May 8, 2012
Posted in How to, Pet Supplies

All dogs can be lovable, sweet and obedient, no matter the color of their coat. However, if you choose a white dog at the shelter, it is important to note that it might need a little extra care in terms of grooming.

Daily dirt

When you wear white clothing, you might do your best to stay out of situations in which you could get dirty. White dogs, however, have no sense of this, and want to play in the dirt as much as any other dog. Of course, white dogs will look much dirtier after a romp in the woods than a brown or black dog, and the dirt may turn the coat a grimy grayish brown color over time.

If this bothers you (because it most likely does not bother the dog) you will just have to be prepared to wash your pooch more often. Try a brightening pet shampoo like Be Bright White Shampoo, which contains optical brighteners to remove stains and yellowing that can occur when white coats get dirty.

Tear stains

White dogs also tend to develop dark stains on the fur directly under their eyes. This rusty, reddish-brown stain is caused by your pet's tears. In all dog tears, there is a compound the reacts with light to produce the stain. Of course, in dark-haired dogs you cannot see it, but in white dogs, it can be somewhat unsightly. To remove these stains, sprinkle pet products like Angels' Eyes for Dogs and Cats on your dog's pet food. This formula alters the chemistry of the tears so they no longer stain. As you trim away the already-stained portions of fur from around your pet's eyes, you will find the staining will not occur in the future.

Although white dogs may need a little more maintenance to keep them looking their best, there are benefits to having a snowy-colored pooch. It is much easier to spot fleas and ticks on white dogs than those with dark fur or a number of colors in their coat. Still, it is important to keep your pooch on flea and tick preventative medications like Sentinel or Frontline Plus to prevent the insects from biting and infecting the pooch with a disease or causing an allergic reaction. 

Related posts:

1. Caring for a white cat
2. Keep your white dog sparkling like snow
3. Angel Eyes: Product Reviews
4. Angel Eyes: For Pets With Problem Tear Stains
5. Angel Eyes: Your Remedy for Pet Tear Stains