low-dose antibiotics. VCA notes no remedy is fully effective and some products may be harmful.
- Hydrogen peroxide near the eyes. VCA specifically advises against it.
- Products without vet guidance. VCA warns that some over-the-counter tear stain products may be harmful, and recommends not using any product without consulting your vet. PetMD advises the same before putting any new solution near your pet’s eyes, especially if your dog takes eye medication.
- Low-dose antibiotics for staining. VCA notes these are no longer recommended because of the risk of antibiotic resistance. Short courses at proper doses are reserved for severe cases with a secondary skin infection.
- Expecting supplements to work for every dog. PetMD notes that what works for one pet may not work for another.
Be wary of “instant results” claimsStained fur doesn’t clean back to white overnight. A product promising that may contain ingredients you wouldn’t want near your dog’s eyes. Check the label and ask your vet.
06
When should you take your Shih Tzu to the vet for tear stains?
See your vet if staining is new or suddenly worse, or if it comes with discharge, redness, squinting or pawing at the eye. Rule out medical causes before treating the stain itself.
- Your dog didn’t have tear stains before and is now developing them (PetMD’s advice).
- Thick, yellow or green discharge, or a bad smell around the eyes.
- Redness, squinting, cloudiness or your dog keeping an eye closed.
- Pawing or rubbing at the eyes or face.
- Red, raw or moist skin under the eyes. PetMD notes tear stains can lead to infection if they aren’t cleaned.
Eye problems can be painful and can get worse quickly in a breed with prominent eyes. When in doubt, have it checked.
Tear stains are only one part of Shih Tzu eye care. See our guide to common Shih Tzu eye and health problems for the other warning signs to watch for.
FAQ
Shih Tzu tear stain FAQs
Why do Shih Tzus get tear stains?
Their flat faces and large eyes often stop tears from draining into the nose, so tears spill onto the fur. The tears contain porphyrin, an iron-containing pigment that turns light fur reddish-brown.
Are tear stains harmful to my Shih Tzu?
Usually not. PetMD notes most dogs with tear stains don’t have an underlying eye problem. But constantly damp fur can irritate the skin and lead to infection if it isn’t kept clean, and new or sudden staining should be checked by a vet.
How do I get rid of tear stains on my Shih Tzu?
Wipe the area around the eyes at least twice a day, wiping away from the eye, then dry the fur and keep the hair near the eyes trimmed. This prevents new staining. Old stained hair has to grow out or be trimmed away.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide on my Shih Tzu’s tear stains?
No. VCA Animal Hospitals advises avoiding hydrogen peroxide near the eyes. Ask your vet before using any tear stain product.
Do tear stain supplements work?
Results vary. VCA notes daily probiotics may help some dogs but can take a couple of months, and PetMD notes that what works for one pet may not work for another. Talk to your vet before starting any supplement.
Do Shih Tzu puppies get tear stains?
They can. The same face shape that causes staining in adults is present in puppies. Start gentle daily face wiping early so your puppy gets used to it, and ask your vet to check the eyes at early visits.
Sources
- Epiphora in Dogs (VCA Animal Hospitals)
- Dog Tear Stains: Causes and Treatment (PetMD)
- Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome (Today’s Veterinary Practice)
- Shih Tzu Dog Breed: Health, Care and Lifestyle (PetMD)
Update log
- October 9, 2026: Published. Causes, care advice and cautions checked against the veterinary sources above.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Consult your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet or care.