Puppy Guide
Cavoodle Tear Stains: How to Remove Them
Feb
Those reddish-brown streaks under your Cavoodle’s eyes aren’t dirt, and they’re not your fault. Tear staining is incredibly common in Cavoodles, especially those with light-coloured coats.
🎯 Quick Answer
Cavoodle tear stains are caused by porphyrins in tears that oxidise and turn reddish-brown. Manage them with daily wiping using warm water or saline solution. Keep hair trimmed away from eyes. Established stains need to grow out—takes 4-8 weeks with consistent care.
While Cavoodle tear stains are usually cosmetic rather than a health concern, they can indicate underlying issues worth checking. This guide explains what causes them, how to manage them, and when to worry.
What Causes Cavoodle Tear Stains?
Tear stains are caused by a compound called porphyrin, which is present in tears, saliva, and urine. When tears overflow and sit on the fur, the porphyrins oxidise and turn that characteristic reddish-brown colour.
Why Tears Overflow
Normal tear production drains through tiny ducts into the nose. When more tears are produced than can drain away—or when the drainage is blocked—tears overflow onto the face.
Common causes in Cavoodles:
- Shallow eye sockets: Inherited from the Cavalier side. The eye shape means tears don’t drain as efficiently.
- Blocked tear ducts: Can be congenital (born with it) or develop over time.
- Eye irritation: Anything that makes the eyes water more—allergies, dust, hair poking the eye.
- Teething: Puppies often have increased tear production while teething. Often reduces after adult teeth come in.
- Food sensitivities: Some dogs produce more tears on certain diets.
- Ear infections: Surprisingly, ear problems can cause increased tearing on the same side.
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
In the salon, I always check for hair poking the eye when clients mention tear staining. Nine times out of ten, there’s a strand irritating the eye that they haven’t noticed. A quick face trim often reduces tear staining within a week or two.
Are Cavoodle Tear Stains Harmful?
Usually, no. Tear staining is primarily a cosmetic issue.
However, see a vet if you notice:
- Sudden increase in tearing
- Only one eye affected
- Yellow or green discharge (indicates infection)
- Eye redness or swelling
- Squinting or pawing at the eye
- Signs of discomfort
These could indicate an eye infection, injury, or other issue needing treatment.
Daily Cavoodle Tear Stain Management
The key to managing tear stains is consistency. A simple daily routine prevents build-up better than occasional intensive cleaning.
Basic Daily Routine
Morning:
- Dampen a soft cloth or cotton pad with warm water
- Gently wipe under each eye, from inner corner outward
- Dry the area with a clean cloth
- Apply tear stain wipes or solution if using
Takes about 30 seconds per eye.
What to Use
| Product | Pros | Cons | Expert Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm water | Simple, safe, free | Won’t remove set stains | ✅ Best for daily maintenance |
| Saline solution | Gentle, effective | Small cost | ✅ Great option |
| Tear stain wipes | Convenient, formulated | Ongoing cost | Good for busy owners |
| Hydrogen peroxide | None | Dangerous near eyes | ❌ Never use |
Deeper Cleaning for Established Tear Stains
If stains have built up over time, you’ll need more than daily wiping.
Gradual Approach
- Maintain daily cleaning routine
- The stained hair needs to grow out and be trimmed away
- New growth will be unstained if you keep up the routine
- Full improvement takes 4-8 weeks
Professional Help
Groomers can trim away stained hair around the eyes and clean the area thoroughly. Ask about tear stain treatment at your next grooming appointment.
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
I tell clients that removing tear stains is a marathon, not a sprint. The stained hair has to grow out and be trimmed off—there’s no product that magically removes the colour from existing fur. Keep the area clean, keep hair trimmed from eyes, and in 6-8 weeks you’ll see a big difference.
Reducing Cavoodle Tear Stains Long-Term
Keep Hair Out of Eyes
Hair poking the eye causes irritation and increased tearing.
- Regular face trims to keep eye area clear
- Ask your groomer to trim hair away from eyes
- Check between grooming appointments
Filter Drinking Water
High mineral content can contribute to staining. Filtered or bottled water may help.
Consider Diet
Some dogs show improvement when switched to different food. Common dietary factors:
- Food dyes (red or artificial colours)
- Certain protein sources
- Grain fillers
Stainless Steel Bowls
Plastic bowls can harbour bacteria that contribute to facial staining. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easier to keep clean.
Why Light-Coloured Cavoodles Show More Staining
All Cavoodles produce porphyrins in their tears. But on a white, cream, or apricot coat, the reddish-brown staining is visible. On darker coats (black, chocolate), the staining still occurs but doesn’t show.
This is why it seems like a “light-coloured dog problem”—it’s not that they stain more, it’s that you can see it.
Puppy Tear Staining
Many Cavoodle puppies develop tear staining during teething (3-6 months). The good news: this often improves significantly once adult teeth come in.
During teething:
- Maintain daily cleaning routine
- Don’t panic—it’s usually temporary
- If it persists past 8-9 months, investigate other causes
Common Cavoodle Tear Stain Questions
“Should I use antibiotics for tear stains?”
Some vets prescribe low-dose antibiotics to reduce tear staining. While this can work, it’s not a first-line treatment for a cosmetic issue. Save antibiotics for actual infections. Manage cosmetic staining with external care.
“My Cavoodle’s tear stains appeared suddenly. What happened?”
Sudden changes can indicate eye irritation, allergies, or infection. If accompanied by other symptoms (redness, discharge, discomfort), see your vet.
“Will tear stains ever go away completely?”
Some dogs always have some tearing due to their anatomy. Consistent care can minimise the appearance significantly, but some light staining may remain.
Summary: Your Cavoodle Tear Stain Plan
Daily: Wipe under eyes with warm water or gentle solution.
Weekly: More thorough cleaning with tear stain product.
At grooming appointments: Have groomer trim eye area and address any build-up.
Long-term: Address underlying causes (hair in eyes, water quality, potential allergies).
Written by Marine Ponchaut
Marine is the founder of WoofSpark, a professional dog grooming salon in Cessnock, NSW. Since founding WoofSpark in 2019, she has groomed thousands of dogs and helped countless owners manage tear staining.
Related Guides
- Cavoodle Grooming Schedule — Full care routine
- Cavoodle Ear Cleaning — Another common care need
- Cavoodle Puppy Checklist — Complete guide
Need Help With Tear Stains?
Tear stain management is part of our regular grooming service. We can trim the eye area and show you the proper cleaning technique. Book an appointment or contact us with questions.