Originally Posted by kjc (Post 3409886)

You're welcome.... I use plain normal saline solution to clean around the eyes, and in a dropper to flush the eyes like on a windy day when dust and stuff may blow around and end up in the eyes. It's good to use also to flush out stray hairs and stuff too. I keep a tube of antibacterial eye ointment (no steroids) for general use in maintaining eye health.

Once my dogs had a skirmish, and my little guy's eye started swelling as I watched. I thought maybe saliva from the other dog may have gotten into his eye, so I quickly rinsed it, and put some AB eye ointment in it, before we went to the vet. It looked normal when the vet saw it, but I told her what happened. He did have some minor punctures (actually scrapes) on his lower lid and nose, and the vet wanted to give me Animax for it, but I said I was concerned with it being so close to the eye, could I just use the eye ointment on those wounds... she said yes.

So next morning, there's a greenish yellow pus in this eye. So I rinse it out, and as I applied the eye ointment I saw a tiny cut on the inside of his lower lid. This was missed the day before, but I was more concerned with the vet checking the eyeball itself so I wasn't too concerned, just made sure to apply the ointment 2x daily for a week then had the vet check it when he went back for a recheck.

Long story just to say eye supplies come in handy... Sterile Saline Solution, Natural Tears (nothing else), Triple Antibiotic eye ointment, and we're good to go! Oh and a flea comb to rmove gunk from the hair around the eyes (after it softens with the Saline Solution) :D

Originally Posted by MauiGirl (Post 3410907)

Interesting thread here, and I'll be watching for additional input.

Food must have an impact, but I don't know if it is the protein amount or other ingredients causing an allergic reaction. I do know that last year when I tried Wellness (can't remember what version) all 4 of my doggies had hugely increased eye boogies. Back to Natural Balance food, and back to less goop.

Two things I've seen recommended on MalteseTalk for less eye staining is to only give them distilled water, and another thing is to put a bit of vinegar in their water. Sorry I don't have time to research the specifics right now; maybe later.

Originally Posted by kjc (Post 3411014)

I've heard of both the distilled water and using vinegar. Also filtered water, which I do through the whole house. To add to those, some folks use Tylan, or other additives. The main active ingredient of AngelEyes is Tylan AB powder. I am generally against adding anything for a long period of time, unless medically necessary and prescribed by a vet, as I feel some things may be masking the problem, not clearing it up altogether.

And I just found this article... Factors to eliminate Tear Staining - by Tonia Holibaugh - Rhapsody Maltese
This info is a bit more updated from the info I was refering to, and if my regimen is not successful, including diet adjustments and cleansing routines, I will be seeking veterinary treatment for this problem. Mine don't have really bad issues, but if one did I would go right to the vet as it can be a result of a systemic infection in the dog and require oral antibiotics also.

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 3409951)

I've never heard of eye staining from too high protein of diet? That's new to me.

I know a lot of dogs get eye boogers on crappy foods, like Ol' Roy, Purina, Kibbles n Bits, and foods with lots of fillers. But sometimes different ingredients react to different dogs in different ways... I think it's just a matter of finding what works right for your dog. Fromm is an excellent food, IMO, but it causes major eye boogers in Jackson as well as a few others here on YT.

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 3409951)

I've never heard of eye staining from too high protein of diet? That's new to me.

I know a lot of dogs get eye boogers on crappy foods, like Ol' Roy, Purina, Kibbles n Bits, and foods with lots of fillers. But sometimes different ingredients react to different dogs in different ways... I think it's just a matter of finding what works right for your dog. Fromm is an excellent food, IMO, but it causes major eye boogers in Jackson as well as a few others here on YT.