Your Poodle’s eyes should be checked daily and cleaned of any mucus and foreign matter that may have collected on the inside corners. It is normal, incidentally, to find a little matter on the inside corners of the eyes from time to time. This can be removed by moistening a cotton ball with warm water and dabbing carefully at the eye corners. Never rub over the eyes with cotton; the fibers could scratch them.

The easiest way to flush out any foreign matter or loose hair is with a canine eye wash, such as Eye Brite or Opticlear. Such products also help to clean the eyes and to treat minor irritations or infections. Raise the Poodle’s head slightly, gently open the lower lid and drop the fluid into the eye. Then use dry cotton to absorb the excess moisture that floats to the eye corners.

White and light-colored Poodles, especially Toys, sometimes have stained hair under the eyes, which is caused by a discharge from the tear ducts. The discharge often makes the hair an unsightly reddish-brown and, when excessive, creates the effect of dark circles under the eyes.

Excessive tearing can be caused by many factors: heredity, allergy, neglect in grooming the face, infection of the tear ducts, improper diet, conjunctivitis or teething. Your veterinarian may be able to determine the cause of excessive tearing and control it.

Daily attention to the eyes and the hair under them is the best way to control staining. You (or your professional groomer) should remove the stained hair with clippers. After the hair has been trimmed, a daily program of cleansing the area with water or with a product such as Erase Tear Stain Remover (Ring 5), Diamondeye (Vitacoat) or Tear Stain Remover (PPP) should help prevent further staining. These products should not be used in the eyes, only on the stained hair.

If the area under the eyes is still discolored, after clipping and/or the use of a tear stain remover, you can try blending the stains away with a canine “cover” creme, which can be purchased at pet stores or from dog show concessionaires. You can also use a white concealer cream or lipstick, Clown White theatrical makeup or Desitin ointment.

Apply the product under the eyes, and blend into the skin with your fingers until a natural look is achieved. None of these products should be put into the eyes.

Because the eyes are fragile, sensitive organs, neglect of minor irritations can lead to serious problems. Regular inspection
of the eyes can help you notice potentially dangerous conditions at an early stage. Any irritation that does not clear up within 24 hours or other abnormal condition should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.