White Dog Care: Removing Color Casts

White dogs are beautiful, but their coats can be a challenge to keep clean and stain-free. Their fur is highly susceptible to staining, and dirt, grass, and other debris can easily show up on their white coats. If not cleaned properly, these stains can become permanent. In addition, white dogs are more prone to sunburn as their fur doesn't offer much protection from the sun's harmful rays.

There are several ways to remove stains from a white dog's coat. One method is to use a whitening shampoo, which will remove stains and unpleasant odours. It is important to remember to rinse thoroughly, as failure to do so can leave the coat looking dull and drab. Another option is to use a natural bleaching agent like cornstarch or baking soda, which can be applied to the coat to remove stains without causing damage. For stubborn stains, a mild bleach solution can be used, but this should be a last resort as incorrect use can damage the dog's skin and cause a fatal allergic reaction.

Use whitening shampoos and conditioners

Whitening shampoos and conditioners are a great way to keep your white dog's coat bright and stain-free. Here are some tips and recommendations for using whitening shampoos and conditioners effectively:

Choose the Right Product

When selecting a whitening shampoo and conditioner, opt for natural ingredients that will keep the coat white without bleaching it. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, bleaches, or peroxides, as these can irritate your dog's skin and cause permanent damage to their coat. Look for whitening shampoos that are soap-free, as soap can irritate your dog's eyes. You can also seek advice from your veterinarian for product recommendations.

Prepare the Coat

Before applying the whitening shampoo, ensure your dog's coat is wet. Cover your dog's ears with cotton balls to prevent water from getting into their ears. If your dog has a short or medium hair coat, dilute the whitening shampoo with water at a ratio of 2:1. For thicker coats or more intense staining, less dilution may be required. Always read the instructions on the product label carefully.

Apply the Shampoo

Focus on the stained areas first, allowing the shampoo to soak for a few minutes. The duration may vary depending on the severity of the stain—typically between 5 to 10 minutes. Once the shampoo has soaked in, spread it to the less stained areas. Remember to start with a small amount and increase as needed, as using too much whitening shampoo may leave a tint on your dog's coat.

Rinse and Condition

Thoroughly rinse the shampoo from your dog's coat with warm water. To finalize the process and avoid any allergic reactions, apply a conditioner specifically designed for dogs. Conditioning will also help keep your dog's coat healthy, moisturized, and untangled, making it easier to remove stains in the future.

Post-Bath Care

After rinsing the conditioner, use a towel to dry your dog's coat. In between baths, use pet bath wipes to remove food stains, especially around your dog's muzzle. Regular grooming is essential to maintaining a white coat, so be sure to brush your dog's coat frequently.

Recommended Whitening Shampoos and Conditioners

• Magic Coat® Bright White Shampoo: This shampoo is formulated with clarifying pearlescent brighteners and whiteners to safely remove discolouration and brighten a fading coat. It contains no bleach and has a long-lasting scent.
• Nature's Miracle Whitening Shampoo and Conditioner: This set not only whitens coats but also helps eliminate the typical "wet dog" smell after bathing. It contains natural ingredients like calendula extract, aloe vera, keratin, and coconut oil to nourish and protect sensitive skin.
• Wahl White Pear Brightening Shampoo: This shampoo is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. It contains plant-derived ingredients like pear and coconut oil, and it's free of alcohol, parabens, and pH-balanced.
• TropiClean Awapuhi and Coconut Whitening Shampoo: This soap-free, paraben-free, and dye-free shampoo is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin. It's derived from natural ingredients and will leave your dog's coat soft and silky.
• Makondo Pets Whitening Shampoo: This natural, herbal, and fruity-scented shampoo is ideal for dogs with itchy, dry, and sensitive skin. It contains no toxic dyes, sulfates, parabens, or toxins, and will keep your dog's skin healthy and itch-free.

Try natural bleaching agents like cornstarch or baking soda

Cornstarch is an excellent option for whitening your dog's fur. It is economical, and it can double as a dry shampoo to absorb oil and dirt, and to lighten rusty-brown stains from your dog's coat between baths. Cornstarch is also a triple threat to dirt: it absorbs oils, covers up many stains, and removes odours. To use cornstarch, lay down some newspaper, place your dog on top, and sprinkle cornstarch onto their coat. Rub it in with your fingers, and then brush it out. You can also mix cornstarch with baby powder for a pleasant smell. Don't worry if your dog licks their coat, as cornstarch is non-toxic.

Baking soda is another natural bleaching agent that can be used to remove stains from your dog's fur. It is a great option for stubborn stains. Make a paste of baking soda and water, and brush it into the stain. Let it dry, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. If the stain remains, repeat the process. Baking soda is safe for dogs and can also be used to treat bee stings.

Prevent tear stains with purified water

Preventing tear stains on your white dog's coat is possible through a few simple measures. One of the most important things to consider is the quality of your dog's drinking water. Tap water often contains high levels of minerals, which can cause staining around your dog's mouth and eyes. To prevent this, it is recommended to use purified, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water sources. These types of water have a lower mineral content, reducing the likelihood of tear stains.

Additionally, ensuring that your dog's water bowl is narrow-flared can help prevent excess water from soaking your dog's muzzle. Alternatively, using paper towels to gently pat dry your dog's face after drinking can also minimise the occurrence of tear stains.

Another way to prevent tear stains is to add a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar or buttermilk powder to your dog's water. These ingredients increase the acidity of the water, altering your dog's pH level and creating an unfavourable environment for bacteria and yeast, which can contribute to tear stains.

It is also important to keep the hair around your dog's eyes well-groomed and trimmed. Excess hair can trap moisture, leading to staining and irritation. Regular grooming can help keep your dog's eyes clean and reduce the likelihood of tear stains.

While tear stains are primarily a cosmetic issue, it is important to consult your veterinarian if you notice any underlying health issues or excessive tearing that does not improve with these preventative measures.

Remove urine stains with enzymatic cleaners

Urine stains on a white dog's coat are best removed with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet stains. These cleaners work by breaking down the proteins in the urine, which helps to remove the stain and odour. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, as these cleaners can be harsh if used incorrectly.

• Bubba's Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator: This enzymatic cleaner can be used on carpets, upholstery, wood floors, concrete, plastic surfaces, laundry, and even artificial grass. It is safe to use around children and pets and effectively removes stains and odours from cat urine, both old and new.
• Nature's Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover Spray: This enzymatic spray is safe for use on carpeting, rugs, and hardwood floors. It effectively removes fresh and old urine stains and odours, leaving behind a mild citrus scent.
• KINZUA ENVIRONMENTAL Urine B-Gone: This professional-grade enzymatic cleaner is designed for human, cat, and dog urine stains. It can be used on laundry, carpets, and more. The product is safe to use around pets and children when used as directed and provides a fresh scent.
• Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover: This plant-based enzymatic cleaner is free of phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, and artificial fragrances or dyes. It is safe for most water-safe surfaces, including carpets, clothing, and upholstery, and effectively removes stains and odours.

It is important to act quickly when dealing with urine stains on a white dog's coat. Use a damp cloth or pet cleansing wipe to remove the stain immediately. If the stain has set in, apply a whitening shampoo directly to the spot and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Regular grooming and brushing will also help to prevent stains from setting in and keep your dog's coat bright and white.

Treat grass stains with a vinegar solution

Grass stains can be tricky to remove from a white dog's coat, but there are a few methods you can try. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to treat grass stains with a vinegar solution:

Method 1: Vinegar and Detergent

• Before applying any treatment, remove any excess dirt or grass from the stained area by gently blotting it with a damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this may spread the stain further.
• In a small bowl, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar to form your vinegar solution.
• Saturate the stain with the vinegar solution and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
• Apply a small amount of laundry detergent directly to the stain. If possible, use a detergent that contains bleach, as bleach contains enzymes that help break down grass stains.
• Gently massage the detergent into the stain for several minutes.
• Rinse the stain with cold water and check if it has faded. Repeat the process if necessary.

Method 2: Vinegar, Detergent, and Oxygen Powder

• Mix one part distilled white vinegar with one part water to create your vinegar solution.
• Coat the stain with the vinegar solution and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
• Scrub the stain gently with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush.
• Rinse the garment with warm water.
• Sprinkle oxygen powder (non-chlorine bleach) or laundry powder over the stain.
• Dampen the stain with room temperature water.
• Gently scrub the stain with a soft brush or old toothbrush until it disappears.
• Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove any residue.
• If any residue remains, repeat the process.
• Once the stain is completely removed, launder the fabric according to the care instructions.

Frequently asked questions