How To Whiten Dog Fur Naturally (4 Methods)

You can whiten dog fur naturally by spot-treating stained areas with diluted lemon juice, a baking soda paste, diluted white vinegar, or (carefully, on the body only) diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide, then rinsing thoroughly. Use any of these no more than once a week, keep them away from the eyes, nose, and mouth, and tackle the cause of the staining, such as licking or tear stains, so it doesn’t keep coming back.

While you could take your dog to the groomer to have their fur whitened, these simple home methods use ingredients you probably already have. Groomers also offer a blueberry facial for dogs to brighten the face. 

This guide walks you through each method, plus a few tips to keep your furry friend’s coat bright.

4 Methods To Whiten Your Dog’s Fur Naturally

So, your dog’s fur has turned a bit yellow or brown over the winter months. Here are four ways to help get their coat back to its original color using natural ingredients:

1. Method 1 – Lemon Juice
2. Method 2 – Baking Soda
3. Method 3 – White vinegar
4. Method 4 – Hydrogen peroxide

1Method 1 - Lemon Juice

One way to whiten your dog’s fur is by using lemon juice. Simply mix together equal parts lemon juice and water, and then use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to your dog’s fur. Rub it in well, and rinse off with warm water after a few minutes. Repeat once a week until your dog’s fur is the desired shade of white.

Lemon juice is a mild natural bleaching agent, so it will help to lighten your dog’s fur. However, it is also acidic, so be sure to dilute it with water before applying it to your dog’s fur. You should also avoid getting any lemon juice in your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

2Method 2 - Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective way to whiten your dog’s fur. Simply mix together 1 part baking soda and 2 parts water, and then use a cloth or sponge to apply the mixture to your dog’s fur. Don’t forget to rinse off with warm water afterward. Repeat weekly until you’ve achieved the desired shade of white.

Baking soda is also a natural cleansing agent that will help to remove any dirt or grime that may be discoloring your dog’s fur. It is also mildly abrasive, so it will help to loosen any stubborn stains. Again, be sure to avoid getting any of the mixture in your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

3Method 3 - White Vinegar

Vinegar is another natural ingredient that can be used to whiten your dog’s fur. Simply mix together 1 part distilled vinegar and 2 parts water, and then use a cloth or sponge to apply the mixture to your dog’s fur. Rinse off with warm water after a few minutes. Repeat weekly until you’ve achieved the desired shade of white.

Vinegar is an acidic substance that can help to remove any build-up on your dog’s fur that may be causing it to appear discolored. It also has mild antibacterial properties and can help neutralize odors. Don’t use it on broken or irritated skin, as it will sting. As with the other methods, be sure to avoid getting vinegar in your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

4Method 4 - Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is the strongest bleaching agent on this list, so use it with care. Only use the standard 3% solution from the pharmacy, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water, and use a cotton ball to apply it to stained fur on the body or paws only, never near the face. Leave it on for just a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water, and don’t let your dog lick it off, since swallowing hydrogen peroxide can cause vomiting and stomach irritation. Repeat no more than once a week.

As a strong oxidizing agent, Hydrogen peroxide can help to remove any build-up on your dog’s fur that may be causing it to appear discolored. The oxygen in hydrogen peroxide also helps with removing odors, so it can be used as a natural deodorizing agent. As with the other methods, be sure to avoid getting hydrogen peroxide in your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

Why is your white dog’s fur getting stained?

The reddish-brown stains you often see around the mouth, paws, and eyes are usually caused by porphyrins, pigments in saliva and tears that tint the fur. So if your dog licks their paws a lot or has heavy tear staining, the stains will keep coming back no matter how often you clean them. Constant licking or tearing can point to allergies, a yeast infection, dental problems, or an eye issue, so ask your vet if the staining is new, spreading, or comes with redness, odor, or itching. For everyday upkeep, a whitening shampoo made for dogs is a gentle option too.

Additional tips for whitening your dogs fur

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when whitening your dog’s fur:

• After applying any of the above mixtures to your dog’s fur, be sure to rinse off thoroughly with warm water.
• Avoid using any of these methods more than once per week, as they can strip away the natural oils in your dog’s fur and cause irritation.
• If your dog has sensitive skin, you may want to test the mixture on a small area of their fur before applying it all over.
• Be sure to avoid getting any of the mixtures in your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact does occur, flush the area with water for several minutes.

Conclusion – How To Whiten Dog Fur Naturally

There are a number of different methods that you can use to whiten your dog’s fur naturally. Some of the most effective include using lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to avoid using any of these methods more than once per week, and always rinse off thoroughly with warm water afterward.

If your dog has sensitive skin, you may want to test the mixture on a small area of their fur before applying it all over. And as always, be sure to avoid getting any of the mixtures in your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth.