How to Remove Hard Water Stains on a White Dog

The coats of white dogs such as West Highland terriers, Maltese and poodles sometimes show signs of mineral buildup due to hard water. Depending on the types of minerals present in the water, this gives the coat a yellow, gray or tan cast. Drinking mineral-laden hard water can also cause "tear stains," or brown streaks from the corners of the eyes. It is especially important for show dogs to have an immaculate white coat. However, harsh detergents and bleaching agents damage the dog's coat, leaving it porous and prone to future staining.

Things You'll Need

  • Whitening shampoo
  • Tear stain treatment
  • Water filtration system (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the coat thoroughly before washing. Remove any mats or tangles. This helps remove any superficial buildup and makes it easier for the shampoo treatment to penetrate the entire coat. Brushing also distributes the dog's natural skin oils for optimum coat health and natural shine.

    • 2

      Select a shampoo specially formulated for coat whitening. Many whitening shampoos contain bluing, which deposits a light blue tint to counteract yellow- or brown-based stains. Choose a gentle, moisturizing formula. Harsh formulas that strip the coat can cause painful skin irritation for the dog and increase the likelihood of future staining. Coat whitening should be a gradual, holistic process, not a quick fix.

    • 3

      Wet the entire coat. Lather the shampoo in your hands and massage throughout the entire coat, avoiding the eyes. Do not let the dog ingest any shampoo. Follow the directions on the shampoo bottle. Some shampoos need to remain on the coat for a few minutes for optimum results.

    • 4

      Rinse thoroughly. Shampoo residue left behind can cause buildup as well as skin irritation. Follow with a moisturizing rinse or conditioner. Keeping the coat healthy and moisturized protects against future stains by making the coat less porous and brittle.

    • 5

      Dry your dog and treat tear stains with a cleansing pad or solution designed for this purpose. Follow all package directions carefully and do not get the product in the dog's eye. Homemade eye stain treatments can damage the eyes if not mixed to exact proportions, so it is best to use a trusted name-brand product for eye cleaning.