What special care do white-haired dogs need?
All dogs are beautiful and special, regardless of their breed, size, or age. Dogs are noble, pure, and harmless beings, and those who share their lives know this. However, despite their mischievous and playful nature, they often end up covered in mud or with dusty coats. White-coated dogs are no exception, although the problem is exacerbated for them because they tend to get dirty more easily. Furthermore, if the white coat loses its strength, it tends to yellow, losing its beautiful and precious color.
In this article, we want to give you some basic dog care tips , specifically on how to care for a white dog's coat. Read on to learn several tips and techniques to keep your white dog looking great. Read on to find out!
How to care for a white dog's coat?
Owning a dog involves a series of care tasks, including nutritional and hygiene needs, as well as emotional and health needs. When it comes to the care and hygiene of white-coated dogs, it's advisable to pay attention to three aspects. First, shampoo for white-coated dogs; second, brushing; and third, how to treat the delicate areas of a white dog's coat. Let's take a closer look.
White hair dog shampoo (and conditioner)
When bathing our pets, we should avoid traditional shampoos and opt for a special shampoo for white dog hair. These have an exclusive formulation used to revive the white color of the coat and highlight its natural tone. They also eliminate dirt and germs and give the coat shine and volume. White dog shampoo should be used by moistening the pet's coat with warm water. Then, apply it to the body and massage it in until it foams. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse. The dog's bath ends with drying and brushing. Shampoo for white dog hair usually has a blue or violet hue .
Now, if you want a little something extra for your pet's coat health, you can also use a good-quality dog conditioner . Conditioner takes care of your dog's fur from the root, helping you detangle it and leaving it healthier and shinier. Although it's not an essential product, it's often highly recommended for dogs with delicate or white fur due to the nature of their coat.
Brushing for dogs with white fur
After bathing your dog with a shampoo for white-haired dogs, the next step is to brush them. This will help take care of your pet's coat daily. Therefore, brushing them every day or every other day is a good idea. This will help loosen residue and remove dirt , which can lead to permanent stains if not carefully maintained. If your dog has short hair, it's best to use thick bristles, while if they have long hair, opt for brushes with smoother, softer bristles.
Pay attention to delicate areas on white-coated dogs
There are some areas of a white dog's coat that tend to get dirty more easily, and in most cases, this usually results in the appearance of permanent yellow stains. These include the beard or muzzle, the genitals, and the tear ducts. In these cases, you'll need to do the following:
- Wash your dog's tear ducts daily with special liquids. Opt for chemical antioxidants.
- Use wipes for the tear duct and genital areas.
- Dry his snout after drinking and after each meal.
How many times can a dog be bathed per month?
White dogs tend to get dirty more quickly than dogs of other colors. However, this doesn't mean we need to bathe them more frequently than other animals, as this can be harmful to your dog, as it will alter its pH and eliminate the fats that protect its skin, leaving it overexposed to external aggressions. It's recommended that you bathe your dog no more than once a month . If your pet is very dirty, you can opt for dry baths. These allow you to clean your dog without having to use water.
Basic dog care: What to do if the coat has turned yellow?
If you haven't provided basic grooming for your white-coated dog, the first permanent white spots may have already appeared. Don't worry, we can find several solutions to help your pet regain its original shine and color. To do so, we recommend the following:
- Maintaining recommended hygiene : Caring for a dog's coat requires paying attention to everything explained so far. This means using a special shampoo for white dog hair, brushing your dog daily, and paying attention to delicate areas.
- Change your dog's diet : A poor-quality diet means a dog is more likely to get sick and has a more unkempt, yellowish coat (in the case of white dogs). Therefore, review your dog's diet and provide a healthy diet made with natural foods.
- Home remedies : We recommend two home remedies to remove white hair stains from dogs.
- Baking soda : Baking soda is the perfect ally for lightening your dog's yellow stains. Place it in water and mix until you have a paste. Then apply it directly to the stain and spread it with a toothbrush. Let the paste dry on the dog's coat, then soak it in and rinse well.
- Starch powder : Starch powder absorbs excess oil and covers stains. It also acts as a bleach and eliminates unpleasant odors. All you have to do is sprinkle it over the stained area and scrub it with a brush.
