How to Keep a Schnauzer's Face White

A schnauzer is a German dog breed with a bearded snout. This breed got its name from the German word schnauze, which means muzzle. A schnauzer can be easily distinguished from other breeds because of its typical beard and long fluffy eyebrows. However, oxidation caused by salivation, artificial coloring in dog food, diet and tear staining can leave stains on its beard and face. This can be a cause for concern if your dog has white facial fur. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep a Schnauzer's face white.

  1. Diet

    • A diet rich in grains and cereals can cause staining of beard. Give your dog a diet that has no or less amount of grains and cereals after consulting your vet. Furthermore, many commercial dog foods and treats contain artificial coloring, which can stain a Schnauzer's face. Avoid giving these treats and foods to your dog.

    Drinking Water

    • Water high in minerals can stain your pet's beard. It is easy to identify if water is causing the staining, as the whole face along with the beard will be stained and discolored. To avoid discoloring due to drinking water, it is best to give your dog bottled drinking water.

    Milk of Magnesia

    • Milk of magnesia can help keep a schnauzer's face white. Mix it with equal quantity of hydrogen peroxide. Add starch to the mixture to form a paste. Apply the paste on the stained part of the face and allow it to stand overnight. Wash the following day with warm water. Be careful while applying, as it should not be put too close to the eyes. Repeat the application process every other day until your pet's face is white again.

    Baby Wipes

    • Use nonscented baby wipes to clean your pet's face every day after meals. This will help to remove food debris stuck in the beard and prevent staining. Some schnauzers are prone to tearing, causing tear stains under the eyes. Wiping the face with the baby wipes every day could help to reduce these stains.

    Dog Whitening Shampoo

    • Bathe your schnauzer with a whitening shampoo. Use the shampoo as per the instructions on the label, as most whitening shampoos need some amount of dilution. Use a squeezing motion to apply the shampoo and thereafter rinse thoroughly. Use warm water for bathing your pet. It is best to use a detachable shower head to wash the face, as it will allow you to direct the water toward the beard. Dry the beard with the towel, squeezing out the water rather than rubbing it. This will prevent the hair from getting tangled.

    Red Yeast Infection

    • The face of a schnauzer can get discolored due to proliferation of red yeast. This is usually seen in dogs that suffer from excessive tearing of the eyes. The presence of the yeast causes the fur to get a reddish-brown tinge under the eyes. Consult your vet to treat this infection, as it may require medication.