How to Clean a White Dog's Fur

Mickey is a snowy white American Eskimo dog who loves the great outdoors, and his coat sure shows it--it’s not so snowy white lately! Not only do the mud and dirt he rolls in stain his white coat, but he loves to dig and root around outside and his face is completely stained! What can Mickey’s owners do to get that white coat white again?  

Many dogs have white coats and some breeds are almost exclusively white, like West Highland Terriers, Samoyeds, Bichon Frise, and Great Pyrenees just to name a few. Not only does white hair stain with dirt, it can also yellow over time from exposure to body oils. Substances like food, urine, and tears can and also leave unsightly stains on a white coat that do not come off with regular bathing. There are several techniques and products available, both homemade and commercial, for keeping your snowy white dog looking his sparkling best.

• Blushing, bleaching and clarifying shampoos can contain harsh chemicals, always read ingredients and watch for skin reactions.
  
• Never mix commercial or homemade remedies, as ingredients can have interactions.
  
• Be careful to keep both commercial and homemade remedies out of your dog's eyes and mouth.
  
• When using whitening paste, keep your dog from licking or consuming the paste while it dries by supervising or using a cone.
  
• Watch for drying of skin from the use of cleaning agents. Reduce use and apply moisturizing conditioner or lotions as necessary.
  

Your white dog can be white again! A dingy, stained dog is unsightly and you will want to spruce up your pup so he sparkles once more. Many commercial products and homemade remedies will help remove stains from white hair. Regular grooming is important so that dirt and body oils do not cause staining in the first place. Keep your white dog clean by bathing and brushing regularly and spot clean between baths to prevent stains. Remember to watch for reactions to both homemade and commercial products, as overcleaning can irritate skin.