08/28/2026
Tips from your groomer:
They're not just "tear stains." Most of you know that I have Poodles (a breed known to be prone to tear staining). We hear that a lot. "Well, your dog is just prone to that. " False. Behind everything, there is a reason. You can wipe that face everyday three times a day but you're not getting to the underlying problem.
Porphyrins and Gut Health in Dogs: What's the Connection? 🤔
Many pet owners notice reddish-brown stains around their dog's eyes, mouth, or paws and assume it's simply "tear staining." These stains are caused by porphyrins, natural pigments that contain iron and are produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. Porphyrins are normally excreted in tears, saliva, and urine.
Porphyrin staining itself is not a disease. Instead, it is often a sign that there is excess moisture or an underlying issue causing increased tears, saliva, or licking.
So, how does gut health fit in?
A healthy digestive system supports the immune system and helps regulate inflammation throughout the body. When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced—a condition known as dysbiosis—dogs may experience food sensitivities, allergies, or chronic inflammation. These conditions can contribute to watery eyes, itchy skin, excessive paw licking, and saliva staining, all of which make porphyrin staining more noticeable.
While poor gut health does not directly cause porphyrins, it can contribute to the underlying conditions that increase staining. Improving gut health through a balanced diet, appropriate probiotics when recommended, and addressing digestive disorders may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
It's also important to remember that porphyrin staining can have many causes, including:
Environmental or food allergies
Eye irritation or blocked tear ducts
Dental disease
Skin or yeast infections
Excessive licking from pain or itching
Breed-specific facial structure
If porphyrin staining appears suddenly, becomes severe, or is accompanied by digestive upset, itching, redness, or changes in behavior, a veterinary examination is recommended to identify and treat the underlying cause.
🐩The bottom line: Don't focus only on removing the stain. Porphyrin staining is often your dog's way of signaling that something deeper—whether allergies, inflammation, dental disease, eye issues, or even gut health—deserves attention.
