Why Do Pomeranians Get Tear Stains?
Dogs naturally produce tears to help protect and lubricate their eyes. Normally, excess tears drain through the nasolacrimal, or tear, ducts.
When tears instead overflow onto the face—a symptom known as epiphora—the fur beneath the eyes stays wet and can become stained.
Tears also contain naturally occurring pigments called porphyrins. When tears repeatedly wet the fur, these pigments can contribute to the familiar reddish, rust-colored, or brown appearance of tear stains.
The staining itself and the reason a dog is tearing are therefore two different things.
Several factors can contribute to excessive tearing or poor tear drainage, including:
- Individual facial and eyelid anatomy
- Tear ducts that do not drain adequately
- Hair or debris irritating the eye area
- Environmental irritation
- Allergies
- Abnormal eyelashes or eyelids
- Eye inflammation, injury, or infection
Tear stains can also simply be much easier to see on cream, white, and other light-colored Pomeranians than on darker coats.
Are Pomeranian Tear Stains a Health Problem?
Not necessarily.
For some dogs, tear staining is primarily cosmetic. But a sudden change or excessive tearing can sometimes indicate an underlying eye problem.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice symptoms such as:
- Redness or swelling
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Pawing or rubbing at the eyes
- Thick or unusually colored discharge
- Persistent eye irritation
- A sudden increase in tearing or staining
A veterinarian can examine the eyes and determine whether excessive tear production, inadequate tear drainage, irritation, or another condition may be contributing.
How Can You Care for Pomeranian Tear Stains?
Once a veterinarian has ruled out an underlying eye problem, consistent everyday care can help keep the area around your Pomeranian's eyes clean.
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
Gently remove normal tear residue and buildup around the eyes as needed.
A clean, soft cloth dampened with warm water or an appropriate veterinarian-recommended eye-cleaning product can be used around the eye area. Use a clean section of the cloth for each eye and gently dry the surrounding fur afterward.
Avoid harsh ingredients or homemade solutions near the eyes unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them.
Keep Hair From Irritating the Eyes
Pomeranians have a dense facial coat, so keeping the hair around the eyes neatly groomed may help prevent loose hairs and buildup from irritating the area.
If trimming near the eyes is necessary and you're not comfortable doing it yourself, ask a professional groomer or veterinarian for help.
Pay Attention to Changes
Your Pomeranian's normal pattern matters.
If your Pom has always had mild staining but suddenly begins tearing much more heavily, don't assume it's simply cosmetic. Changes in tearing, discharge, redness, or comfort are good reasons to talk with your veterinarian.
Can an Oral Supplement Be Part of a Tear-Stain Routine?
Some Pomeranian owners also choose to include a daily oral supplement as part of their dog's overall eye-wellness and grooming routine.
Show Me Plus™ Eye Vita is a daily oral dog supplement formulated to support eye wellness and help reduce the appearance of tear stains from the inside out.
It is intended to complement—not replace—regular grooming and appropriate veterinary care.
Learn more about the ingredients in Show Me Plus™ Eye Vita →
What About Existing Tear-Stained Fur?
Existing discoloration does not necessarily disappear simply because the eye area is being cared for.
That's one reason it's helpful to think of tear-stain care as an ongoing routine rather than a one-time cleaning. Keeping the area clean and dry and addressing excessive tearing when necessary can help manage the appearance over time.
What About Topical Tear-Stain Products?
Wipes and other products designed for the fur around the eyes may help clean away buildup, but they do not necessarily address why a dog is tearing excessively.
Because the eye is delicate, use products specifically intended for use around dogs' eyes and follow the manufacturer's directions. If you're uncertain about a product, ask your veterinarian before using it.
The Bottom Line
Tear stains are easy to notice on a Pomeranian's beautiful coat, particularly on lighter-colored Poms. The staining may be cosmetic, but excessive tearing can have many possible causes.
A good approach is simple: keep the eye area gently cleaned and dry, watch for changes, maintain appropriate grooming, and consult your veterinarian when tearing or other eye symptoms are persistent or unusual.
Once medical causes have been ruled out, a consistent daily routine—including grooming and, if appropriate for your dog, nutritional eye-wellness support—can become part of your Pomeranian's regular care.
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Want to learn about tear staining in other breeds? Read our guide: Dog Tear Stains by Breed →
Show Me Plus™ Eye Vita is a daily dog supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If your dog has persistent tearing, eye irritation, discharge, pain, or other eye-health concerns, consult your veterinarian.