Why does my Yorkie have brown tear stains under the eyes?

Those reddish-brown tear stains under a Yorkie's eyes are caused by porphyrins — iron-containing molecules in tears that stain the hair when tears overflow onto the face. The most common cause in Yorkies is normal eye discharge sitting on the hair too long, but it can also signal blocked tear ducts, teething (in puppies), allergies, dental problems, or eye irritation. Yorkies are prone to tear stains because of their shallow eye sockets (proptosis), their fine white and tan hair that shows staining easily, and the hair around the eyes that wicks tears onto the face. Managing tear stains means addressing the cause, not just wiping the stain.

How do I clean my Yorkie's eyes safely at home?

Use a clean, soft, damp cloth or a sterile saline wound wash (not contact lens solution) on a cotton pad. Gently wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward, using one pad per eye to avoid spreading infection. Never use human eye drops, baby shampoo, vinegar, or over-the-counter 'tear stain remover' wipes without your vet's approval. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short — the hair itself wicks tears onto the face and traps debris. If the eyes look red, the discharge is yellow or green, or your Yorkie is squinting or pawing at the eye, stop cleaning at home and see a vet. Home cleaning is for maintenance, not treatment.

What are the most common eye problems in Yorkies?

Yorkies are prone to several eye conditions due to their shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes. The most common ones: 1) Conjunctivitis — inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye, usually from infection or allergy, treated with vet-prescribed drops. 2) Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) — the eye does not produce enough tears, causing thick yellow-green discharge and corneal damage over time. 3) Corneal ulcers — scratches or injuries to the clear front of the eye, extremely painful, causes squinting, tearing, and pawing. 4) Cherry eye — a prolapsed tear gland that looks like a red blob in the inner corner of the eye; needs surgical correction. 5) Cataracts — the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, common in older Yorkies and can lead to blindness. 6) Glaucoma — increased pressure inside the eye, very painful, causes redness, cloudiness, and enlarged eye; an emergency. 7) Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — a genetic condition causing gradual vision loss; there is no treatment but dogs adapt well.

Can I use human eye drops on my Yorkie?

No. Never use human eye drops on a Yorkie unless specifically instructed by a vet. Human eye drops often contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, including preservatives, anti-redness agents (like tetrahydrozoline), and steroids that can worsen infections or cause glaucoma. Even saline drops for contact lenses are not designed for direct eye application in dogs — they lack the right preservative balance. If your Yorkie needs eye medication, a vet must prescribe it based on the specific diagnosis. The wrong drops can do real damage.

When is a Yorkie eye problem an emergency?

A Yorkie eye problem becomes an emergency when: the eye is suddenly red or cloudy, your Yorkie is squinting or holding the eye shut (blepharospasm), there is pawing or rubbing at the face, you see green or yellow discharge (not just clear tears), the eye looks enlarged or bulging (proptosis), there is visible injury or blood, your Yorkie seems suddenly blind (bumping into furniture), or there is a foreign object stuck in the eye. Any of these need immediate vet attention — eyes deteriorate fast in small dogs and delay can mean permanent damage or loss of the eye.

Are Yorkies prone to eye problems?

Yes. Yorkies have shallow eye sockets (called proptosis), which means their eyes sit more prominently — they are more exposed to injury, debris, and drying than dogs with deeper-set eyes. The breed is genetically predisposed to several eye conditions including dry eye (KCS), cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and glaucoma. The long facial hair around the eyes also traps tears, debris, and bacteria, which contributes to tear staining and eye infections. Regular trimming of the eye-area hair and a watchful approach to any eye changes are essential for every Yorkie owner.

How can I prevent eye problems in my Yorkie?

Prevention starts with: 1) Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short — or use a small hair clip or band to keep it out of the eyes. 2) Wipe the eye area gently with a damp cloth daily to remove discharge before it stains and irritates. 3) Check the eyes daily for redness, cloudiness, discharge, or squinting. 4) Feed a good-quality diet and address dental health — tooth infections can cause eye discharge via the shared facial nerve pathways. 5) Keep your Yorkie away from dust, sand, grass seeds, and wind that can irritate eyes. 6) Annual vet check-ups that include an eye exam. 7) Do not let your Yorkie stick their head out of a moving car window — debris at speed can destroy an eye. 8) If your Yorkie has allergies, manage them — allergic conjunctivitis is common.

What is cherry eye in Yorkies?

Cherry eye is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid — it looks like a pink or red cherry-sized blob in the inner corner of your Yorkie's eye. It happens when the connective tissue that holds the gland in place is weak, which is a breed predisposition in Yorkies. Cherry eye needs veterinary treatment, usually surgical replacement of the gland. It should not be left untreated because the gland produces a significant portion of tear film, and losing its function leads to dry eye (KCS) over time. Do not try to push it back yourself. See a vet.

My Yorkie is squinting and tearing — what does that mean?

Squinting (blepharospasm) with excessive tearing in a Yorkie is a strong sign of pain or irritation. The most likely causes are a corneal ulcer (scratch or injury to the surface of the eye), a foreign body (grass seed, sand, a hair), an eye infection, or dry eye. Squinting means the eye hurts. This is not a 'wait and see' situation — a corneal ulcer can penetrate deeper into the eye within hours, and a small foreign body can cause permanent scarring. See a vet the same day. Put an Elizabethan collar on your Yorkie if they are pawing at the eye to prevent self-inflicted damage.

Can tear stain removers and wipes hurt my Yorkie?

Some can. Many over-the-counter tear stain products contain antibiotics (like tylosin) that are not approved for cosmetic use and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Others contain harsh chemicals, perfumes, or alcohol that irritate the eye area. Some 'natural' wipes contain ingredients like witch hazel that sting if they get in the eye. The safest approach: ask your vet before using any tear stain product. In most cases, keeping the eye area clean with plain water or sterile saline and trimming the surrounding hair is all that is needed. If tear stains persist despite good hygiene, the cause is internal — teething, blocked tear ducts, dental problems, or allergies — and a vet needs to investigate.

Yorkie eye health and tear stain guide

Yorkie eye care — tear stains, infections, injuries, and when to worry

Let me be straight with you about Yorkie eyes: they are one of the breed's most vulnerable features. A Yorkie's eyes sit more prominently than most dogs' — the breed has shallow eye sockets, a condition called proptosis, which means the eyeball is less protected than it would be on a Labrador or a Staffie. That prominent eye, combined with the long facial hair that traps tears and debris against the skin, makes eye problems one of the most common health complaints Yorkie owners bring to the vet.

The good news is that most Yorkie eye problems are manageable, treatable, or preventable — if you catch them early. The bad news is that Yorkie eyes can deteriorate fast. A small scratch on the cornea can become a deep ulcer in under 24 hours. A blocked tear duct can cause chronic staining that owners try to wipe away for months without realising the tooth abscess underneath is the actual cause.

This is the straightforward South African guide to Yorkie eye care. What tear stains really mean, how to clean eyes at home without making things worse, which eye problems need a vet now versus which can wait, and the warning signs that your Yorkie is in trouble. No fluff, no product recommendations you do not need, just the honest information a Yorkie owner needs to keep those little button eyes healthy.

Why Yorkies have eye problems — the anatomy you need to understand

Before we get into specific problems, you need to understand the structural reason Yorkies have more eye trouble than many other breeds. It is not bad luck. It is the way the breed is built.

Shallow eye sockets (proptosis). A Yorkie's eyeball sits in a shallow orbital socket. It is more exposed, less protected, and more likely to be injured than a dog with deep-set eyes. This is also why a Yorkie's eye can pop out of the socket (proptosis) under sudden pressure — like a sharp pull on a collar or a fight with another dog. It sounds dramatic because it is dramatic.
Fine, long facial hair. The hair around a Yorkie's face is not like a Poodle's tight curls or a Labrador's short fur. It is long, fine, silky, and it hangs down into the eyes. That hair wicks tears onto the face, traps debris, harbours bacteria, and constantly irritates the cornea. Keeping it short is not cosmetic — it is medical.
Prominent, round eyes. Yorkie eyes bulge slightly compared to other terrier breeds. More surface area exposed to the air means faster tear evaporation and more risk of dry spots on the cornea.
Small tear drainage system. The nasolacrimal duct (the tube that drains tears from the eye into the nose) is tiny in a Yorkie. It blocks easily — and when it blocks, tears overflow onto the face. That overflow is the root cause of most tear staining.

None of this means a Yorkie is doomed to eye problems. It means that as an owner, you need to be proactive. Daily checks, weekly maintenance, and a low threshold for vet visits when something looks off. A Yorkie owner who does not know what their dog's normal eye looks like is a Yorkie owner who will miss the early signs of trouble.

🔴 Tear stains — the cosmetic problem with real causes

Those reddish-brown stains that run from the inner corner of a Yorkie's eyes down the cheeks are the single most common cosmetic concern owners ask about. Every second message I get about Yorkie eyes starts with "how do I get rid of the stains?"

Here is the truth: tear stains are a cosmetic symptom of a mechanical or health problem. Wiping them away does not fix the cause. The red-brown colour comes from porphyrins — iron-containing molecules in tears that oxidise and stain the hair when the tears sit on the face too long.

Common causes of tear staining in Yorkies:

Blocked or narrow tear ducts. The nasolacrimal duct is tiny in Yorkies. If it blocks, tears have nowhere to go but down the face. A vet can flush the duct to check for blockage.
Teething (puppies). Yorkie puppies often develop tear stains when their baby teeth come in or when adult teeth push through. The facial nerve inflammation from teething can affect tear drainage. It usually clears up on its own after the adult teeth are in.
Dental problems. Tooth root abscesses and gum disease can trigger eye discharge via the shared nerve and bone pathways of the face. If your Yorkie has tear stains and bad breath, it is worth looking at the teeth. See the Yorkie dental care guide →
Allergies. Environmental allergies (pollen, dust, grass, mould) and food sensitivities can cause excessive tearing. If the staining got worse in a specific season or after a diet change, allergies may be the cause.
Eye irritation. An ingrown eyelash (distichiasis), a hair rubbing on the cornea, dry spots, or a low-grade infection can cause the eye to overproduce tears as a protective response.
Diet. There is some evidence that poor-quality food or food with high iron content can increase porphyrin production. A diet change alone rarely fixes tear stains, but a good-quality diet supports overall eye and tear health.

Managing tear stains in practice:

Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short. This is the single most effective thing you can do. Short hair does not wick tears onto the face.
Wipe the eye area daily with a clean, damp cloth. Dry it after wiping so the skin does not stay moist.
Address the underlying cause — teeth, allergies, blocked ducts. That requires a vet visit.
Do not use over-the-counter tear stain removers without vet approval. Some contain antibiotics. Some irritate the eyes. Some are just expensive water.
Be patient with puppy tear stains. They often resolve after the adult teeth come in at around 6–8 months.

🧼 Safe eye cleaning at home — what works and what does not

Every Yorkie owner needs to know how to clean their dog's eyes safely. Here is the honest method, not the Instagram influencer version.

What you need:

A clean, soft cloth or cotton pads. Not cotton balls — the fibres can stick to the eye. Use separate pads for each eye to avoid cross-contamination.
Sterile saline wound wash from a pharmacy (the kind for wound cleaning, not contact lens solution). Or just clean, lukewarm water if you do not have saline.
Clean scissors or clippers for trimming the hair around the eyes.

The method:

Wet the cloth or pad with saline or warm water. Squeeze out excess so it is damp, not dripping.
Wipe gently from the inner corner of the eye outward. Do not go back and forth — that drags debris across the eye surface.
Use a fresh pad for the other eye.
Pat the area dry with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Damp skin breeds bacteria and yeast, which make tear stains worse.
Trim the hair around the eyes short. Round-tipped scissors, pointed away from the eye. Or better, get a groomer to do it if you are not confident.

What not to use:

Human eye drops. Not even Visine. Not even 'just saline'. Unless your vet prescribes it, do not put anything in your Yorkie's eye.
Baby shampoo. Harsh, drying, and designed for human skin pH, not dog eyes.
Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Both sting, both irritate, and peroxide can damage the cornea.
Over-the-counter tear stain wipes with unknown ingredients. Ask your vet what is safe.
Makeup remover or micellar water. I should not have to say this, but people do it. Do not.

The goal of home eye cleaning is maintenance, not treatment. If the eye area is sore, red, swollen, or if your Yorkie flinches when you touch it, stop and see a vet.

Common Yorkie eye problems — what to look for and what to do

Here is the run-down of the most common eye conditions I see Yorkies dealing with. This is not a diagnosis guide — it is a "know what you are looking at" guide so you can have an informed conversation with your vet.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva — the pink tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eye. It looks like a red, swollen, weepy eye. Causes: bacterial infection, viral infection, allergies, irritation from hair or debris. Treatment is vet-prescribed drops, not home remedies. Conjunctivitis in a Yorkie is rarely an emergency, but it needs treatment because chronic inflammation can damage the eye surface.

Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca — KCS)

This is a big one in Yorkies. The tear glands do not produce enough tears to keep the eye surface lubricated. The result: a thick, sticky, yellow-green discharge, red eyes, a dull-looking cornea, and eventually corneal damage, scarring, and vision loss. Yorkies are genetically predisposed to dry eye — it is one of the breed's known health issues. Treatment is lifelong: artificial tear drops and immune-modulating drops (usually cyclosporine or tacrolimus) prescribed by a vet. Untreated dry eye is painful and blinding.

Corneal ulcers

A scratch, scrape, or injury to the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye. In a Yorkie, these can happen from a hair rubbing on the eye, a grass seed, a scratch from another dog's nail, or even rubbing the face on furniture. Signs: squinting, excessive tearing, pawing at the eye, redness, and sometimes a visible blue-ish or cloudy spot on the eye. Corneal ulcers are urgent. A simple scratch can become a deep ulcer that perforates the eye within hours. A vet needs to stain the eye with fluorescein dye to see the ulcer and prescribe appropriate treatment — usually antibiotic drops and pain relief. An Elizabethan collar is often needed to stop the dog rubbing.

Cherry eye

A prolapse of the tear gland of the third eyelid. It looks like a pink or red blob protruding from the inner corner of the eye. It is not an emergency in the sense that the dog is dying, but it needs surgical correction. The gland produces about a third of the eye's tear film — if it stays prolapsed, it will stop functioning and the eye will develop dry eye. Do not try to push it back in yourself. See a vet.

Cataracts

The lens of the eye becomes cloudy, like looking through frosted glass. Common in older Yorkies (senile cataracts) but can also be genetic, diabetic, or traumatic. A cataract that covers the lens completely causes blindness in that eye. Cataracts can be surgically removed by a veterinary ophthalmologist, but it is expensive (R10,000–R20,000 per eye in South Africa) and not always necessary — many Yorkies adapt well to reduced vision if the cataracts develop slowly. If your Yorkie's eye suddenly goes cloudy overnight, that could be glaucoma, not a cataract — see a vet immediately.

Glaucoma

Increased pressure inside the eye. It causes redness, cloudiness, pain, a dilated or fixed pupil, and eventually enlargement of the eyeball. Glaucoma is a genuine emergency — the increased pressure damages the optic nerve permanently. If caught early, medication can manage it. If caught late, the eye may need to be removed. A Yorkie with a red, painful, cloudy eye needs emergency vet attention.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A genetic condition where the retina slowly degenerates, leading to gradual vision loss and eventually blindness. There is no treatment. The best you can do is adapt your home and routine — keep furniture in the same place, use scent and sound cues, and keep your Yorkie in familiar environments. Yorkies with PRA often cope remarkably well because the vision loss is gradual. The condition is inherited, so responsible breeders screen for it. If you are looking for a Yorkie puppy, ask the breeder about PRA testing in the parent dogs. For more on what to look for from a breeder, see the ethical breeder criteria guide →

⚠️ Eye emergencies — the red flags

Some eye problems can wait for a regular vet appointment. Some cannot. Here is the honest breakdown.

Same-day vet (emergency):

Eye is suddenly red, cloudy, or blue-ish
Yorkie is squinting or holding the eye completely shut (blepharospasm)
Pawing or rubbing at the eye repeatedly
Visible injury, cut, or puncture on or near the eye
Eye looks enlarged or is bulging out
Blood in the eye or coming from the eye area
Green or yellow thick discharge — especially if sudden onset
Your Yorkie seems suddenly blind — bumping into walls, missing furniture
Foreign object visible in the eye (grass seed, small thorn, sand)
Eye popped out of the socket (proptosis) — cover with a damp cloth and get to a vet NOW

Book-a-vet-this-week (urgent but not emergency):

Chronic tear staining that has not responded to cleaning and hair trimming
Mild, clear eye discharge with no redness or squinting
Gradual cloudiness or vision changes over weeks to months
Small bump or growth on the eyelid that is not causing irritation
Recurrent eye infections that clear with treatment but keep coming back

The rule: if the eye hurts (squinting, pawing, tearing), it is an emergency. Eyes that hurt are eyes that are damaged, not just irritated.

🏥 Eye problems in rescue Yorkies

Rescue Yorkies are more likely to have eye problems than a well-cared-for family Yorkie, for a few uncomfortable reasons.

Neglect. Many rescue Yorkies come from homes where the hair around the eyes was never trimmed. The constant rubbing of matted hair on the cornea causes chronic irritation, corneal ulcers, and scarring.
Untreated infections. Rescue Yorkies often arrive with conjunctivitis, dry eye, or dental disease that has been brewing for months or years — all of which affect the eyes.
Previous injury or trauma. Some rescue Yorkies have old eye injuries that were never treated — healed corneal scars, blind eyes, or chronic glaucoma.
Poor nutrition. Years of poor diet can show up in the eyes — dull corneas, slow healing, and increased tear production.

If you adopt a rescue Yorkie, get their eyes checked by a vet within the first week. Ask specifically about dry eye (Schirmer tear test), corneal damage (fluorescein stain), and dental health. Many rescue Yorkie eye problems are manageable with the right treatment — but you need to know what you are dealing with. For guidance on bringing a rescue home, see the rescue Yorkie settling-in guide →

If you are considering adopting, start with SA Yorkie Rescue — adopt a Yorkie in Gauteng →

The grooming-eye care connection

In a Yorkie, grooming and eye health are the same conversation. The hair is that important. You cannot separate eye care from keeping the face clean and trimmed.

What good face grooming looks like for eye health:

The hair around the eyes is kept short — trimmed every 2–4 weeks. Not shaved to the skin, but short enough that it does not touch the eye surface or wick tears.
The hair on the top of the head is clipped short or tied up in a topknot. A topknot is not cosmetic — it keeps hair out of the eyes and prevents it from trapping debris.
The hair on the muzzle is trimmed so food and moisture do not sit against the face below the eyes.
The face is washed and dried daily, especially after meals. Wet, dirty hair against the eye area is a recipe for conjunctivitis and skin infections.

A good groomer who knows Yorkies will understand this. If your groomer wants to "let the face hair grow long because it is so pretty", find another groomer. Pretty hair around the eyes is not worth the corneal ulcers. For the full grooming picture, see the Yorkie grooming guide →

🥕 Diet and eye health — what actually matters

There is a lot of marketing around "eye health supplements" and "tear stain reducing" foods for dogs. Most of it is overblown. Here is what actually matters for a Yorkie's eye health from a diet perspective.

Good-quality protein. A Yorkie's eyes need amino acids for tear production and tissue repair. A low-quality diet with excessive filler (maize, wheat, by-products) does not support eye health the way a protein-rich diet does. See the best dog food guide →
Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil, flaxseed oil, and other omega-3 sources support tear film quality and can help with dry eye. They are not a cure for KCS, but they support the eye surface health.
Vitamin A and antioxidants. Beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C support retinal health. These are present in good-quality foods but not at levels that would fix an existing eye problem.
Clean, filtered water. Some water sources with high iron content may contribute to more visible porphyrin staining. If your Yorkie has persistent tear stains and you have borehole water with high iron, try filtered or bottled water for a month and see if the staining lightens.

The bottom line: a good diet supports eye health, but no food will fix a blocked tear duct or cure a corneal ulcer. If there is an eye problem, treat the problem and feed well as part of the overall care plan.

🔮 What about eye colour changes?

A Yorkie's eyes can change colour for several reasons, and knowing which is which matters.

Puppy eyes. Most Yorkies are born with dark blue or dark grey eyes that change to their adult colour (usually dark brown) by 8–16 weeks. Light brown or amber eyes are uncommon but possible in some lines.
Cloudy eyes in seniors. A grey-blue haze over the eye in an older Yorkie is usually a cataract (lens opacity) or nuclear sclerosis (normal age-related lens thickening). A vet can tell the difference. Nuclear sclerosis does not need treatment. Cataracts may.
Sudden redness or colour change. Red eye can mean infection, injury, or glaucoma. A blue-ish or cloudy cornea can mean corneal oedema (fluid buildup) from an ulcer or glaucoma. Any sudden colour change needs immediate vet attention.
Yellow or green tinge. Icterus (jaundice) from liver or bile issues can give the whites of the eyes a yellow tint. That is not an eye problem — it is an internal medicine problem. See a vet.

The rule: gradual change over weeks or months is usually normal ageing or a chronic condition. Sudden change over hours or days is an emergency. Know your Yorkie's normal eye and you will spot the difference.

Prevention — the practical routine

Most Yorkie eye problems are preventable or catchable early with a simple daily and weekly routine. Here is a realistic one.

Daily (30 seconds):

Look at your Yorkie's eyes. Are they bright and clear? Any redness, cloudiness, or discharge? Any squinting or excessive blinking?
Wipe any eye discharge with a clean, damp cloth using the inner-to-outer method described above.
Check the face hair — is it dry? Wet or dirty face hair breeds bacteria against the eyes.

Weekly (5 minutes):

Trim the hair around the eyes if it is getting long enough to touch the eye or wick tears onto the face.
Check the teeth for signs of dental disease (bad breath, yellow-brown buildup, red gums). Dental problems often show up in the eyes first.
Feel around the eye sockets gently for any swelling or lumps.

Monthly:

Full face trim or groomer visit if you do not trim at home.
Check your Yorkie's vision — drop a treat on the floor in different lighting conditions and see if they track it. Any change in vision tracking should prompt a vet visit.

Annual:

Vet check with an eye exam. Ask for a Schirmer tear test (for dry eye) and look at the lens and retina. Early detection of eye problems makes treatment much more effective.

That routine is not complicated, and it does not require expensive products. It requires consistency and a willingness to act when something looks off. Most Yorkie owners who end up with emergency eye problems knew something was wrong for at least a few days before it became an emergency. Do not be that owner.

Frequently asked questions — Yorkie eye care

Why does my Yorkie have brown tear stains under the eyes? Those reddish-brown stains are caused by porphyrins in tears that stain the hair when tears overflow. Common causes: blocked tear ducts, teething, dental problems, allergies, or simply hair that is long enough to wick tears onto the face. Manage the cause, not just the stain.
How do I clean my Yorkie's eyes safely? Use a clean, damp cloth or sterile saline on a cotton pad. Wipe from inner corner outward, one pad per eye. Trim the hair around the eyes short. Never use human eye drops, baby shampoo, vinegar, or peroxide. If the eye is red or sore, see a vet.
What are the most common eye problems in Yorkies? Tear staining, dry eye (KCS), conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, cherry eye, cataracts, and glaucoma. The breed's shallow eye sockets and facial hair make them more vulnerable than most breeds.
Can I use human eye drops on my Yorkie? No. Human eye drops often contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Only use drops prescribed by your vet.
When is a Yorkie eye problem an emergency? Sudden redness, cloudiness, squinting, pawing at the eye, visible injury, green/yellow discharge, bulging eye, or sudden vision loss. Any of these need emergency vet attention.
Are Yorkies prone to eye problems? Yes. Shallow eye sockets, prominent eyes, and long facial hair make them genetically and structurally prone to more eye problems than many breeds. Regular eye checks are essential.
How can I prevent eye problems? Keep the face hair trimmed, wipe eyes daily, check for changes, feed well, manage allergies, maintain dental health, and see the vet annually for an eye exam.
What is cherry eye in Yorkies? A prolapsed tear gland that looks like a red blob in the inner corner of the eye. It needs surgical correction. The gland produces about a third of the eye's tears, so leaving it prolapsed leads to dry eye.
My Yorkie is squinting and tearing — what does that mean? Squinting with tearing means the eye is painful. Most likely causes: corneal ulcer, foreign body, infection, or dry eye. See a vet the same day. Put an Elizabethan collar on to prevent rubbing.
Can tear stain removers hurt my Yorkie? Some can — especially products with antibiotics, harsh chemicals, or alcohol. Ask your vet before using any tear stain product. In most cases, keeping the area clean and the hair short is all that is needed.

Your Yorkie's health toolkit

Eye care is part of the bigger health picture

A Yorkie's eyes do not exist in isolation. Dental disease causes eye discharge. Ear infections can spread to the eyes. Allergies affect every mucus membrane. For the full guide to keeping your Yorkie healthy from nose to tail, start with the main Yorkie health guide. For the grooming routine that keeps eye-area hair under control, see the Yorkie grooming guide. And if your Yorkie is due for a dental check, do not wait — bad teeth and bad eyes are connected in small breeds.

Yorkie health guide Yorkie grooming guide

Think your Yorkie has an eye problem?

A red, squinting, or weeping eye in a Yorkie is not something to "wait and see" about. The breed's eyes deteriorate fast. If your Yorkie is squinting, pawing at the eye, or showing any sudden change in eye appearance, phone your vet today. An untreated corneal ulcer can perforate within 24 hours. An untreated glaucoma can cause permanent blindness in under 48 hours. Small dogs, small margins.

Yorkie first aid guide — eye injuries →
Yorkie dental care — because teeth and eyes are connected →
Senior Yorkie care — including vision changes and cataracts →

Rescue Yorkies need homes

Adopt a Yorkie with healthy eyes in mind

Many rescue Yorkies arrive with treatable eye conditions. A little veterinary care and a grooming makeover can transform a dog that looks rough around the eyes into a happy, healthy companion. If you are considering adoption, ask the rescue about the dog's eye health — and be prepared for possible ongoing dry eye medication or regular grooming needs. The reward is a dog who will thank you every single day.

Adopt a rescue Yorkie via SAYR → View adoptable Yorkies in SA