The essentials
- Blueberry dog facials are safe — A blueberry facial is a tearless, hypoallergenic, lick-safe shampoo that naturally exfoliates a dog’s skin as it cleans and hydrates.
- They offer a ton of health benefits — Blueberry facials are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that relieve itchy and irritated skin while brightening a dog’s coat.
- You don’t have to make your own — There are a number of ready-to-use blueberry facial products on the market, but you can also make a DIY blueberry facial at home.
- A blueberry facial is a great way to pamper your dog — When applied properly, a blueberry facial can be a relaxing, spa-like experience for your dog.
If your dog suffers from issues with their skin or coat, few home remedies are as easy to make — or as relaxing for your dog — as a restorative blueberry facial treatment. Whether you’re looking to clean up tear stains, apply a brightener to your dog’s coat, or treat them to a spa day, a blueberry facial is well worth trying out. There are several ready-to-use products available for you to buy, but you can just as easily make your own blueberry facial solution at home.
What exactly is a blueberry facial?
A blueberry facial is a special dog shampoo derived from — you guessed it — blueberries. This can help decrease the appearance of tear stains in your pet’s face, but it can also be used as an overall body shampoo to brighten their coat. It’s a hypoallergenic, tearless, and lick-safe option that naturally exfoliates as it cleans and hydrates.
Blueberry facials offer the benefits of antioxidants and vitamins A, D, & E to itchy skin, irritated skin, and even dogs that could benefit from a little pet cologne. They’ve grown in popularity recently — it’s like treating your dog to a spa day while addressing tear stains or enhancing coat color without having to visit a groomer.
A note on pet safety
Make sure to be extra careful around the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth to avoid any adverse reactions. Some products purchased through Amazon can be misleading, so consider triple-checking the information on the label and reading multiple reviews before buying. You can also make a DIY facial at home (tips below on that) so you know exactly what you’re administering to your pup.
What causes tear stains?
Not all dogs get tear stains, and the ones that do won’t necessarily have the same skin types or experience this condition for the same reason. Epiphora is the most common condition leading to tear stains, and it comes from excessive tear production and the inability to drain tears properly. Moisture from the tear buildup can lead to bacterial infections on the skin beneath the eyes that causes discoloration on your dog’s face.
Other common causes of tear stains include:
- Glaucoma. Built-up fluid in the eye.
- Eye infections. These can result from viruses, bacteria, or even irritants.
- Conjunctivitis. The lining of the eye becomes inflamed, leading to discharge.
- Ingrown eyelashes. A condition in which your dog’s eyelid rolls inward so that the eyelashes press against the cornea of the eye instead of out. Certain breeds are more prone to this, as it can be genetic.
- Allergies. Typically environmental, or related to food. If you notice tear stains appearing on your dog in the spring, allergies could be the culprit.
- Shallow eye sockets. A trait seen in brachycephalic dogs, bulging eyes can prevent the eyelids from closing properly.
👉 If excess tears are persistent or causing apparent discomfort in your dog, please seek the advice of a veterinarian.
These dog breeds are more prone to tear stains
While all dogs can develop tear stains, they tend to be more visible on white and light-colored dogs. Certain breeds are also more prone to this condition, including:
How to apply a dog facial
Washing your pet’s face with a blueberry facial for dogs is similar to cleaning your own face as you would with a face wash or facial scrub — no need to be a pro groomer. Employ a rotating technique using circular movements to essentially “scrub” your pet’s face with the dog shampoo. The goal here is to focus on the fur itself, not on the skin, so it doesn’t need to be worked in too deeply. Available products and DIY options are created with sensitive eyes in mind, but you should still pay close attention to avoid getting any shampoo in your dog’s eyes.
🐶 While blueberry facial ingredients are lick-safe, it’s not advised to allow your pet to consume any.
Blueberry facial instructions in 4 steps
It’s best to head to the bath for a blueberry facial to avoid excess mess. No one wants a wet animal running around the house!
- Use a bottle or damp cloth to gently wet their face with warm water (and any other part of the body you’d like to brighten and wash, like areas with dirt, irritated skin, or dead skin cells).
- Gently apply the blueberry facial to your dog’s face, carefully avoiding the eyes and mouth.
- Massage your dog’s face in a relaxing manner, exactly as you would want it done to you.
- Carefully rinse the shampoo from your dog’s face and use a towel to dry them off.
Note that if your dog appears distressed at any point during the process, it’s better to cut the experience short to avoid panicking on their part. It’s meant to be a relaxing time, after all.
Popular products for blueberry facials
Blueberry facial products are readily available on the marketplace, serving as dog shampoos, conditioners, and general dog washes. All of them should include the ingredients coconut oil and blueberries (or blueberry extract), but some have added components like jojoba, aloe vera, and avocado. Always remember to double-check the ingredients of whatever products you’re buying to make sure they’re safe for your dog’s face and skin.
Here are some of our favorite products:
One option is the Lillian Ruff Berry Blue Brightening Face and Body Wash for Dogs and Cats, available on Chewy. TropiClean offers a blueberry facial product specifically geared towards removing tear stains, as well as a coconut-based facial cleanser packed with natural ingredients.
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How to make your own DIY blueberry facial
If you want to try developing your own recipe at home to pamper your pup, this is a simple and fun alternative to buying pre-existing products.
- At a minimum, you will need ¼ cup of blueberries (or blueberry extract) and ⅛ cup of coconut oil.
- Add in jojoba, aloe vera, and avocado if desired.
- Mash the ingredients together until they form a paste that you would feel comfortable using as a face mask or full body shampoo on yourself.
- DIY facials should take only a few minutes to make at most.
👉 Remember to exercise extreme caution around your pet’s eyes to avoid abrasions.
Frequently asked questions
What does a blueberry facial do for a dog?
A blueberry facial is tear-free face wash for dogs that removes tear stains, cleans the fur, and conditions the skin. It’s a natural exfoliating product and color brightener.
How do you make a blueberry facial for dogs?
You can make a DIY blueberry facial for dogs by mixing a quarter cup of blueberries with two tablespoons (1 oz) of coconut oil until it’s smooth. If you’re looking to pack your facial with even more beneficial ingredients, consider adding jojoba, aloe vera, and avocado.
What is a facial for a dog?
Much like the facials humans use, dog facials cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin to promote a shiny, well-hydrated coat. This treatment naturally brightens a dog’s face and can even help their fur look younger.
Are blueberries good for dogs?
Blueberries are a nutritionally dense fruit that are high in fiber, low in calories, and totally safe for dogs to eat and come in contact with. Their immune-strengthening phytochemicals, antioxidants, and vitamins help combat life-threatening conditions like cancer and heart disease, and they can even improve things like night vision and mental function in older dogs.
