That brown stain on your favorite white shirt is easy to treat: Add a little bleach to the laundry and you’re set. When it comes to brown stains on your little white pooch, however, laundry bleach is not an option. Removing stains from your dog takes a bit more consideration.
General Dirt Stains
If you have a light-colored pooch that loves to roll in the mud, those brown stains may be nothing more than dirt buildup. A regular bath with a shampoo formulated for dogs may be enough to remove the stains. With your dog in the bathtub and wet, thoroughly work the shampoo into her fur, giving special attention to the stained areas. Rinse the shampoo completely. If the stains persist, treat them again with a whitening shampoo.
Tear and Mouth Stains
If your dog’s brown stains are around the eyes and mouth, first consider a few things. Begin with a vet checkup to rule out a yeast infection or another underlying medical condition. This is especially true if the staining is accompanied with a strong odor. While tear-staining is common in small breeds, it is important to rule out and treat other possible conditions. Once a cause has been determined, you can address and remove the stains. Beard or mouth stains may be the result of yeast, saliva oxidation and even artificial coloring in your dog’s food.
Cornstarch and Peroxide
Many commercial products are available to help remove tear and mouth stains however, you can make your own stain treatment with products you may already have in your home. In a small bowl, mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of cornstarch to form a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stained fur and let sit for at least two hours. Wipe off with a damp cloth, using care not to get the paste in the eyes.
Preventing New Stains
If brown staining is a regular problem, regular cleaning and care is essential to keep it at bay. For muddy conditions, this may mean keeping wipes handy and giving her a wipe down when she comes inside. For tear and mouth stains, a homemade mixture wipe may help. Mix together a tablespoon of boric acid with a cup of boiling water. Place a handful of cotton balls into a small container with a lid. Let the mixture cool completely, and it pour over the cotton balls. Use one cotton ball daily to wipe stained areas clean. Cover leftover cotton balls. Make a fresh mixture each week.
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Writer Bio
Deborah Lundin is a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and as a small business owner. She studied medical science and sociology at Northern Illinois University. Her passions and interests include fitness, health, healthy eating, children and pets.