My dog has tear stains are they sad?

Tear stains do not necessarily indicate that a dog is sad or cries excessively. While tear stains can be caused by excessive tearing, this doesn't always correlate with emotional distress. In many cases, tear stains are simply a result of factors such as genetics, anatomy, tear duct issues, allergies, or eye irritation. It's essential to assess the dog's overall health and behavior to determine the cause of tear stains accurately. Read our detailed blog on the causes of tear stains and how your dog's breed, skull shape can influence how tear stains occur.

Tear stains can contribute to that perception if they're particularly pronounced or if the dog's overall appearance that the dog is not particularly well-maintained. They are often more noticeable on dogs with light-coloured fur, giving the impression of discolouration and sadness around the eyes.

Why do dog eye boogies smell?

The smell associated with dog eye boogies or tear stains can be attributed to a few factors. Firstly, tears themselves contain substances like proteins, lipids, and sugars, which can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast if not adequately cleaned away. As these microorganisms proliferate, they can produce unpleasant odours. Additionally, the damp environment around the eyes can further facilitate bacterial growth and contribute to odour formation. Tear stains also trap dirt and debris, adding to the smell. Regular cleaning and grooming with our multipurpose balm can help reduce tear stains and associated odours by removing the buildup of bacteria, yeast, and debris around the eyes. 

FurBabies Multipurpose Balm Super Powers

  • SKIN MICROBIOME balancing. The multipurpose balm contains pre-biotics to balance the fungal and baterial skin microbiota. Brown staining is caused by yeast overgrowth due to inadequate grooming and red tear stains result from porphyrins (an iron based excreted in urine, tears and saliva). Staining only happens when tears or saliva with porphyrins stay on fur for a long time. Our formulation tackles both these issues by balancing the skin microbiome  
  • Human house dust mites tend to accumulate on cats and dog fur as they are not able to shed them as easily as we do. Our formulation suppresses their growth and thus any irritation caused by human house dust mites. Common in pets living in carpeted houses.
  • Only small quantities required. The formulation has powerful skin calming agents to soothe irritated skin, it also supports the skin's barrier function for long lasting hydration.
  • Veterinary Dermatology Research Informed. FurBabies Balm is primarily composed of a carefully chosen combination of ingredients. Our vegan recipe, which is high in medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs), adjusts to the body's temperature and surrounding temperature to provide a comfortable application. MCFAs: The carefully crafted blend of Medium Chain Fatty Acid special butters allows the balm to mimic the skin as closely as possible. Repair of the lipid matrix prevents entry of potential allergens that cause an inflammatory response.
  • The NON- FINGER-DIP mode of dispensing means that the products last longer by avoiding bacterial & fungal contamination from our fingers & the environment. The MCFA in the butters make this a temperamental balm which means it adapts to body and room temperature. Allow to soften if it has hardened up. MCFAs are important for restoring skin barrier integrity.
  • How to Use Squeeze out a pea sized amount on to your finger tip & apply directly on to affected area. Rub in & allow it to be absorbed. Wipe off any excess. Avoid the formulation getting into the eyes. For longhaired pets, you may find that applying after separating the hair/fur is more useful. Use sparingly as the formulation is quite rich & very small quantities are needed to exert desired effect.

Related Studies

View all

Pardale-V for Dogs: Dosing, Safety & When to Use It (Pharmacist's Guide)

Pardale-V for Dogs: Dosing, Safety & When to Use It (Pharmacist's Guide)

Pardale-V is the only veterinary medicine licensed in the UK that combines paracetamol (400mg) and codeine phosphate (9mg) in a single tablet for dogs. It is available on veterinary prescription only (POM-V), used for short-term mild to moderate pain relief,...

Read moreabout Pardale-V for Dogs: Dosing, Safety & When to Use It (Pharmacist's Guide)

Dog Collar vs Harness: The Neck Damage Most Owners Don't Know About

Dog Collar vs Harness: The Neck Damage Most Owners Don't Know About

Stop Walking Your Dog From Their Neck Dogs are not built to withstand repeated compressive loading at the neck. Their anatomy evolved for running, biting, and carrying prey, not for sustained tension applied to a narrow band of tissue around...

Read moreabout Dog Collar vs Harness: The Neck Damage Most Owners Don't Know About

Is my dog too fat?

Is my dog too fat?

    Is My Dog Too Fat? Dog Body Condition Score (BCS) Calculator Key facts (clinically verified): An estimated 51–65% of UK dogs are overweight or obese, according to PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report data. Excess body weight in dogs...

Read moreabout Is my dog too fat?

Best Natural Vegan Dog Shampoo UK 2026: What the Science Actually Says

Best Natural Vegan Dog Shampoo UK 2026: What the Science Actually Says

What is the best natural, vegan dog shampoo in the UK? The FurBabies™ Botanicals Rinse-Off Shampoo is a fully plant-derived, vegan, SLS-free shampoo formulated specifically for canine and feline skin pH backed by peer-reviewed research on every active botanical ingredient....

Read moreabout Best Natural Vegan Dog Shampoo UK 2026: What the Science Actually Says

What is in FurBabies™ Botanicals Products?

What is in FurBabies™ Botanicals Products?

What ingredients are in FurBabies™ Botanicals pet skincare products? Every ingredient in the FurBabies™ Botanicals range is plant-derived, vegan, and chosen for a specific, evidence-based reason to support the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, or provide antimicrobial protection. This page explains...

Read moreabout What is in FurBabies™ Botanicals Products?

Is No-Rinse or Dry Shampoo Safe For Pets?

Is No-Rinse or Dry Shampoo Safe For Pets?

Is no-rinse shampoo safe for dogs, cats, and small pets? Yes but only when formulated with gentle, pet-safe ingredients and used correctly, no-rinse shampoo is a safe and practical way to keep your pet clean between full baths. Waterless, dry,...

Read moreabout Is No-Rinse or Dry Shampoo Safe For Pets?

Scratching the Surface: Understanding and Treating Common Causes of Dog Itch

Scratching the Surface: Understanding and Treating Common Causes of Dog Itch

Why does my dog keep scratching? The most common causes of persistent dog scratching are fleas, house dust mites, environmental allergies, skin infections, and damage caused by harsh grooming products. Getting to the root cause — not just treating the...

Read moreabout Scratching the Surface: Understanding and Treating Common Causes of Dog Itch

Dog itch - what else could it be?

Dog itch - what else could it be?

My dog is still itching what else could it be? If you've already addressed fleas, allergies, infections, and grooming products and your dog is still scratching, there are less common but serious causes worth investigating: hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, metabolic...

Read moreabout Dog itch - what else could it be?

Why is my Dog Itching? - FurBabies™ Botanicals | Pet Skin Barrier Repair

Why Is My Dog Itching? Causes, Treatments and When to See a Vet

Why is my dog itching? Dogs itch for many reasons: fleas, environmental allergies, food sensitivities, skin barrier damage from harsh grooming products, and secondary yeast or bacterial infections. Identifying the root cause is the only way to stop it for...

Read moreabout Why Is My Dog Itching? Causes, Treatments and When to See a Vet

Piriton vs Apoquel vs Cytopoint for Dogs: Which Is Right for Yours? UK Guide

Piriton vs Apoquel vs Cytopoint for Dogs: Which Is Right for Yours? UK Guide

  Important: Piriton, Apoquel and Cytopoint are not interchangeable Piriton is most useful for short-term acute allergic reactions such as insect stings, hives, facial swelling, and mild vaccine reactions. Apoquel and Cytopoint are primarily used to control chronic itching caused...

Read moreabout Piriton vs Apoquel vs Cytopoint for Dogs: Which Is Right for Yours? UK Guide

Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Dogs? A Clinical Pharmacist's Evidence-Based Safety Guide - FurBabies™ Botanicals

Baby Shampoo For Dogs Ingredient Safety - A Pharmacist's Guide

Looking for the quick, practical answer? Read our concise guide: Baby Shampoo for Dogs — The Short Answer (UK). This article is the full clinical deep-dive — ingredient analysis, skin physiology, and the pharmacist-level science behind the guidance. Clinically Reviewed...

Read moreabout Baby Shampoo For Dogs Ingredient Safety - A Pharmacist's Guide

Dog Contact Dermatitis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Identifying and Treating Skin Issues in Dogs - FurBabies™ Botanicals

Dog Contact Dermatitis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Identifying and Treating Skin Issues in Dogs

What is the difference between contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis in dogs? Contact dermatitis is a localised skin reaction caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen, think grass chemicals, cleaning products, or shampoo ingredients. Seborrheic dermatitis is a...

Read moreabout Dog Contact Dermatitis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Identifying and Treating Skin Issues in Dogs