I truly believe that for some Maltese some just stain more than others and no matter what you try you aren’t going to stop the staining.  If you are dedicated I feel you can reduce the stain by cleaning the face several times a day but for some, they may never totally overcome it.

Red fur staining is caused by a compound called porphyrin. Porphyrins are iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. They are removed from the body primarily through feces, but are also in urine, tears and saliva.

Over the last 22 years of breeding I have tried so many new things and making changes to see if I can see a difference in the tear stains.  To this day I would have to say the biggest difference I have noticed is when I started using Brita water containers for all water bowls.  I also clean and wipe their eyes as often as possible and the combination has made the biggest difference I have noticed in years.  I am currently using Pawtree’s Tear and Saliva Stain Solution. It doesn’t remove the stains but it does lighten them and I can see the stain transferred onto my cloth when I wipe their eyes.  I keep the hair trimmed around the corner of the eyes and wipe with this product. They also have Tear & Saliva Stain Remover soft chews. Click the direct link below.

https://www.pawtree.com/ppm/products/2240

https://www.pawtree.com/ppm/product/2458