How to Keep Your White Fur Dog Clean and Stain-Free

How to Keep Your White Fur Dog Clean and Stain-Free

If you are the proud parent of a white fur dog, you know that they require a little extra care to keep them looking clean and beautiful. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks for keeping your white dog clean and stain-free. We will also recommend some of the best products to use for whitening your dog's coat. So read on to learn more!

White dog breeds are those with a white fur coat. They can be any breed, but some of the most popular white dog breeds include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, West Highland Terrier, White Terrier, and American Eskimo Dog. 

Why do white dogs require special care?

The main reason is because their white fur is more susceptible to staining. Dirt, grass, and other debris can easily show up on a white dog's coat. And if not cleaned properly, these stains can become permanent. In addition, white dog breeds are more prone to sunburns since their fur doesn't offer much protection from the sun's harmful rays.

Why dog's coat is white?

A dog's coat is white because of a gene mutation that causes a loss of pigmentation in the hair shaft. This means that the hair is not able to produce any color, resulting in a white coat.

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Popular white dog breeds

The most popular white dog breeds consist of both small white dog breeds & big white dog breeds.

Small white dog breeds:

  • Bichon Frise
  • Maltese
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • American Eskimo Dog
  • Japanese Spitz 
  • Havanese

Medium white dogs breed:

  • Samoyed
  • Keeshond
  • Siberian Husky
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Bull terrier
  • Poodle

Large white dog breeds:

  • Great Pyrenees 
  • Samoyed 
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • American Eskimo Dog (large) 
  • Australian Cattle Dog 
  • Australian Shepherd 
  • Berger Picard
  • Bolognese 
  • Border Collie
  • Briard
  • Siberian Husky
  • German Shepherd
  • Poodle
  • Borzoi
  • Great Dane
  • Irish Wolfhound

 semi-white dog, white dog with brown ears, grooming white dog

Is white dog breed different from other dogs?

According to American Kennel Club, White dogs were originally bred to be working dogs. They were bred for hunting, herding, and as watchdogs. They are highly intelligent, strong willed & easy to train. Oh and cute. Did we mention cute? 

Nowadays, white dog breeds are popular family pets & companions. They are known for being loyal, loving, and highly intelligent. While all of these breeds make great pets, they do require a little extra care to keep their coat clean and free of stains.

Small white dogs are renowned for being fluffy with an intelligent personality. They are usually a great family dog but they do not like to be left alone. They are very playful & get along very well with other pups.

White large dog breeds were bred for hunting, sledding, and as watchdogs. They are also known to be very intelligent & have a high trainability rate.

The main difference between white dogs and other dogs is their coat color. Large dogs with white coats most likely have a thick double coat that is made up of a dense undercoat and a softer outer coat. This combination can make them prone skin issues & bacteria.

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What are the benefits of owning a white dog?

white dog

In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, there are actually several benefits to owning a white fur dog. First of all, they are very easy to spot in public places like parks or on walk. Because of their fluffy white coat they tend to stand out in a crowd.

Second of all, they are less likely to trigger allergies in people who are allergic to dogs which can make them a solution for someone who is usually allergic to dogs but wants a 4-legged family member anyway. And lastly, they tend to be very low-shedding, which means less hair around the house!

What are the challenges of owning a white dog?

The main challenge of owning a white fur dog is that they require a little more upkeep than other dogs. Like a white sweater or shirt that shows stains, the thick white coat of a dog, is more likely to show dirt and stains. This means that owners will need to do a little bit more grooming to keep them looking their best. You should also be prepared to use special shampoos and conditioners that are designed specifically for white fur dogs.

What are the best products to use for whitening your dog's fur? 

While there are many products on the market that claim to whiten your dog's fur, we have found that the following three products are the most effective:

  • Baking soda
  • ⚠️Hydrogen peroxide
  • Lemon juice

white fur dog

Baking soda is a great natural cleanser and can be used to remove dirt and grime from your dog's fur. Simply mix baking soda with water to form a paste, and then rub it into your dog's fur. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

⚠️Hydrogen peroxide is another great option for whitening your dog's fur. Simply mix hydrogen peroxide with water at a ratio of one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water.  ❌NEVER USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AT 100% STRENGTH❌.

Rub the mixture into your dog's white coat and let it sit for five minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

TIP: always test a small area of your dog’s coat and skin to make sure that he does not have any allergic reactions or skin irritations. 

smiling pomeranian, white pomeranian, teeth of pomeranian

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and can be used to lighten your dog's fur. Simply mix lemon juice with water at a ratio of one part lemon juice to three parts water. Rub the mixture into your dog's fur and let it sit for five minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

How to remove stains from your white dog's fur?

One of the most common ways that white dog breeds get stained is by rolling around in the grass or playing in areas where there are berries. Dogs always seem to want to find the stinkiest, dirtiest place to rub around in. Especially after a bath. If you find your dog has berry stains on their fur, don't panic! There are a few simple ways to remove them.

 white bichon frise, round dog cut

How to remove berry stains from white dogs? 

First, try using a damp cloth to blot the stain. Then, make a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Apply this solution to the stained area with a cloth or brush and let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.

If the stain is still visible, you can try using a MILD bleach solution. To make this, mix ONE part bleach with TEN parts water. The bleach used wrong can be very harmful to a dog’s skin. If ingested it can be lethal. You want to create a paste and we recommend using a cone around your dog’s neck to avoid licking. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with clean water. ALWAYS test on a small area of your dog's fur first to make sure they do not have an allergic reaction.

If you have tried both of these methods and the stain is still visible, you may need to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Berry stains are not the only type of stains that can be difficult to remove from white fur. Other common culprits include urine, grass, and oil. Read on for tips on how to deal with each of these types of stains.

How to remove urine stains from white dog’s fur? 

Urine stains are best removed by using 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 odor. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, as these cleaners can be harsh if used incorrectly.

How to remove grass stains from white dog’s fur? 

Grass stains can be a bit trickier to remove. First, try using the vinegar solution mentioned above. If that doesn't work, you can try mixing Dawn dish soap with hydrogen peroxide. 

NOTE: Experts recommend mixing together one quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. a quarter cup baking soda and one teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap. Remember to test a small area first. 

Apply this solution to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off with clean water.

How to remove oil stains from dog’s fur? 

Oil stains are some of the most difficult to remove from white fur. If possible, take your dog to a professional groomer or vet as soon as the stain occurs. They will be able to use special solvents and shampoos to help remove the oil. If you can't get to a professional right away, you can try using Dawn dish soap or shampoo designed for oily hair. Apply the product locally(!) to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with clean water. 

Dawn can be harsh so be sure to test a small patch of fur and skin first. 

As you can see, there are a number of ways to remove common stains from white fur. With a little patience and some trial and error, you should be able to keep your dog's coat looking shining and beautiful.

How to prevent white dog’s fur from stains? 

In addition to removing stains, there are a few things you can do to help prevent them in the first place:

  1. Make sure your dog is well-groomed. Regular brushing will help to remove dirt and debris before it has a chance to stain the fur. The purpose of grooming should not only be to clean your pet's coat and skin, but to nourish them, too! You can moisturize your dog's fur and skin with Pride+Groom The Shedder Dog Shampoo. The product contains all-natural ingredients that keep shedding coats healthy and shiny. This product will make your white pup shiiine!✨
  2. You should also trim your dog's nails on a regular basis. Long nails can catch on things and cause tearing, which can lead to staining.
  3. Consider using a whitening shampoo or coat spray. These products can help to brighten the fur and make stains less visible. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, as some of these products can be harsh if used too frequently.

By following these tips, you can help keep your white fur dog looking clean and beautiful. Do you have any other tips for keeping white dogs stain-free? Let us know!

What causes brown stains on white dog breeds?

The most common cause of brown stains on a white dog’s fur is from not properly cleaning their anus area. When your dog defecated, some of their feces will stick to the hair around their anus. If this area is not cleaned regularly, the dried feces will eventually cause the hair to turn brown. In addition, if your dog has any anal sac problems, the anal sac secretions can also cause staining.

Another common cause of brown stains on a white dog’s fur is rust. Rust can come from many sources, such as old water bowls, iron in the ground, or even from well water. If you suspect that your dog’s brown stains are from rust, take them to the vet to get a blood test.

The last common cause of brown stains on white fur is due to liver disease. If your dog has any other symptoms of liver disease, such as yellowing eyes or gums, increased thirst, increased urination, appetite loss, or weight loss, take them to the vet immediately.

If you can’t figure out what is causing your dog’s brown stains, or if the stains are getting worse, take them to the vet as soon as possible. The sooner you can get a diagnosis, the better chance you have of successfully treating your dog.

Why white dog breeds have stains around the eyes?

white dog with stains around eyes & mouth, how to clean brown stains from dog

One of the most common causes of stains around a white dog’s eyes is from tearing. When the tear ducts become clogged, the tears can overflow and run down your dog’s face. This can leave behind a reddish-brown stain. In addition, if your dog has any allergies, the allergens can cause the tears to become more plentiful, which will also lead to staining.

Another common cause of stains around a white dog’s eyes is from licking. If your dog licks their paws or fur excessively, the saliva can build up and cause staining. In addition, some dogs have a genetic disposition towards having more saliva than others, which can also lead to staining.

If you can’t figure out what is causing your dog’s stains, or if the stains are getting worse, take them to the vet as soon as possible. The sooner you can get a diagnosis, the better chance you have of successfully treating your dog.

How to bath white dog?

When bathing your white dog, it’s important to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for dogs with white fur. These shampoos often contain ingredients that help to brighten the fur and remove stains. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, as some of these products can be harsh if used too frequently.

After bathing with best dog whitening shampoo, rinse your dog thoroughly to remove all traces of the shampoo. Then, apply a conditioner designed for dogs with white fur. This will help to protect the fur and keep it looking shiny and healthy. Once again, be sure to rinse thoroughly before allowing your dog to air dry or towel drying.

By following these tips, you can help keep your white fur dog looking clean and beautiful. Do you have any other tips for keeping white dogs stain-free? Let us know!

WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?

PRIDE+GROOM was born because 4 New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.

With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house.

PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.

IN DOG WE TRUST

Shop our entire line:  www.prideandgroom.com

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JANE WAGMAN | CO-FOUNDER, PRESIDENT

Jane began her graphic design career as an Art Director at Allure and Vogue Magazines. She went out on her own, opening her own design studio. Clients have included fashion, beauty, restaurants, hotels, schools, charities amongst many others. In addition, she designed and created a line of paper products and custom jewelry sold nationwide She co-founded a popular woman’s shopping site, Shopafrolic.com. Jane sits on the Board of Animal Haven, an Animal Shelter in Soho, NYC. She is the mom of 2 doodles, 2 chihuahuas and 2 human girls.