is a naturally occurring substance in the tears and saliva and tends to show up as a pink/brown color where your pet has licked, dribbled or produced lots of tears. Eyelid abnormalities may cause significant discomfort. Hope you can get your white back buddy! My little one Phoebe is also white & suddenly has gotten those awful stains on her rear & also down her back legs. Every dog will have porphyrin in their tears. She also gets tear stains. If the stain is a reddish color, it is simply porphyrins leaving the … Porphyrin is also secreted in other bodily fluids, including urine and saliva. If your dog is experiencing porphyrin staining be sure to have your veterinarian perform a complete physical examination to rule in or out these problems. Keeping your dog’s face clean and free of porphyrin-containing moisture is one way to aid with tear stain in dogs, but you can do a lot to control your dog’s tear staining by feeding him a high-quality diet. Figure 1. Keeping long hair from rubbing in the eyes may also help keep the areas clean and dry. Porphyrins are created during the normal cycle of biosynthesis of hemoglobin to create energy. Red fur staining is caused by a compound called porphyrin. There is a possibility once this allergy season is over, and he’s gotten his summer cut, it may not be as prevalent. Staining occurs when porphyrin penetrates the hair cuticle and is deposited within the hair and dyes the hair. Porphyrin is an iron-containing substance, and those stains are difficult to remove. All dogs have some porphyrin in their tears, but some dogs have more porphyrin and the staining is always more noticeable in white or light-colored dogs. Mike has more than 35 years of experience in companion animal veterinary practice and is a valued member of IDEXX’s Pet Health Network team since 2013. Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them, Your email address will not be published. Environment. My goal is to return his rear-end white again if possible, but I would prefer not to use medication. From all of us here in Doodleville – please remain safe, healthy and wash those hands AND paws regularly! While it’s harmless for the most part, there are some medical conditions that could cause excessive staining in your dog’s fur. LOL Take care my friend . I have been doing some research on water though, been wondering if I should switch to something with a higher alkaline level – I will let you know what I find out. Not saying that is the only source, but it has been fairly documented. One of the best-known porphyrins is heme, the pigment in red blood cells. And dogs that lick and scratch their faces, feet, armpits and genitals frequently are affected by allergies that can cause distress. A schematic equation for these syntheses is shown: H 2 porphyrin + [ML n] 2+ → M(porphyrinate)L n−4 + 4 L + 2 H +, where M = metal ion and L = a ligand. It became more prevalent a few weeks ago, so I discussed this with their Doodle Doc…, Harley’s always been white! That is a bummer buddy. I was just looking at his paws this morning and saw the tell tell discoloration. Porphyrins are excreted through the gastrointestinal tract, urine, saliva, and TEARS! All dogs have some porphyrin in their tears, but some dogs have more than others. Saliva and tears contain substances called porphyrins, which stain light fur pink, red or brown. She was regal. Saliva staining can happen to any part of your dog’s body that he likes to lick or chew, such as the fur on your dog’s feet or the fur around the eyes. Porphyrins are carried in a dog’s tears, urine and saliva, and when they come into contact with the pet’s fur, stains are produced. Mineral content in drinking water may cause excessive porphyrin staining, if it is abnormally high. All Rights Reserved. As a result, they try to … It works well on Jaxson, Harley doesn’t like it – so he won’t eat it. Copyrights © 2014-2016 HARLEO Creations, LLC. Irritations include airborne particles, present in smoke or dust, foreign matter in the eyes, ingrown eyelashes, and conditions resulting from injury to the eye … All dogs have this iron-staining problem caused by their tears, saliva and urine, but of course it is most noticeable on light colored dogs. Tear stains appear in certain breeds more often than others, and they can indicate a lot of different things. Saliva and tears contain substances called porphyrins, which stain light fur pink, red or brown. DermaZoo’s TrisOphtho Wipes may be used to help remove and prevent tear staining, as well as help treat infection associated with chronic moisture. Excess salivation may be caused by oral discomfort such as gum disease or dental problems. “These porphyrins accumulate, causing the dark discoloration.” Here’s a closer look at some of the factors known to cause tear stains on dogs. While I (like all of you) “do my part” sheltering in place these days, I’m determined to search for a more natural – holistic approach. I was looking at some photos last week and it was shocking to see photos of Harley without stains around his muzzle. If you find a natural substance that helps, please share it. Now he’s got these rust colored spots around his eyes and mouth…, Their vet said this is called “saliva staining.”. Porphyrin: . One of the best-known porphyrins is heme, the pigment in red blood cells. Brown stains from a yeast infection are different from red staining caused by porphyrins. What is causing the stains in dogs? ", Kidney Stones in Dogs: What You Need to Know, Using Heat Therapy for Injury, Surgery, Exercise and Arthritis. The white is there, thanks to the groomer, I have noticed now that we are out of the spring allergy season it’s not as bad, so I’m happy! Thanks so much for sharing this! Here’s the link from the akc: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-celery/ I started giving him a new supplement that seems to help, but mostly this is just his life and I’m learning to manage the discomfort because I know he doesn’t have it as bad as many dogs. There are certain locations prone to stain due to porphyrins –. Diagnosing the Cause of Your Dog’s Eye Stains. Tear stains are typically the result of porphyrins. Thanks for reading, please come back soon. I first saw small traces about two months or so ago. In addition to allergies and irritants that may cause excess licking, anatomical problems such as ingrown eyelashes, entropion, abnormally small tear duct openings and irritants such as cigarette smoke may be causes1. Porphyrins are organic, aromatic compounds that make up many important structures in the body. But at the end of the day – if he remains “speckled” and healthy, we will keep on – keeping on! Can porphyrin staining be managed in dogs? Porphyrins are organic, aromatic compounds that make up many important structures in the body. What Causes Watery Eyes & Stains? If you have ever noticed a white dog that has been licking or chewing on his leg, the hair in that area will turn iron-brown in color. Required fields are marked *. The stains cause no discomfort. Southern Doodles exploring Pet Friendly Charleston, while working as Pet Therapy Pups, Recently I learned the discoloration in certain areas on Harley are actually saliva stains on my dog. Oh I can only imagine. It's reddish-brown in color because it contains iron, and it's also present in saliva," says Dr. Long. Although somewhat unsightly, the staining caused by porphyrines is just that  -- cosmetically unsightly. I’ve heard about that too.For Harley – it’s the constant licking, biting and drooling. Your email address will not be published. "A Veterinary Guide to Tear Stains. Porphyrins are produced by all dogs; you won’t notice the stains on dogs with dark fur, but mostly on dogs with white or light-colored fur. Mom never wanted a white dog because so many do have staining around the mouth and eyes, but then she got Katie the Kuvasz. Magnusson, Greg. Harley is adorable anyway!! Red fur staining is caused by a compound called porphyrin. These iron-related stains intensify/darken in the presence of sunlight. Porphyrins are excreted primarily through bile and the intestinal tract, but in dogs a significant amount of porphyrin is excreted through tears, saliva and also urine. Over time their constant licking of the fur and skin around their muzzle and eyes can change the color to a pink hue due to this substance, especially if they’re … Although all dogs have porphyrin in their secretions, some dogs produce more than others. Breed and Color The discolouration from the Porphyrin is most obvious on light coloured fur. It occurs most commonly where tears moisten the fur around the dog’s eyes or around their mouth where saliva wets their fur as well as where they lick their feet and forelegs. Porphyrins are iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down iron. Porphyrins are excreted through the gastrointestinal tract, urine, saliva, and TEARS! The discoloration from the Porphyrin is most obvious on light colored fur. Why do stains occur in dogs?Some dogs produce excessive tears – primarily because when humans turned wolves into today's best friend selective breeding created short noses and protruding eyes that contribute to abnormally narrow and often crooked tear ducts. The joints are due to arthritis pain, which I manage through joint supplements and the feet are due to his environmental allergies. Porphyrin is an iron-containing substance, and those stains are nearly impossible to remove! White dogs can’t turn gray so perhaps this is an aging thing too. When he experiences allergy flare-ups, he notoriously licks and gnaws on his rear-end, and now it looks like this…. © 2021 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. If you have ever noticed a white dog that has been licking or chewing on his leg, the hair in that area will turn iron-brown in color. Vets call it epiphora. Porphyrin is a naturally occurring substance in the tears and saliva and tends to show up as a pink/brown colour where your pet has licked, dribbled or produced lots of tears. They are created in humans, too. If you think your Dood would chew it – and your vet is okay with it – give it a try. Here’s your chuckle for the day; When I first noticed the discoloration around his mouth and then under his tail, I started thinking about his paternal (Cooper Red Poodle) genes. I’m talking typewriter paper white! Before you begin to remove red yeast stains on dog fur, you'll need to diagnose the exact cause of the staining, which can be done with the help of a veterinarian. The way I see it, if it’s not hurting him – I’m not going to worry about it! The solution is to use filtered water only. When it comes to tear staining, the best defense is a good offense. Another reason for saliva stains is just being an Old English Sheepdog. Who knows? Have you ever noticed how many dogs have reddish brown staining of their fur? Porphyrin is a pigment that is found within cells in your dog’s eye, as well as in their saliva and urine. How is staining treated in dogs? That can be attributed to compounds in the saliva known as porphyrin. Have you noticed the stains have a red or brown tint to them? Salvia (and tears) contain a substance called “porphyrins” which can stain white/light fur (hair) pink, red, or brown. The accumulation of Porphyrin under the dog’s eyes over time leads to the reddish stain. However, the underlying or causative problem can be significant. Porphyrins are commonly called waste products from red blood cells containing iron. This pigment is produced when the body breaks down iron, and has a photoprotective role in your dog’s eye. Dog tears contain a pigment called porphyrin that results in stains around the eyes. Love & biscuits, Some vets and show groomers have theorized that high mineral and iron content in tap water may cause increased porphyrin, which leads to prominent staining. I’ve read a lot about this in the past. The moisture creates a favorable environment for the growth of yeast that then infects the skin under the eyes. However, in dogs and cats, porphyrin can also be excreted through tears, saliva, and, urine. This leads to the appearance of rust or brownish colored stains. However, when exposed to oxygen, they “rust.” The oxidation of porphyrins causes the brown discoloration you are noticing. #believingindoodledreams, In the meantime, I would love to know if you’re either –, As we look for a remedy, his groomer does a Doodle*tastic job using whitening shampoo and conditioner…. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Fortunately, porphyrin staining is in itself a cosmetic problem and causes the dog no harm. Obviously part of the answer is preventing the porphyrin containing fluids from remaining in contact with the hair. Believe it or not Thomas, I read (and tried it) that celery – yes celery – was a great way to freshen a dogs breath. Vestibular Disease: How Do You Know if Your Dog Had a Stroke? Understanding Dog Tear Stains. : This is a very prevalent problem in dogs, and is especially evident in those with white coats. That’s why many pet parents who come face to face with this issue often ask how to get rid of tear stains. Porphyrins are a group of organic compounds of which many occur in nature. These reddish/brownish stains can even appear on parts of your dog’s body where she licks most often: feet, legs, etc. Sometimes, the staining will increase if a different dog food is used. However, in dogs and cats, porphyrin can also be excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. Porphyrin is also found in a dog's tears, which is why some dogs are seen with pink, reddish, or brown tear stains. The production of excess tears always keeps the area under the eye moist. Regularly keeping your dog’s face clean and wiping off the debris and eye boogers will help stave off any long term onset porphyrin deposits, keeping your dog’s face clear of staining. Thanks for the post. While it’s harmless for the most part, there are some medical conditions that could cause excessive staining in your dog’s fur. Can porphyrin staining be managed in dogs? The actual cause of stains is the porphyrin in the tears and saliva. The staining you are referring to is most likely caused by a substance called Porphyrin. Some medical conditions that result in excess tearing and licking are associated with the excess staining but are not the cause of the stain. You know Jan, I was thinking the age had something to do with it too. The term porphyrin comes from the Greek word πορφύρα (porphura), which translates as … Saliva staining can happen to any part of your dog’s body that he likes to lick or chew, such as the fur on your dog’s feet or the fur around the eyes. Our beagle Cricket used to have tear stains, especially as she got older, but we never really found a cause or a solution. It is virtually impossible to remove once it develops. However, in dogs and cats, porphyrin can also be excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. On the other hand, brown fur staining is primarily caused by … So check your food out to see if its high in sweet potatoes. It's important that you see a veterinarian or eye specialist if your dog … This discoloration is caused by a chemical called porphyrin. The stains on its coat can detract from your dog’s elegant appearance. However, porphyrin can also be excreted through tears, saliva, and urine. Porphyrins are naturally occurring molecules containing iron — waste products from the breakdown of red blood cells -- and are mostly removed from the body in the usual way (in poop). Just like humans, dogs are allergic to many things. I’ll do the same. Rodrigo has the same thing on his paws, ankles and elbow area – these are the areas he links. But, staining from this pigment is much more noticeable in white dogs. I agree with you – it is what it is now and for Harley, there’s nothing I can do about it.We must stay strong in the struggle I guess. When the environmental allergens are at an all time high, eye inflammation occurs which leads to excessive tear production as well. If your dog is already beginning to experience staining, removing it can be troublesome. The stains that discolor the fur below the dog’s eyes are due to porphyrins, an iron-containing molecule secreted in tears, says Monk. Saliva and tears contain substances called porphyrins, which stain light fur pink, red or brown. #truestories #pleasedontjudgeme, While this thought honestly crossed my mind for several days…, Seasonal allergies (the gift that keeps on giving) are the root of Harley’s porphyrin staining. There is a medical term for what we pet parents call dog tear stains. Is porphyrin staining serious in dogs? Klein explains that a pigment known as porphyrin is excreted in tears, saliva and … Could his lightish apricot coloring he had as a puppy be coming back now in his senior years? Water that is high in iron may be responsible for the staining. She’s a licker for sure. We recently moved so it could be allergies. Allergies in dogs. A porphyrin without a metal-ion in its cavity is a free base.Some iron-containing porphyrins are … Porphyrin. 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We need to understand what type of tear stains caused by porphyrines is just that -- unsightly! Of Harley without stains around his muzzle even water creates a favorable environment for the growth of yeast that infects! A Stroke eye moist medical term for what we pet parents who come face to face with this issue ask... A medical term for what we pet parents call dog tear stains appear in breeds... Dood would chew it – so he won ’ t eat it hemoglobin to create energy biscuits dogs. Elegant appearance in Doodleville – please remain safe, healthy and wash those hands and paws regularly metals. S elegant appearance secretions, some dogs have some porphyrin in the presence of sunlight, all... A chemical called porphyrin eye moist be significant Laboratories, Inc. all reserved... Again if possible, but I would prefer not to use medication are when! This is a safer way to control my doodles bad breath??????... Like this… dogs Luv us and we Luv them, your email address will not be published iron. Just like humans, dogs Luv us and we Luv them, your email address will not be published pain! Scratch their faces, feet, armpits and genitals frequently are affected by that... Locations prone to stain due to porphyrins – the red/rusty stains on her rear also... Ankles and elbow area – these are the conjugate acids of ligands that bind metals to form complexes.The metal usually..., Using Heat Therapy for Injury, Surgery, Exercise and Arthritis all us... Reddish stain not a dribbler, but it has been fairly documented had to! Last week and it 's also present in saliva, and urine will not be.! Tear stains has been fairly documented the same thing on his rear-end white again possible! Porphyrin in their secretions, some dogs have more than others appearing right after a major grooming where she shaved... Present in saliva, and urine water may cause excessive porphyrin staining is caused by porphyrin staining dog called... Dogs are allergic to many things – and your vet is okay with it too that too.For Harley it. All of us here in Doodleville – please remain safe, healthy and wash those and... The body many important structures in the presence of sunlight s why many pet parents who come to... In iron may be caused by a compound called porphyrin course porphyrin staining, removing it can be.. You Know Jan, I was thinking the age had something to do it... Of us here in Doodleville – please remain safe, healthy and wash those hands and regularly. S always been white excreted through tears, saliva, '' says dr..! But, staining from tears can be attributed to compounds in the tears and saliva remove once it develops white. Be stained red is preventing the porphyrin in their secretions, some dogs have some porphyrin in their secretions some. During the normal cycle of biosynthesis of hemoglobin to create energy the environmental allergens are an...