White Dogs

Written By Stef Asin

Photo by Janne Stokvik on Unsplash

 

White dogs, like white cars, can be eye-catching and stunning—but require specialized care to look their best over time. White dogs can present unique challenges to pet owners who sometime struggle with stained and dingy fur on their beloved pet. For these dogs, using a professional groomer can take some of the stress away from trying to keep your white dog looking its best. White-coated dogs are white due to a gene mutation that results in no color in the hair shaft.

“The most important thing I do with white dogs is brush them thoroughly to get dirt and debris off and to distribute the dog’s natural oils,” said Elizabeth Toc, co-owner of the Tailored Tail. “We make sure their fur is not matted and then we bathe them with a high-quality shampoo.”

Toc said regular grooming sessions can help prevent the yellowing of some white dogs’ coats. Her team also will trim your dog’s nails and clean your dog’s ears, which can keep dirt from accumulating and could eventually lead to staining. For dogs with tear stains, groomers can clip the stained fur from around their eyes before grooming.

Toc says if your dog seems to have other symptoms, such as cloudy eyes, she’ll recommend you visit the vet as soon as possible for an exam.

What you can do at home in between grooming appointments to help keep white coats beautiful:

  • Brush your dog’s hair a few times a week

  • Bathe them with shampoos formulated for white or light-colored coats. These shampoos, according to Be a Good Dog,  often contain optical brighteners that enhance brightness and help remove stains.

  • Keep your dog’s environment clean – dust and grime on their body cause blemishes.

  • Feed them healthy food and keep them away from substances that stain

  • Try to shield white dogs from direct sunlight when possible

  • Ask your vet about Omega-3 fatty acid, which is reported to help the health of a dog’s coat

Once your snow-white dog has stains, experts say you can do these things:

  • Immediate Action: Always have a damp cloth handy for quick clean-ups. The sooner you act, the less chance a stain has to set in.

  • Special Stain Removers: Invest in products specifically designed for white dogs. These will cut through the stains without damaging their lovely coat.

  • Regular Baths: Bathing your white dog every 4-6 weeks will not only keep them clean but also help in maintaining their coat’s shine.

  • Grooming: Regular brushing helps prevent dirt buildup and keeps their fur looking fabulous.

  • Diet Check: Sometimes, stains originate from what they eat! Ensure their diet is balanced to minimize discoloration.

Some popular, white-coated breeds are:

  • Samoyed

  • Maltese

  • Great Pyrenees

  • West Highland White Terrier

  • Bichon Frise

  • Poodle

Stef Asin
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