Frequently Asked Questions

What causes excessive tearing and staining?

Staining can be caused by a variety of factors. In some cases this may be a genetic predisposition, because of the physical traits of the pet. ‘Short-faced’ (brachycephalic) breeds, like Pugs and Shih Tzu, or Maltese and Persian are prone to tear staining but any dog or cat could be experiencing tear staining because of one or combination of the below:

  • Clogged or Shallow Tear Ducts: Studies indicate that 20-25% of small dogs and cats are born with closed or shallow tear ducts. Tears overflow because in certain breeds the eyelid space is not deep enough to contain them.

  • Excessive Tearing: When the facial hair is wet from excessive tearing (a condition known as epiphora),it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast infections - AKA: Red Yeast (or Pityrosporum). This causes the deep reddish-brown stains. Low grade bacterial infections may also cause excessive tearing.

  • Ear Infections: The red yeast infection, as discussed above, is actually found most commonly in the ears and therefore can also be a cause of staining.  

  • Cutting Teeth: Cutting teeth may cause changes in the head and mouth structure of your pet, placing pressure on the tear ducts.

  • Irritation and Allergies: Some animals get hair or eyelashes into their eyes causing irritation. Many breeds are susceptible to allergies. Shampoos and other chemicals can also irritate their eyes. Some foods cause allergic reactions and pets could also build an allergic reaction over time to a type of food.

  • Water: Water with high mineral levels causes staining.

  • Food and Treats: Diet can play a significant role in tearing. Many commercial foods contain additives, preservatives and food coloring which could lead to staining.

  • Fleas: Fleas survive in moisture, which they get from the eye or mouth area. This could cause irritation and in addition red stains left behind may be from flea feces. Ear Infections.

Click here to watch our video About Tear Stains. We also have a video about Breeds and Staining  and Hybrid Breeds and Staining.

 

Why is Eye Envy® so different than all the other products that I've bought that don't work?

Eye Envy® works directly at the source of the true problem - bacterial infection. Eye Envy contains a cleanser, an astringent (to dry the area), and colloidal silver, which acts as a natural antibiotic.

Eye Envy® is a topical tear stain remover. Other products are often masked as palatable supplements, taking months to work and requiring your pet to ingest antibiotics (e.g. tylan, tylosin as tartrate).

Click here to watch our video About Tear Stains or here for our video about Topical vs Ingested Tear Stain Removers.

 

What if I've used bleach or peroxide to clean the area around the eyes?

Bleach/Peroxide can make the hair shaft very porous, causing the stain to set into the hair. Eye Envy will only lighten to a pinkish hue the areas previously damaged by bleach or peroxide, but all future regrowth will be clean.

Be aware that any products containing whitening or brightening agents, such as bluing, blueberry, cranberry or other antioxidants, mimic the properties of bleach or peroxide. The ingredients will initially clean the hair shaft, but causes the hair to become porous. Next time the area stains, those stains will set, making it almost impossible to clean completely. If you have used bleach, peroxide or any of these types of products, the stain area will maintain some slight discoloration, but regrowth will be white.

Watch our video about products you should avoid when treating stains.

 

Is Eye Envy® safe to use on my pregnant dog or cat?

Yes. Since Eye Envy® is applied externally, it is 100% safe to use on pregnant, lactating and even small puppies/kittens (over the age of 7 weeks).

 

Should Eye Envy® be refrigerated? If so, how long is its shelf life?

Eye Envy® Original Tear Stain Remover Solution should be refrigerated (unless you are buying the NR version, which does not require refrigeration). The shelf life in the refrigerator approximately 8-12 weeks.  The Non-Refrigerated (NR) formula has a shelf life of 2 years.

 

Is Eye Envy® applied inside the eyes?

No. Eye Envy® is to be applied externally only.

 

What happens if a small amount gets into my pet's eyes?

There is nothing to worry about if some solution gets into your pet’s eyes. The ingredients are safe, human grade, non-irritating and therefore safe for your pets. However, you do want to avoid getting the powder in the eyes.  

 

Can I use Eye Envy® Off the Beard on my dog/cat's legs, tail, mouth area? Is it safe?

Yes, Off the Beard is specially designed to remove facial stains.  The ingredients will not harm your pet. Also, Eye Envy® Off the Beard can be used for chin acne and other stains.

 

Should I refrigerate my product when it arrives?

If you purchased the Original Solution, your product should be refrigerated as soon as it arrives. It's shelf life outside of the fridge is 5-7 days.  The NR Solution does not need refrigeration.

 

Does Eye Envy® fade/bleach colored animals?

No. The product does not contain any peroxides or bleaching agents. Your pet's hair will not discolor.

Watch our video about products you should avoid when treating stains.

 

Do I need to use Eye Envy® Tear Stain Powder with the Eye Envy® Tear Stain Solution?

Yes, we recommend you use both since it its two step system. Using the powder is an important part of the tear stain removal process. The Tear Stain Powder absorbs excess moisture and continues to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It also helps to repel new tears.

 

What is the difference between refrigerated and non-refrigerated?

None, they are both the same. The non-refrigerated formula was developed to extend the shelf life of the product so customers could order and resell the product and have it shipped overseas. It all depends on convenience and preference. Some customers prefer the original, but most customers order the non-refrigerated formula.

 

What ingredients are in Eye Envy® products?

You can find the active ingredients (and their benefits) for each product on the individual product page. Rest assured they are 100% natural. 

 

Are there any side effects of Eye Envy® Tear Stain Remover?

You should not experience any side effects with any of our products. All of our products are non-irritating and easy to use. We have a 'Safe & Trusted' policy, meaning that we use only all natural, human-grade ingredients. We do not use harsh chemicals or harmful ingredients - such as parabens, peroxide, bleach, steroids or antibiotics. 

Watch our video about Topical vs Ingested Tear Stain Removers, which discusses the use of bleach, peroxide and antibiotics.

 

Why are the tear stains not going away?

If you have used other products to lighten or remove the stains, this will affect the results of Eye Envy® Tear Stain products. Products that contain bleach/peroxide can make the hair shaft very porous, causing the stain to set into the hair. This is also true of products containing whitening or brightening agents, such as bluing, blueberry, cranberry or other antioxidants, which mimic the properties of bleach or peroxide. The ingredients will initially clean the hair shaft, but causes the hair to become porous. Next time the area stains, those stains will set, making it almost impossible to clean completely. 

If you have used bleach, peroxide or any of these types of products, the stain area will maintain some slight discoloration, but regrowth will be white. 

 

Why have the tears stains gone from a rust color to pink?

When this happens, it means that stains have been set into the hair, by previously used tear stain or lightening products (even shampoos). Products that contain bleach, peroxide or antioxidants can make the hair shaft very porous, causing the stain to set into the hair. Eye Envy® will only lighten the areas previously damaged by these types of products but all future regrowth will be clean.

 

Does your Eye Envy® Tear Stain Solution contain antibiotics?

No. We do not use antibiotics. We feel that antibiotics are not necessary for removing tear stains. We also believe long term use of antibiotics (building up resistance) is not good for pets, especially for breeds which are prone to liver problems.

Watch our video about Topical vs Ingested Tear Stain Removers, which discusses the use of antibiotics.