Maltese Dog Care: 8 Powerful Tips to Prevent Tear Stains

Learn 8 powerful maltese dog care tips to prevent tear stains. Keep your Maltese’s coat bright, healthy, and beautiful with proven, safe methods every owner can use.

Introduction

A snow-white coat is one of the most striking features of the Maltese breed. Yet, many owners struggle with unsightly reddish-brown tear stains that can make even the most pampered pup look unkempt. Tear staining is not only a cosmetic issue—it may also signal underlying health or grooming problems that require attention.

That’s where maltese dog care comes in. With proper daily routines, dietary adjustments, and smart grooming practices, you can minimize or even prevent tear stains altogether.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 8 powerful maltese dog care tips to help you keep your Maltese looking picture-perfect while ensuring their overall health and comfort.

1. Understanding Tear Stains in Maltese Dogs

Tear stains occur when excess tears overflow from the eyes, leading to discoloration of the fur. The reddish-brown tint is caused by porphyrins—natural compounds in tears that stain the white coat of Maltese dogs.

Common Causes

Shallow eye sockets (common in toy breeds like Maltese).
Blocked tear ducts.
Allergies or irritants.
Poor-quality diet.
Yeast or bacterial buildup.

Good maltese dog care starts with identifying the root cause of tear staining, not just masking the symptoms.

2. Daily Eye Cleaning Routine

Consistent cleaning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent staining.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Tips

Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton pad to gently wipe away moisture under the eyes.
Choose vet-approved tear stain wipes or solutions to break down porphyrins.
Always dry the area completely, since moisture encourages bacterial growth.

By making eye cleaning part of your daily maltese dog care routine, you’ll drastically reduce staining and prevent infections.

3. Choose the Right Diet

Nutrition plays a bigger role in tear stains than many owners realize. Poor-quality foods with fillers and artificial dyes can increase tear production and staining.

Dietary Maltese Dog Care Tips

Feed a high-quality, grain-free food rich in protein.
Avoid foods with artificial coloring or additives.
Add supplements like omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Provide filtered water to reduce mineral content that can worsen stains.

Healthy nutrition isn’t just stain prevention—it’s one of the foundations of overall maltese dog care.

4. Grooming Around the Eyes

Long hair around your Maltese’s eyes can trap tears and encourage staining.

Grooming Guidelines

Keep facial hair trimmed and neat, especially around the eyes.
Ask your groomer for a “clean face” trim to reduce buildup.
Use a fine-toothed comb daily to keep hair smooth and free from debris.

Regular grooming is both a cosmetic and hygienic aspect of maltese dog care, ensuring your pup stays fresh and healthy.

5. Veterinary Solutions

If home care isn’t enough, it may be time to involve your vet.

Possible Veterinary Treatments

Tear duct flushing for blockages.
Prescription eye drops to reduce irritation.
Antibiotics for bacterial or yeast infections.
Allergy testing if environmental factors are suspected.

Professional care should always be part of your maltese dog care plan if tear stains persist despite your best efforts.

6. Preventing Environmental Irritants

Sometimes, the environment plays a bigger role than you think. Dust, pollen, or poor hygiene around food and water bowls can worsen tear staining.

Environmental Care Tips

Wash food and water bowls daily.
Keep bedding clean and allergen-free.
Limit exposure to secondhand smoke or dusty environments.

A clean environment is another overlooked part of responsible maltese dog care that helps your dog stay healthier overall.

7. Natural Remedies and Safe Alternatives

While some owners turn to harsh chemicals or unproven remedies, there are safe, natural options that may help.

Gentle Natural Solutions

Add apple cider vinegar (a few drops) to drinking water to change tear pH.
Use coconut oil to gently moisturize the stained area.
Offer probiotics to support digestive and immune health.

When used responsibly, natural remedies can be a helpful part of your maltese dog care routine without unnecessary risk.

8. Importance of Regular Hydration

Hydration plays a surprisingly large role in preventing tear stains. Minerals found in unfiltered water can sometimes contribute to excessive tearing and staining in Maltese dogs.

Hydration Tips for Better Maltese Dog Care

Filtered or distilled water: Helps reduce the mineral content that can discolor fur.
Clean bowls daily: Stainless steel bowls are best, as plastic can harbor bacteria that may irritate your dog’s eyes.
Encourage frequent drinking: Keep fresh water available in multiple spots around your home.

By prioritizing proper hydration, you not only support your Maltese’s overall health but also add another layer of defense against tear staining. Clean, safe water is a vital piece of maltese dog care that many owners overlook.

FAQs About Maltese Tear Stains

Q: Are tear stains harmful to my Maltese?
Not usually. They are mostly cosmetic, but they can indicate allergies, infections, or blocked ducts that require veterinary care.

Q: How often should I clean my Maltese’s eyes?
Daily cleaning is best. Consistency is the key to effective maltese dog care.

Q: Can grooming alone stop tear stains?
Grooming helps, but stains often require a combination of diet, cleaning, and sometimes veterinary care.

Additional Resources

Here are some trusted resources to learn more about proper maltese dog care and tear stain prevention:

Final Thoughts

Tear stains may be one of the most common challenges Maltese owners face, but they’re far from unavoidable. By combining daily cleaning, proper nutrition, regular grooming, and a proactive approach to health, you can minimize staining and keep your Maltese looking radiant.

At the end of the day, great maltese dog care isn’t just about beauty—it’s about ensuring your pup feels as wonderful as they look.

Ready to Welcome a Beautiful Maltese Into Your Life?

If you’re looking for a healthy, happy Maltese puppy raised with love and care, visit Pine Acres Puppies today to learn more about our available litters and adoption process.