Regular bathing is essential for maintaining the coat of all dog breeds, but dog whitening shampoos offer better results. However, sometimes plain dog shampoo is not sufficient, especially for our all-white furry friends. Aside from constant washing, whitening shampoos for dogs are the best solution. To help your search, we’ve reviewed the best whitening shampoos for your dogs.
For most pet owners, we understand the burden of sustaining the white coat of any breed, most notably those dogs who love to play outside. Fortunately, there are reliable whitening shampoos for dogs that you can purchase in most stores. If you don’t trust dog whitening shampoos, we will also share the process and ingredients in making homemade whitening dog shampoo.
What are Dog Whitening Shampoos?
Just to be clear, unlike papaya soaps that people often use, dog whitening shampoos will not brighten your dog’s skin. For dogs that have white hair, one of the most common problems is getting stained within a couple of days. It is because of playing outdoors and licking their fur. Whitening shampoos for dogs are for maintaining, cleaning, and keeping their coat healthy. Moreover, it can restore the white coat of your dog to a brilliant shine without using any harsh chemicals like bleach.
Even occasional use of human shampoo on dogs is harmful and can cause long-term damage to the breed’s skin. It can also have other extreme adverse effects like hair loss. Therefore, as much as possible, never use your shampoo on your dog’s hair even if it’s ‘organic.’ Your furry friend has a higher level of pH in the skin. It only means that all breeds have high sensitivity to the acidic nature of human shampoo.
Don’t let your dog have an opaque, dull, and unhealthy looking coat. Use the best dog whitening shampoos that ensure your dog has clean, silky, and smooth hair. It’s all about choosing the most effective dog shampoo, according to your dog’s breed and their coat type. These dog shampoos are specially for light-colored coats.
Types of Dog Whitening Shampoos?
Now that you know the benefits of using dog whitening shampoos, here are the essential parameters when it comes to buying it. Stains are very stubborn, especially on your dog’s coat. However, how would you know which kind of whitening shampoo for dogs should you get? For you to get the best result, let’s first have a quick look at the different types of dog whitening shampoos for a wiser purchasing decision.
Bluing Shampoos
This type of whitening shampoo for dogs doesn’t really look white. It uses other bluing elements to cause vibrant colors like purple and blue which creates the illusion of a brighter coat. Bluing shampoos can still make your dog’s coat look more vivid and cleaner. Overusing it can cause the dye to be slightly purple or blue. Also, it is not as effective in removing stains compared to other whitening shampoos. Still, bluing shampoos can add optical enhancers to the coat to make your dog’s coater brighter. In human shampoos, bluing shampoos are almost the same as those who have blond hair. Always makes sure that you fully understand the instructions when using this kind of dog whitening shampoo and use it sparingly.
Enzymatic Shampoos
Enzymatic shampoos, from the name itself, contain enzymes that help in dissolving discoloration-causing proteins. It is beneficial if your dog has stains from blood, feces, food, urine, and drools. If you want the safest dog whitening shampoo, this kind is for you. However, it may require several applications to get rid of the stains completely. It may take several times before removing the dirt completely, but it is worth it if you want security.
Bleaching Shampoos
As opposed to enzymatic shampoo, bleaching shampoos are quite harsh. It contains ingredients that are too strong for your dog’s hair when overused. If there is very stubborn dirt on your dog’s coat, this kind is highly recommendable. However, make sure that you only put the right amount and rinse it properly. Therefore, you should use it with extra precaution. Bleaching shampoos are not suitable if your dog has susceptible skin as it can further damage the fur and coat. Still, some pet owners have successfully managed to find a good bleaching shampoo formulated for their dogs.
Dye-Based Shampoos
Dye-based shampoos work by covering the stained fur of your dog with dye. Instead of removing all the stains, it contains many artificial ingredients that work as an aesthetic type of dog shampoo. However, take note that its harmful component can cause allergies, especially for those dogs that have sensitive skin.
Clarifying Shampoos
It is what you should look if you want to get rid of stains and brighten your dog’s coat. Clarifying Shampoos are excellent in removing stubborn dirt like blood, wax, oil, and even built-up urine. It also means that this kind of shampoo is right to use if you have other products to put in your dog’s hair. Compared to different types of dog shampoos, it can be a bit harsh compared to the other types of dog shampoos. It is not harmful to use clarifying shampoos, but extra care is essential, especially for susceptible dogs. Don’t use it too often due to its compelling content.
The essential factor to consider when choosing the best dog whitening shampoo is to avoid anything that has harsh ingredients. It is because it can hurt your dog’s coat and skin with repeated use. Always use a mild dog whitening shampoo. If you don’t trust whatever is available in the market, fortunately, you can create your special homemade dog whitening shampoo.
Homemade Dog Whitening Shampoo Recipe
If you are not happy with the current choices of dog whitening shampoos or its results, why don’t you create your own pet soap? The process is easy, and you can find the ingredients conveniently at drugstores or even in your kitchen. Before you start making your dog whitening shampoo, it is essential to know your dog breed, any allergies, and sensitivities so that you can control the ingredients to put on the mixture. For starters, here are the necessary steps and elements to use in creating homemade dog whitening shampoo recipes.
- ½ Cup of Dish Soap – It will act as the main ingredient in removing stain and any dirt on your dog’s coat
- ½ Cup Water – It is for the consistency of your homemade dog whitening shampoo
- 2 tbsp. Of Liquid Glycerin – It is an ingredient to prevent skin irritations and dryness
- ½ Cup Vinegar – It can be either apple cider vinegar or any white vinegar that adds more power in removing stubborn stains
- 2 tbsp. Of liquid bluing – It is an alternative ingredient, but it’s better to add it to your homemade dog shampoo
Now that you have the list of ingredients, let’s move to the simple steps of making a homemade whitening shampoo for dogs. These are just easy steps that you can do without using any tools and machines. All you have to do is to get the right ingredients and mix them well until the desired consistency.
Step 1
Get a container where you can mix all the ingredients. Then, clean out any empty 14 oz. or larger shampoo bottles. It is where you will store your homemade whitening dog shampoo.
Step 2
Start with pouring ½ cup dish soap in the container. You can also use a scented soap dish if you want to add fragrance to your whitening shampoo for dogs. Dish soaps have a high-foaming mixture of surfactants, which also means that it causes low skin irritation.
Step 3
Then, add the ½ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy, but it is also for cleaning some stubborn stains on the floor or any surfaces. Due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, apple cider has various healthful properties. For your dog whitening shampoo, you can use any kind of vinegar, whatever is available in your kitchen.
Step 4
Add a ½ cup of water into the container. It will serve as a thinner ingredient in the whitening dog shampoo. It also ensures that you can apply your homemade dog shampoo on your pet quickly.
Step 5
Now, put two tablespoons of liquid glycerin. It is a thick and clear fluid that is water-soluble, which is available at any food or drugstore. It is a popular ingredient in soap-making for both bath and beauty products. Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture in the air to the skin.
Step 6
To top all your ingredients, add the two tablespoons of liquid bluing. It is a colloidal suspension of excellent blue iron powder and water that also includes a pH balancer and a biocide. Liquid bluing helps in preventing algae and bacteria buildup. This ingredient is available in most supermarkets and some drug stores.
Step 7
For the final step, mix all the ingredients carefully. Then use a funnel to transfer the mixture to your shampoo bottle. Before every use, make sure to shake your homemade shampoo vigorously.
7 Best Dog Whitening Shampoos
Have you noticed that your dog has been losing its coat shine and quality overtime? It is because of too much exposure to dirt that is not removed correctly, even after taking a bath. The shampoo also plays a critical factor. So, here’s a list of the seven best dog whitening shampoos that can solve this dilemma.
1. Wahl White Pear Brightening Shampoo for Pets
Wahl White Pear Brightening Shampoo contains color enhances and white pear scents that allow whites coats to become whiter, and smell good. This dog whitening shampoo can clean even dirty coats caused by other environmental residues. Its plant-based ingredients give pet owners assurance that it is free from any harsh chemicals for dogs.
Moreover, it cleans, conditions, and softens the coat of your dog. The pet shampoo is highly recommendable for brightening dirty animal coats while making sure that it is safe for your pet. It has a higher concentration of the coconut-derived sodding agent, so you don’t have to apply too much just to clean your dog. With just a little amount of shampoo, it already provides a productive lathe.
Does your dog have allergies? No worries because the dog shampoo is 100% allergy-friendly. Overall, the Wahl White Pear Brightening Shampoo is suitable for cleaning and whitening dull fur, both short and long coats.
2. Veterinary Formula Solutions Snow White Shampoo
If you want a dog shampoo that cleans, moisturizes, and makes your pet smell good, the Veterinary Formula Solutions is the best option. It contains specially formulated ingredients for pets with white coats. It also uses no bleach or peroxide, but it can still effectively remove stains on your dog’s hair. On the other hand, the patented optical brighteners safely eliminate the yellowish or brownish dirt on your dog’s coat.
It is a dog shampoo with premium ingredients at a price you can afford. It may contain some harsh ingredients to work as an anti-bacterial shampoo, but the gentle coconut-oil based cleansers by Veterinary Formula Shampoo will leave your pet’s coat soft and moisturized. Moreover, it also has Vitamin E and green tea extract for the skin.
With the exceptional long-lasting blue coral citrus fragrance, you will enjoy hugging your furry friend. Best of all, this whitening shampoo for a dog is highly effective and affordable. The brand has been providing dog fur cleaning solutions for 50 years so that you can be sure of its quality.
3. TropiClean Aloe & Coconut Deodorizing Shampoo
TropiClean Aloe & Coconut Deodorizing Shampoo works excellent in whitening and brightening your dog’s luxurious coat. It is a vibrant and cleansing lather that can enhance all colors of your pet while moisturizing and conditioning both the skin and coat.
Do you love cuddling your furry companion? You and your dog can’t resist the sweet aroma of awapuhi and coconut leaves that leaves your dog smelling good for days.This dog whitening shampoo contains safe solutions and premium ingredients.
It’s from naturally derived elements that are 100% prudent to use for dogs and even your cats that are 12 weeks and older. Aside from whitening white coats, TropiClean Aloe & Coconut Deodorizing Shampoo is also perfect for maintaining other fur colors.
4. Chris Christensen White on White Shampoo for Pets
Are you in need of a dog whitening shampoo that will help you get the yellow out? The Chris Christensen White is what you need. Unlike other whitening dog shampoos, this shampoo is ideal for all coat colors. It is an optic intensifying treatment within a shampoo that can remove all stains.
Moreover, it contains no bleaching agents and even harsh chemicals that can ruin your dog’s skin and coat. When using this dog shampoo, make sure to leave it on your dog’s coat for at least 10 minutes before rinsing to get the best results. If you notice that your dog still has some spots, you can still apply some shampoo on the area and leave it for another 5 minutes.
The Chris Christensen White shampoo is in the color purple. Therefore, you should ensure that you put enough water to achieve a rich lather. Otherwise, you will end up in hard-to-wash areas. No worries about the color purple of this shampoo because it will not dye your dog’s hair. Even if you don’t rinse it thoroughly, the color will still fade in a couple of hours.
5. BioSilk Therapy Whitening Shampoo for Dogs
BioSilk Therapy Whitening Shampoo is a luxurious silk-infused dog shampoo. It is a high-quality professional hair care product that strengthens and moisturizes that dog’s coat. Moreover, it adds protection against heat. BioSilk did an excellent job in creating a dog whitening shampoo that is 100% safe to use for dogs, even those with topical flea and tick treatments.
It also features the same classic ingredients and innovative technology that is the same with BioSilk Silk Therapy line for humans. For extra protection, this dog shampoo contains enriching vitamins that can restore the moisture balance to your pet’s coat. It does a great job of cleaning and brightening white coats and even colored fur.
If you want your furry friend to have a soft and shiny coat, all BioSilk dog products are pH balanced. Therefore, it is always the perfect bath time solution for your pet. For best results, always follow the directions in using the dog shampoo.
6. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Whitening Shampoo
Burt’s Bees is a pioneer when it comes to developing nature-friendly health and beauty care products for dogs in over 30 years now. So, you can definitely trust the credibility of all its products. For the best nature’s solution on your dog’s coat, the Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Whitening Shampoo is a must-have.
It uses high-quality materials and vitamins packed in 80% post-consumer recycled bottles. Burt’s Bees’ shampoos are from a fortified wholesome formula with naturally whitening papaya and yogurt to keep your dog in its best look.
Moreover, it doesn’t have a strong scent because it has no artificial fragrances or chemicals added. So, brighten your four-legged friend’s coat with this shampoo. Safe and very easy to apply.
7. Pet Head White Party Brightening Shampoo
Do you need to polish and bring out the old sparkle in your dog’s coat? This orangelicious scented brightening shampoo is the best option.
The Pet Head White shampoo uses Argan oil to rehydrate, nourish, and strengthen the layer. Moreover, the natural citric acids and vitamin B3 enhances the overall health of your dog’s skin and hair.
It is also good as an anti-dandruff shampoo. For a shiny and good smelling pooch, make sure to apply this whitening shampoo for dogs next time you take them in the bath.
Dog Whitening Shampoos – FAQ
we understand that there may still be some questions that you have in mind, so we answered some of the most common inquiries from some pet owners. Let’s discuss some frequently asked questions about dog whitening shampoos.
Dog whitening shampoos come in safety instructions and caution. Make sure to follow those safety reminders and avoid putting it within a child’s reach. Regardless, the ingredients used in whitening shampoos for dogs are 100% safe. Some dog whitening shampoos are even safe for cats.
The secret to a whiter dog’s coat is using dog whitening shampoo. Then, make sure to wash your dog’s skin regularly, depending on the thickness. As much as possible, do it once or twice a week. For the best possible result, use a good quality conditioner after shampooing. More importantly, regular washing of your dog is essential.
Dog’s whitening shampoos aren’t ‘white’ anymore. Some of it comes in different forms and colors – but the purpose remains the same. Purple shampoos are dogs that are also helpful in brightening and maintaining white-haired animals. For as long as purple shampoo on dogs is ‘especially’ for dogs, then it is safe for your furry companion.
Some pet owners use their shampoos on dogs. However, you should not make it a habit. It is because human shampoo contains some ingredients that are too acidic on your dog’s coat. Therefore, it may result in skin irritation and cause damage to overtime.
There are a lot of excellent dog whitening shampoos that you can buy on the market. The first factor that you have to consider is to know what it is that you need for your dog. Take note that some whitening shampoos for dogs consist of harsh and aversive chemicals. So, look out for these ingredients that can have effects on your dog’s health.