Hi Larry,

I just saw that you posted to me today. Sorry about that. Thank you so much for asking Beau's groomer about the tear stains and getting the information on the Maltese forum for me. I've done many of those things mentioned without much success. I have finally had enough and started her on Angel Eyes, but since I'm concerned that it's an antibiotic, I think I'll switch to Angel's Delight when I run out of it.

Thank you again. That was very kind of you.

"Both the tears and saliva contain metals that your dogs gets from its food or water. When they hit the air they start to oxidise. At this point the bacteria on the skin metabolises them. The bacteria creates an enzyme that is the basis of the red yeast.

Angels Delight works because it oxidises the metals inside the body.

ACV may help to change the PH of the tears- thereby preventing the bacteria from metabolising the metals.

The antibiotic based products work by killing the bacteria.

Filtered water may help by reducing the totals of metals- these metals are important though.

Probiotics may help to increase some of the good bacteria.

All of the above ultimately help to control the red yeast (in varying degrees).

The two most effective products seem to be Angels Delight (antibiotic free and natural) and Angels Eyes (antibiotic based but faster).

I have been using Angels Delight for a long time now and have been very happy with it."

Hi Sandy,

I just dropped Beau off at Madeline for his groom, and this time I remembered to ask her about staining. She said Tylan powder works best. It is an antibiotic, and is also the active ingredient in Angel Eyes. Yes, there are issues with giving an antibiotic long term, but in many cases the staining clears up after a few months and the Tylosin can be discontinued, and the stains never come back. She did recommend having the vet check her eyes, as impacted eyelashes are a common cause.

I also discovered some good info on a Maltese forum, which I'm going to have to send in a separate message, as this one is too long.

Angels Delight is a natural, non-antibiotic medicine; might be worth a try before going the Tylosin route.

Hope this helps!

Larry