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My older yellow lab has new pinkish-brown tear stains. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 75 lbs

Why has my 12 year old yellow lab developed tear stains under both eyes? It is a pinkish brownish discharge and stain. This started about a month ago. Doesn’t bother her and does not seem like infection.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on April 26th, 2020

Pets can develop tear stains due to many issues including food, water quality, minerals in the water and some dogs produce the discoloration naturally due to blocked tear ducts. Since this has just started, I recommend to have Bella checked by the veterinarian who will look for clues to a medical condition like allergies or an infection. If no medical cause is identified, you may try a product like Angel Eye which comes in wipes or an oral supplement. You can also try allowing her only distilled water. You can also try a food change to something like Nutro Essentials which has non-GMO products and no artificial ingredients. Avoid grain free diets. Any food or water changes will likely take 6-8 weeks to see any difference. I hope this helps.

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