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Tear stains are caused by excessive tearing which allow bacteria and yeast to build up. To address the tear stains the cause of the excessive tearing must first be diagnosed and addressed. Excessive tearing may be due to many factors; physical conformation such as shallow eye sockets as found in brachycephalic breeds; eye conditions such as glaucoma, distichia or entropion, excessive facial hair around the eye, undiagnosed health conditions including ear infections, teething, blocked tear ducts, airborne irritants or allergies, dietary considerations such as artificial dyes in the brand of kibble being fed or high mineral content in the dog's drinking water. It is important to see a veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog's excessive tearing. Keeping the eye area clean with daily wiping and carefully trimming the hair around the eye to help prevent yeast and bacteria building will help until a veterinary diagnosis can be made.
The most common cause of red staining is red yeast Ptyrosporin which are caused by bacteria. The warm, damp fur under the eyes creates the ideal breeding place for bacteria; the bacteria contributes compounds required for the enzyme necessary for the red yeast to grow. Common antibiotics used to treat tear stains are Tylosin and Terramycin; these antibiotics work by killing the bacteria in the tears and saliva, which breaks the chain of nutrients needed for the formation of the red yeast. One theory is that by oxidizing the trace elements of iron in the body via diet, it reduces the trace elements of iron in the tears, which will again break the nutrient chain needed for the red yeast to grow.
The most basic approach to control tear stains is regular hygiene; carefully wash your dog's face or wipe under the eyes on a daily or twice daily basis using ACV, or a 1% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Some people have had some excellent results controlling eye stains with the human eye product Collyrium - a very mild, soothing eye wash that has some boric acid and buffers in it. It is available through most drug stores and doesn't require a prescription.
Dietary approaches include omitting any food item, biscuit or treat that has red dye food additives, offering only distilled drinking water, or by changing the dog's PH by offering ACV in the drinking water or by using one of Ted's Alkalizing remedies.
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Colloidal Silver
Colloidal Silver
I cannot answer as to the dose for the colloidal silver, but you might consider Halo makes an herbal eye wash. I do think excessive tearing can be a common occurrence in brachycephalic breeds as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood, however if time does not improve this condition you might have your vet do an eye check at your next well puppy visit. Distichia is very common in the breed and may be your culprit.
Theresa's Remedies
Theresa's Remedies
Yes, ACV is safe for dogs to take internally. A fairly typical amount would be 2-3 teaspoons into 1 liter of water.
