Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason. They are always there to greet you with a wagging tail and a warm smile, no matter what kind of day you’re having. But if you have a white dog, you may be familiar with the brown stains that seem to show up on their fur no matter how often you bathe them. So, what can you do to remove these unsightly blemishes? Keep reading to find out!
What causes the brown discoloration?
To begin, we must first identify what causes brown stains. The most common culprit is iron in the water supply, which can cause rusting and staining. Other minerals such as copper and magnesium can also lead to discoloration. If your dog frequently swims in pools or lakes, chlorine and other chemicals can also be the source of the problem.
Another common cause is porphyrin. This is a compound that is naturally produced in the bodies of dogs and other animals. It is excreted through urine, feces, and even saliva. When these things come into contact with white fur, they can leave behind unsightly brown stains. Porphyrin is also what gives skunk spray its distinctive odor.
What are some home remedies for removing brown stains?
There are a few home remedies that you can try to remove brown stains from your dog’s fur.
Mixing water with vinegar
One popular method is to mix equal parts water and vinegar. Apply the mixture to the stained areas and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off. You can also try adding a cup of vinegar to your dog’s bath water to help prevent the stains from coming back.
Using hydrogen peroxide
Another popular home remedy for removing brown discoloration is hydrogen peroxide. Simply apply it to the afflicted areas and leave them for a few minutes before washing off. You may also try combining it with baking soda to make a paste, which can be applied to the stains and allowed to dry before being wiped away.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is another natural bleaching substance that may be used to get rid of brown stains. Simply rub it on the afflicted regions and leave them for a few minutes before washing them away. You might need to repeat this procedure a few times before you see improvements.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a versatile product that can be used for many things, including cleaning brown stains off of white fur. Simply make a paste with water and baking soda and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. You may need to repeat this process a few times to see results.
Using commercial dog shampoo
There are also a number of commercial dog shampoos on the market that are specifically designed to remove brown stains. Be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that is right for your dog. You may need to try a few different brands before you find one that works well.
Preventing brown stains from coming back
The best way to deal with brown stains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. This can be done by using a water filter to remove minerals and other contaminants from the water supply. You should also bathe your dog on a regular basis, using a mild shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals. And if your dog swims regularly, be sure to rinse them off afterward to remove any chlorine or other chemicals that could cause staining.
If these measures do not help, the problem could be due to porphyrin. There is not much you can do to prevent this, but there are a few things that may help. First, try feeding your dog a diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids. This can help to reduce the amount of porphyrin produced in their body. You can also try using a porphyrin shampoo, which is specifically designed to help remove stains caused by this compound.
Final word
If you are dealing with brown stains on your dog’s fur, there are a number of home remedies that you can try. If these do not work, or if the problem seems to be getting worse, be sure to consult your veterinarian. They will be able to determine the underlying cause of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.