Are you using tear stain removers on your pet?

Tear stain removers are all over the internet and in pet stores, so pet owners usually assume that they are OK to use, but this is not the case. You should know that they are not approved for use in pets, and have not been tested for safety. Recently the FDA issued warning letters to manufacturers of popular tear stain removers.

These products are heavily marketed and sold under trade names like: Angels’ Eyes, Angels’ Glow, Pets’ Spark, Glow Groom and Health Glow.

NONE of these products are approved for use in dogs or cats, and have not been tested for safety OR effectiveness. They all contain low levels of the antibiotic tylosin tartrate, which is also not approved for use in dogs or cats.

Beyond the lack of safety testing, low level antibiotic use leads to resistance in bacteria, and the evolution of “super bugs”, otherwise known as multi-drug resistant bacteria. This is also the reason we and other doctors recommend ALWAYS completing any course of antibiotics, minimizing the risk of resistance.

Here’s a link to the FDA site about the warning:
FDA Has Issued a Warning Regarding Tear Stain Remover

Safe Alternatives to Tear Stain Removers

MetroPet Vet Clinic does not recommend the use of ANY of these products. If your dog has tear stains, a wipe with a warm wet washcloth wiping the area once a day will remove the stain, and is perfectly safe. Sometimes, the area of the stain can be crusty due to dried tears, massaging it with warm water can help to break up the crust, which will then wash off as the dried tears dissolve. If your pet has tear stains, and you are having trouble getting them out, then we can help. Give us a call, or better yet, mention it at your pet’s next appointment, and we’ll be happy to make some recommendations.