Tear Staining

[maggie01]

My shih Tzu has bad staining around her eyes and mouth. The vet said there is a procedure to stop this. Has anyone had this done. She is due a vet check soon and I know the vet is going to mention it again

[woofgang]

is it making her ill or sore? If not I’d use specialist cleaning products and leave well alone!

[Tilly2]

^ Ditto!

[Clanad]

It's not only the eyes, but the belly near the sexual organ (male or female) that turns red due to the licking. Here in the U.S., we use a product called Eye Envy which is applied to the reddish areas and works very well and is tolerated well by the dog (Zuchon… Shih Tzu/ Bichon Frisse cross)… Seen here: http://astore.amazon.com/alshtz-20/detail/B001RIDZ1A

We've used it for over a year and although somewhat expensive it works… Perhaps it's available in the U.K.

[ladybirder]

Sounds like the vet is trying to make some money out of you. Will it improve the quality of your dog's life to have an operation?

Shih Tzus are prone to this and I would agree with Woofgang and Tilly. It's only cosmetic, it doesn't matter, leave it alone unless it is irritating her.