How to Get Rid of Yellow in the White Hair of a Dog

Dogs with white coats show any color of stain they acquire. Some, like yellow marks, can be both more noticeable and more difficult to remove than others. By using whitening shampoos and other grooming products, owners can clean these unsightly stains off a dog's white hair with relative ease. The faster the dog is cleaned, the easier the stain will be to remove. Feeding the right diet is also essential for a dog to have the whitest, most vibrant hair possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Hypoallergenic dog shampoo
  • Pet wipes
  • Weak tea (any tea that is light colored and weak tasting)
  • Water
  • Boric acid powder
  • Whitening shampoo for dogs or bluing shampoo
  • Cornstarch (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the dog with a hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Some yellow stains can be removed by washing with regular shampoo and do not need any special shampoos or products. Rinse the suds thoroughly with water.

    • 2

      Choose a topical product if the stain is small or in an isolated area. Wipe the stain with a pet wipe. Another option is to use a mixture of one part weak tea and one part water. Wipe the mixture over the stained hair. After wiping the stain, apply boric acid powder on the wet hair. Use only enough powder to cover the stain. Avoid applying excess powder to the area or surrounding hairs that are not stained. Leave the powder on the hair.

    • 3

      Use a whitening shampoo if the stain cannot be removed with regular shampoos. Owners can also use bluing shampoo, a popular product on the show circuit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how much to use and how long to leave the shampoo on the dog's coat. Rinse thoroughly.

    • 4

      Apply cornstarch to the coat if the stain needs to be immediately hidden. Using hands, rub the cornstarch into the coat before finger-combing out any loose powder. This step is good for stubborn stains that the owner does not have time to remove but would not be appropriate for a show or competition.

    • 5

      Feed the dog a high-quality diet to maintain a white and healthy coat. The food a white dog consumes should have plenty of fatty acids like omega-3s as well as vitamins like vitamin B. A good diet promotes healthy hair growth and improves the skin's natural barrier against irritants like dirt.