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

White dog fur can get dirty again just minutes after a bath.
Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Dogs with white fur can be a real challenge to keep clean. Just as with white clothes, dirt can make white dog hair look dingy and yellowed. Fortunately you can get rid of the yellow in a dog's white fur using natural, nontoxic products and store-bought shampoos.

Groom your dog daily with a slicker brush to help keep his fur clean. Regular brushing helps remove dust and dirt, both of which can make a white coat look a little yellow. Brushing also stimulates the oils in your dog's skin, which contributes to a healthy-looking, shiny coat.

Wash your pooch with a hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Starting at his head and moving down toward his rear, massage the shampoo all the way down to his skin. Allow the shampoo to sit for the amount of time recommended on the product's label. Rinse out all traces of soap with lukewarm water.

Follow up with a special whitening dog shampoo on just the white areas of fur. Apply the whitening product and massage it throughout his coat. Rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.

Moisturize your dog's fur with a light conditioning treatment. Conditioner penetrates the hair shafts and seals the cuticles, making the fur more resistant to dirt and less likely to turn a dingy yellow.

Blot your doggy's fur with a clean, dry towel to remove excess water. Allow his fur to air-dry or use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to speed the drying process along. Make sure his coat is completely dry before turning him loose to run. Wet fur picks up dirt quickly.

Give your dog a final grooming with a pin brush once his fur is thoroughly dry. Liberally sprinkle his coat with cornstarch to help lighten any remaining yellow stains and make his fur look whiter. Rub the cornstarch throughout his fur with your hands, then brush him until you can no longer see any loose powder.

Feed your dog a healthy diet to help maintain his vibrant white coat. Give him dog food that contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin B. These nutrients help improve fur conditions, and healthier fur is less likely to turn a dingy-looking yellow.

Tips

  • Reward your dog for good bathing and grooming behavior by giving him yummy treats and plenty of praise.

Warnings

  • Avoid bathing your doggy too often or you risk stripping the natural oils from his skin and damaging his coat.

    Don't use shampoos designed for human hair on your dog, because they don't contain the correct pH levels for canine skin and hair.

Warnings

  • Avoid bathing your doggy too often or you risk stripping the natural oils from his skin and damaging his coat.

  • Don't use shampoos designed for human hair on your dog, because they don't contain the correct pH levels for canine skin and hair.

Tips

  • Reward your dog for good bathing and grooming behavior by giving him yummy treats and plenty of praise.

Items You Will Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Hypoallergenic dog shampoo
  • Whitening dog shampoo
  • Dog conditioner
  • Towel
  • Hair dryer (optional)
  • Pin brush
  • Cornstarch