How to Get Rid of Dirt Stains in My Dog's Fur

Even the most delicate or dainty dog occasionally falls victim to dirt stains. Rolling around in the mud, playing at the dog park or even just trekking through your front yard allows ample opportunity for dirt to adhere to and stain your dog's fur. While dirt stains are largely a cosmetic issue, large clumps of dirt can painfully pull at the dog's fur and skin. Instead of spending big bucks at the groomers, intrepid dog owners can tackle fur stains at home for a fraction of the cost, using simple tools readily available at most pet supply stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog brush
  • Grooming comb or blade
  • Bathtub
  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your dog. Brushing allows for the removal of larger dirt clumps and particles, making subsequent cleanup easier. Use a moderately stiff or firm-bristled brush. Soft brushes usually aren't tough enough to break up clumps of dirt or remove residual dirt particles from the dog's coat.

    • 2

      Untangle any mats or clumps in the fur by hand. The hair around dirt stains and clumps can become tangled and gnarled, causing pain to the dog and making removal of the stain that much harder. Use a comb or grooming blade to work out knots and tangles.

    • 3

      Place the dog in the bathtub. Speak in calm, soothing tones if the dog is afraid of water.

    • 4

      Wet the dog's coat thoroughly with cool water. Warm or hot water strips away more of the dog's natural body oils, which are necessary to prevent dry skin and keep the dog's coat looking healthy. Cold water is uncomfortable and introduces a risk of your dog catching a chill, especially in colder seasons.

    • 5

      Shampoo the dog using a soap or shampoo specifically formulated for dogs. If you have a white dog with a dirt stain, use a shampoo specifically formulated for white dogs to reduce the appearance of staining. Work up a lather and gently massage the shampoo through the dog's coat. Focus the bulk of your attentions on the most heavily stained areas.

    • 6

      Rinse the dog with cool water. Remove all soap suds and shampoo residue. You may need to rinse the dog several times to remove traces of lather.

    • 7

      Re-scrub and re-rinse the stained areas if staining persists. Remove the dog from the tub and dry thoroughly with a towel.