CT Girl

I did not see my usual vet I saw her partner. When we discussed the staining issue I asked about Tylan. He told me he thought it was unethical to give an antibiotic for what is an essentially a cosmetic problem. It made me feel bad because I was going to ask for it. I think my regular vet will be more approachable but this is making me 2nd guess asking for it. I have not been been religious about trying other methods such as the vinegar and yogurt - with my father's illness I just let some things slide so I will try them again along with the parsley. I asked him about giving Swizzle half a tablet of Tums and he didn't think it was a good idea. I am out of ideas if those don't work. I already tried the distilled water and noticed no difference.

PammiPoodle

Ms Stella, it's a tricky problem, huh? You can get rid of the staining, but not the tears, and you can get rid of the tears, but not the staining! In that case, you wouldn't really know that until the dog gets irritated by something and tears more than usual, then you'd see the stains!

CharismaticMillie, yea, it's aweome that it works so well! I'd also not like the idea of giving an antibiotic every day. Sure, Lumi would *look* great, but what super-strong strains of bacteria are developing in her body with an immunity to Tylosin? It's scary! And what effect could it have on digestion with all the beneficial bacteria in there? I've heard of people giving probiotics to counter antibiotics. You have to do it, I think, a few hours apart, so you're not killing all the good ones you just put in, but otherwise it can help repelenish the good guys. : )

Catsaqqara, that's interesting! Maybe vets will start doing electrolisis during spay/neuters instead of flushing tear ducts! : P I totally know what you mean about the "That's impossible" reaction! I get that from vets, too. : P

Kysteelerja, if it's a minor smell on a clean dogs who's cleared of infections, it seems very possible that it's a little yeast growth. Since she's black you probably can't see what may be a little red or brown tint. Lucky you! : P Us "pastel" Poodle owners have to find ways to hide it! Haha

CT Girl, don't feel bad! I'm guessing you either didn't know it was an antibitic, or you don't see how it could be harmful. Of course you wouldn't do anything to Swizzle that you knew would be bad for him! : ) I, personally, wouldn't keep my pet on an antibiotic indefinitely for a comsetic issue (or just about any other kind..), but if a course of Tylosin clears up tear stains and then can be stopped, I'm afraid I couldn't resist, either! Obviously, the antibiotic is doing *something* benificial for that to happen. I'd then be interested in figuring out how to have that effect without the use of an antibiotic. But wouldn't that just be a perfect world? ; ) I've looked into the Tums idea, as well, and I feel the same way about it. I wouldn't do it indefinitely. But, trying different approaches and discovering which work and which don't, can help us all figure out this puzzle. What's the common factor in all the successful remedies? Body ph, better oxidation, more or less of a certain mineral in the bodily fluids? I'm glad I have a white pup and can learn more about this myself, but I'll be SOOO grateful to finally find something that works and be able to better show off her pretty little face!

kysteelerja

I am by no means an expert...having only had a poodle in my childhood...which is why i have one now. Bella is 6 months old...and is growing out her christmas groom....i have noticed a great reduction in her tearing and eye goop as her hair has grown out...we check her eyes often...and wipe them but there has been less crusties and some slimeys but tearing down her face has decreased dramatically. And though i know she is due for another groom, i admt that i am putting it off....i like her curls and we do bathe and brush her and there are no mats but i am not looking forward to the next clip as i fear it will irritate her eyes and thus cause excessive tearing...but i will be making a call to the groomer soon...