Bichon frise are a breed prone to tear stain. This is reddish brown markings that appear directly under their eyes and stains their white fur. While it is common among bichons to have this stain, and it is natural for a dog's eye to tear or seep a small amount of discharge, tear stain is not entirely normal, and there are factors that actually cause this condition to occur, or make it worse.

What causes tear stain in the bichon frise? There is more than one cause. The following is a list of the two most common factors, as well as some tips on how you can help prevent the problem:

Physical problems. If an eyelash or the hair surrounding the eye is rubbing against the eyeball, this can cause your pooch to tear excessively. Remove any irritation from the eye, and have fur combed and trimmed to keep it away from the eyes. If there is still excessive staining, have the vet check to see if their tear ducts are blocked.

Broken or decaying teeth can also increase tear staining. If this is the case, have your pet's teeth immediately looked after by the vet, and start a dental care routine with your pooch.

Diet. Sometimes grains in the diet can cause excessive tear staining. Unless your dog must remain on a certain food brand for health reasons, try switching his food to a brand that has no grains, or feeding him a raw diet. However, prior to changing the diet of your bichon frise to control staining, be sure to consult your vet to obtain recommendations and a second opinion.

How can I control tear stain on a regular basis? The best way is to clean the eyes of a bichon frise daily. Make eye cleaning a regular part of your dog's everyday grooming routine. Take a cool moist cloth, and gently remove any build up around their eyes. You may also want to clean under their eyes with a specific type of cleaner designed to help remove the stains. An example includes boric acid solution. In addition, some owners find that by adding a small amount of antibiotic products, such as Angel's Glow, to there pet's food, this is beneficial.

Note: always consult your vet before using any product to control or eradicate tear staining.

Last but not least, don't forget that you can always clip away stains when the fur of the bichon frise grows out, as this will help improve his appearance.