My cream toy poodle "Einstein" has the worst case of stained eyes that I have ever seen. I have tried everything and cannot get the stains out. My groomer cuts the hair around his eyes but it is still stained. I clean them regularly and have tried every type of cleaner but NOTHING works on him. He is a beautiful dog with such a nice personality. I feel terrible about his problem. It is also embarrassing to take him out in public.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-- Anonymous, March 28, 1999

Answers

Jennifer,

Have you had his tear ducts cleaned out? Often the staining is caused because the tear ducts are clogged with small hairs from having his face clipped. Your vet can clear the tear ducts and will then put him on some drops or ointment (for his eyes) for a few days.

-- Anonymous, March 28, 1999

"Help! My poodle looks like he got punched in the eyes!"

It might also have something to do with the type of food you are feeding. I've had the same problem before when I used different brands of canned foods. I have now been feeding my poodles Iams canned and dry dog food for years and have no problem. I have a couple of light colored poodles too (one is white/silver).

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2001

Do what the professional handlers do. Crush a Rolaids or Tums in your doggie's food each day. Maybe half a Rolaids will do. In time, the stains will disappear because the hair around his/her eyes will replace itself, and your pooch will be getting much needed calcium for good bones and teeth. I used this method when I was showing Cavalier Kind Charles Spaniels and never had a stained eye in 18 years! It takes a bit of time for the effects to become apparent, but persist. It's worth it!

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002