A beautiful white maltese with beard and tear stains

If you’ve ever seen a dog with red or brown marks in the areas around and just under the eyes, you’ve seen a dog that is suffering from tear staining . The staining can matte around the dog’s eyes and leave a gooey, thick mess that is hard to clean. Most people assume that the stains are caused by excessive moisture from the dog’s eyes and that they’re just a fact of life. In fact though, tear stains have many different causes, and figuring out the root of the problem could end up saving you some work and also improve your dog’s life.

1.) Ear Infections

Tear staining can be linked back to ear infections, so it’s important to keep your dog’s ears as clean and dry as possible. If you notice that your dog is getting a lot of ear infections which also coincide with excessive tearing, the two are probably related. Use a good cleansing product to make sure the ears are clean and your dog’s tear stains might be reduced as a result.

2.) Allergies

Dogs can experience reactions to thing just like humans, and tear staining can often be a reaction to allergens or irritants. In fact, some dogs will suffer reactions to their food which will change the pH level in your dog’s system which in turn can cause excessive tearing. If you notice that your dog’s tear stains get worse in certain situations than it might be an environmental factor that is adding to the problem.

3.) Blocked Tear Ducts

Some dogs are born with tear ducts that are closed which need to be surgically opened by a vet, but this isn’t the only way a duct can be blocked. At times, a dog can develop clogged tear ducts which can add to excessive tearing, and unfortunately, a trip to the vet will be needed to irrigate the ducts. Luckily, this isn’t a very common problem, but if you suspect clogged tear ducts, it should be taken care of, lest your dog suffer unnecessarily.

4.) Red Yeast

One of the biggest causes of tear staining is from a dog having an excessive amount of tears. This high level of moisture can keep the hair around the face wet, which then becomes an area where bacteria can breed. One of the most common forms of this bacteria is called Red Yeast, which causes a yeast infection around the eyes and leads to the brownish-red stains that you sometimes see on dogs.

5.) Water

Some waters contain a high mineral content, which can cause staining on a dog’s entire face and beard. A lot of moisture can remain on the face trapped in the hairs after a dog drinks, which can be moved to eye level by the dog trying to lick his face clean. And, if the mineral content is high, it will increase the level of red-brown staining on a dog’s face. If you notice both tear stains and a discolored beard, try switching your dog’s water to combat the problem.

Red or brown tear stains are not attractive to look at, and they can be a symptom of a larger problem. If your dog has excessive staining around they eyes and on its face, it might be worth looking into what the cause of the staining is.

According to a recent study, EpiCor, the key ingredient in Eyemunity , helped to reduce arthritis in animals.

EpiCor appears to do this by modulating the animals’ immune signaling system resulting in more appropriate signals and a modified immune response by the animal.

This study showed the animals receiving EpiCor had significantly lower arthritis scores at the end of the study compared to the control group.

Researchers continue to study the connection between nutrition and arthritis related to unbalanced immune activation. EpiCor is an immune modulating compound associated with promoting beneficial immune responses for the body.

To read the full study, click here

EpiCor is used in Eyemunity to help reduce tear staining in dogs. It helps to boost the immune system to fight the bacteria that cause the tear stains.

Epicor is a high metabolite immunogen. If you don’t know what that means, watch this video .

If your dog has tear stains there is hope and you don’t have to compromise your dog’s health with harmful drugs or chemicals.

Here’s another amazing video about Epicor, the main ingredient in Eyemunity. It’s a news segment that gives the history of how the product is made, research, benefits and more.

One of the toughest problems to solve are tear stains. You know, those brownish/red streaks down a dog’s face. It’s normal that a dog’s eyes produce tears– clear ones. But some breeds are susceptible to the brown tearstains which are not only unsightly, but sometimes smelly!

The problem is only made worse when all of that moisture around the eyes becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and red yeast develops. The problem is three fold. One is physiology. Some dogs have tear ducts that are too short and there’s not much we can do about that, short of surgery.

The other parts of the problem are environmental and systemic. And we do have control over these. Many times tear stains are brought on by environmental toxins and pollutants. That’s why if you want to get rid of tear stains wiping the eyes is just the first step. You have to boost the dog’s immune system or the bacteria will persist and so will the stains.

Some dog owners use bleach, hydrogen peroxide or even pharmaceutical grade antibiotics everyday to cure the problem, but I certainly don’t recommend these options!

I give my dog’s Eyemunity everyday. It’s s an all natural powder that you sprinkle into your dog’s food 1-2 times per day. It helps to boost the dog’s immune system to fight the bacteria that cause the tearstains. It is all natural so it will take a little longer than other “quick fix” solutions but give it about 3 weeks to kick in. The best thing is there are no side-effects except for a healthier dog! That being said these tear stains are persistant!

I’ve been traveling for a couple of weeks and left the duty of feeding the dogs to my husband who forgot to give them the Eyemunity … so now my maltese, RiQui, has some minor tear stains. She’s been on the Eyemunity a couple of days and it might take a couple of weeks to kick in. But when it does, as long as I keep giving it to her, the tear stains do not persist. And I don’t know if it’s a coincidence, but she’s much healthier and happier than she used to be.

The main ingredient is called Epicor , which is a high metabolite immunogen. If you don’t know what that means, watch this video . But in nut shell Epicor is helping the body to fight against bacteria and is quite remarkable.

I have been taking Epicor (I skipped the Eyemunity as I don’t really like the taste of desiccated liver) and have not been sick once in months!

Eyemunity also includes an enzyme blend that helps with swelling and inflammation. Many times when the dog produces tears it causes a bit of inflammation in the eyes which only makes the problem worse. For a list of complete ingredients click here .

If your dog has tear stains there is hope and you don’t have to compromise your dog’s health with harmful drugs or chemicals.

Here’s another amazing video about Epicor, the main ingredient in Eyemunity. It’s a news segment that gives the history of how the product is made, research, benefits and more.

For more information on Eyemunity click here.

And if you’d like to find out if your dog is happy and healthy or plagued by fleas take this short questionnaire .

PupLife.com’s Top Ten Dog Products Of The Year Awards 2007

Winners of the 4th Annual Top Ten Dog Products of the Year Awards ("The Doggies") were officially announced today by PupLife.com, recently named "one of the fastest growing pet supply sites online" by Ecommerce-Guide.com. The 2007 "Doggies" serve as a comprehensive guide for dog owners seeking the best products for their pets as well as providing a thoughtful and well-researched list for holiday shoppers.

PupLife.com selected its 2007 Top Ten Dog Products of the Year Award winners based on a number of factors including product performance, innovative design, user-testing, customer feedback and overall sales. Nine of the ten winners this year are new to the Dog Products Of The Year Awards, with only one product returning from last year. PupLife.com also named an overall Top Dog Product Of The Year Award winner for 2007.

PupLife.com President Eric Houtkooper said, "We are proud to bestow our Top Ten Dog Products of the Year awards for the fourth straight year. 2007 was a great year for product innovation in the dog supply market. Our top ten products really showcase what PupLife.com is about - incredible dog products that offer true functional benefits. When your dog is happy, you are happy. Our customers have told us that these products are truly the best of the best."

One noteworthy aspect of this year’s winners was a significant increase in eco-friendly dog products. Four of the Top Ten Award Winners can easily be classified as "green" dog products. Mr. Houtkooper commented, "Green products have been very popular in 2007, and we see that trend continuing in the dog products industry. Eco-friendly beds and organic treats are red hot. People are looking for high quality products that their pets will love, but they also are concerned about quality, safety and sustainability. Dog owners love their pet, but they also love their planet. High quality dog products that are also earth-friendly are fast becoming PupLife.com customer favorites."

The 2007 Top Ten Dog Products Of The Year Winners are:

10) Jet Setter Airline Approved Dog Carrier by Creature Couture
Take your pet anywhere in this super-light, ultra-stylish pet carrier. Designed with the strictest airline regulations in mind, this roll-on carrier has removeable wheels, plenty of ventilation and tons of pockets. It can also be secured as a car seat for travel around town.

9) On Talking Terms With Dogs and Calming Signals Book & DVD
Norwegian dog trainer, Turid Rugaas, noted expert on canine body language, offers this "user-friendly" guide to communicating with your dog. Dog lovers everywhere can learn recognize and respond to common canine signals to promote and achieve peaceable relationships between dogs and people and in multi-dog households.

Tazlab Aqua-Fur Travel Bowl
This foldable, packable, eminently portable travel bowl is the perfect solution for pets and people on-the-go. What’s more, the food-grade silicone Aqua-Fur is both practical and stylish.

7) Sense-ible Dog Harness
The original Front-Connection™ harness offers a revolutionary design that helps you teach your dog to walk calmly at your side. This patented-design harness allows you to effectively cue your dog to move with you without pulling on the leash. Safe, comfortable and humane.

6) Happytails Spa EyePack Tearstain Remover Kit
This all-natural two part product combats both the causes and symptoms of unsightly tear stains. Used together, Eyepads and Eyemunity address underlying bacterial problems that cause tear stains. Use Eyepads to gently cleanse your dog’s eye area in conjunction with nutrient rich, high-metabolite immunogen supplement, Eyemunity, to help boost your dog’s immune system to fight bacteria from the inside out.

5) Monzie’s Organic Muesli For Dogs
Wheat free, corn free and made with organic ingredients. Simply add your own meat and water and you’ve got a fresh, organic, homemade meal for your dog in minutes. Easy. Organic. What could be simpler?

4) West Paw Eco Nap Earth Friendly Dog Bed
Rest easy on this stylish, ultra durable, machine washable and earth friendly dog bed. Utliizing IntelliTex™ fabric, milled in the USA with 85% of the fabric comprised of post consumer recycled plastic, better known as the soda-pop bottles. The Eco Nap gives your pet a comfortable place to rest while enabling you to do your part to help protect planet Earth. No compromises.

3) Hi-Q Linkable Dog Treat Toys
How smart is your dog? Find out with these linkable, treat-dispensing puzzle toys! Made from durable, non-toxic rubber, HI-Q toys provide randomized treat dispensing with an easy-snap design that allows you to connect two or more HI-Q dog toys to create all sorts of challenges for your dog.

2) Plato Organic Chicken Strips
These organic dog treats are made with over 90% organic chicken meat, and they are not from China. Rest assured, you’ll be giving your dog a wholesome, nutritious and organic treat. Certified organic by the Oregon Tilth.

And (drum roll, please) the overall Top Dog Product Of The Year For 2007 is:

1) Backseat Barrier Pet Protector
Dogs moving around freely in cars are a safety hazard to themselves, the driver, and passengers. The Backseat Barrier Pet Protector keeps everyone safe by creating a strong wall between the front and back seats of the car. Easy to install, universal fit for most cars and SUVs, and looks great, too. Travel safe, travel smart.