How to Clean a White Dog's Fur

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How to Clean a White Dog's Fur

Medium

2 - 10 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

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.

Dog's Perspective

Your white dog probably doesn't care whether his coat is white or not, dogs are like that! But you will want to clean up unsightly stains on your dog's white coat. Some of the products used to clean and brighten up your dog's white coat can be hard on the skin or sting if they get in your dog's eyes. They probably don’t taste very good either! Be careful when bathing your white dog not to irritate skin or get products in the eyes or mouth, which will turn your white dog off the entire cleaning process pretty fast!

The Grooming and Bathing Method

Most Recommended

2 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Scissors

Pin Brush

Towel

Step

Bathe regularly

Bathe your dog regularly so that body oils, dirt, and debris do not yellow or dull your dog's white coat. Spot wash between bathing when stains appear.

Step

Brush regularly

Brush your dog daily so that debris and dirt is removed and body oils are evenly distributed.

Step

Use whitening shampoos

Once a month, use a bluing shampoo or a bleaching shampoo--not both at the same time, as you could end up with a blue dog. These are commercially available at pet supply stores. An alternative is a clarifying or enzymatic shampoo. Do not combine products or use one immediately after another, as they can interact.

Step

Remove tear stains

Use commercial tear stain removal products around your white dog's eyes if tear stains are present.

Step

Trim excess hair

Trim excess hair around eyes and put long hair on the head up in a top knot to prevent it getting stained with tears or food. Trim hair on your dog's bottom to prevent stains from urine and feces.

The Homemade Remedies Method

Effective

1 Vote

Spray

Towel

Toothbrush

Step

Apply cornstarch

Spread newspapers on the floor or take your dog outside and sprinkle cornstarch over your dog. Brush your dog thoroughly to remove the excess cornstarch. Cornstarch absorbs dirt and can be brushed off along with oils and dirt.

Step

Spray clean

Mix shampoo and water in a spray bottle. Daily, spray your white dog and wipe him down with a cloth, focusing on stained areas.

Step

Use peroxide paste

Make stain remover paste with 1 percent peroxide and milk of magnesia mixed with corn starch to form a paste. Rub small amounts onto stained areas of your dog and let set for a few hours. Comb the paste out once it dries. You can add conditioner to loosen the paste for removal if necessary. Prevent your dog from licking the paste while it is setting.

Step

Use witch hazel

Spot clean with witch hazel, dab onto your dog, and let set, then wipe off with a wet face cloth.

Step

Use baking soda paste

Mix 2 tbsp of baking powder with water to form a paste then apply with an old toothbrush to stained areas. Let dry then wipe away with a wet cloth.

Caution & Considerations

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.

Conclusion

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.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Annie

Maltipoo

2 Years

1 found helpful

Question

1 found helpful

Annie

Maltipoo

2 Years

I'm looking for a finishing spray that will repel dirt. I have no lawn, and sticky dust around here.

4 years, 8 months ago

Annie's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Thank you for the question. There are many great products out there for finishing off a grooming session. I always go for a spray that has no fragrance, chemicals, color, or sulfates. I personally like anything made by Burt's Bees. The products are made in the US, too!

4 years, 8 months ago