Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Dog · Shih Tzu
- Sex
- Female
- Color
- Tan
It sounds like Baby is dealing with eye discharge and tear staining — this is really common in Shih Tzus, so you're definitely not alone in noticing it! The flat-faced (brachycephalic) structure of breeds like hers means their eyes are more prominent and their tear drainage can work differently, which often leads to more discharge and that familiar reddish-brown staining on the fur around the eyes.
The brown staining itself comes from a pigment in tears called porphyrin. It's not harmful on its own, but it can be a sign that tears are overflowing more than they should — and sometimes it points to an underlying issue worth checking out.
Some general at-home steps that can help with day-to-day care:
- Gently wipe the area daily using a soft, damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipes. Always wipe away from the eye, not toward it.
- Keep the fur trimmed around her eyes so it doesn't irritate them or trap moisture — a groomer familiar with Shih Tzus can do this safely.
- Check her water — some owners find that filtered water helps reduce staining over time, though results vary.
- Keep the area dry after cleaning, since moisture trapped in the fur can encourage skin irritation or mild infections.
What you want to avoid is using any human eye drops, hydrogen peroxide, or other household products near her eyes without a vet's guidance.
It's also worth knowing that discharge can range from totally normal (a little clear or slightly colored crust) to a sign of something that needs attention — like a blocked tear duct, eye irritation, allergies, or an infection. Since Baby's age is unknown, it's especially helpful to have a vet take a baseline look at her eyes so you know what's normal for her and what to watch for going forward.
When to see your vet:
Schedule a visit soon — ideally within the next week or two — if you haven't already had her eyes evaluated. Go sooner (within a day or two) if you notice any of the following:
- The discharge is yellow or green, or has increased suddenly
- Her eye(s) look red, swollen, or cloudy
- She's squinting, pawing at her face, or seems uncomfortable
- The skin under her eyes looks irritated, raw, or smells unusual
- She's showing any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy
A vet can check whether her tear ducts are draining properly and rule out anything that needs treatment. Since this is an ongoing thing rather than a one-time occurrence, getting a professional look is the best way to make sure Baby stays comfortable. 🐾
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