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Do you have an all-white dog? Then you know it’s tough to keep that snowy coat pristine.
Over time, white coats on dogs may become faded or dingy. Food, slobber, dirt, and even pee cause stains that stand out on light-colored fur. While regular bathing helps keep dog coats clean, for all-white pups, sometimes plain old dog shampoo just won’t cut it. That’s where whitening dog shampoos come in.
Why would you use a whitening shampoo?
Whitening dog shampoos are specially formulated to brighten white fur and remove stains. If your dog’s coat is looking dingy, or they’ve recently rolled in something dirty, a whitening shampoo can help clean and brighten them up more than regular dog shampoo.
Whitening shampoos come in three main types:
1. Bluing shampoo
Bluing shampoo is formulated with “optical brighteners” that absorb and reflect light, effectively hiding yellow stains and tricking our eye into seeing only the white coat. Bluing shampoos can also be used to make black coats shine,
2. Enzymatic shampoo
Similar to enzymatic cleaners you may use to clean up accidents around the house, enzymatic dog shampoos contain specific enzymes that dissolve discoloration-causing proteins. Many enzymatic shampoos also contain surfactants or sulfates, which are effective cleansers but can be irritating to dogs’ skin and mucous membranes. These are heavy-duty shampoos, best used as spot treatments to remove stains, and should never be used around the eyes.
3. Clarifying shampoo
Clarifying shampoo for dogs works the same way as clarifying shampoo for humans: by opening up the hair cuticle and stripping it of any build-up or dirt. They’re best for serious grime like clay, grass stains, or built-up urine. Clarifying shampoo can be very drying, so be sure to follow with a conditioner.
In general, a bluing shampoo will be plenty to clean a white dog at home. If your pup has a more seriously stained coat, something harsher may work, but consider visiting a professional dog groomer who has the expertise to bathe your white dog safely and effectively.
The Best Whitening Dog Shampoos
We’ve read through countless online reviews to find the best-rated whitening shampoos for dogs.
1. Wahl White Pear Brightening Shampoo for Pets
Full of plant-derived ingredients like pear and coconut oil, Wahl’s whitening shampoo is a more natural alternative to chemical-laden whitening shampoos. It’s alcohol-free, paraben-free, and pH balanced. Plus, according to reviewers, this bright purple shampoo lathers up and rinses clean away, leaving behind a brighter, whiter coat.
Features of note:
- Made in the USA
- Highly concentrated formula means a little bit goes a long way
- Allergy-friendly and safe for white dogs with sensitive skin
2. BioSilk for Dogs Whitening Shampoo
BioSilk Silk Therapy shampoo for dogs is inspired by the brand’s human products, formulated with natural silk proteins and vitamins that clean your dog’s white coat while keeping it moisture balanced. This gentle whitening dog shampoo leaves your dog with a soft and silky coat, and the bluing formula makes their white coat shine.
Features of note:
- pH balanced specifically for dogs
- Contains no parabens or sulfates
- Reviewers love the light tropical scent
3. Nature’s Miracle Whitening Odor Control Shampoo
You may be familiar with the enzymatic power of Nature’s Miracle surface and carpet cleaners. Well, now you can harness the same power in a dog-safe shampoo that whitens their coat while eliminating odors. Nature’s Miracle whitening shampoo contains plant-derived surfactants that bind to stains and remove discoloration and odor.
Features of note:
- Natural ingredients are safe for your dog
- 4-in-1 formula cleans, whitens, deodorizes, and conditions
- Some reviewers note that they still needed to use a follow-up conditioner to restore moisture to their dogs’ fur
- Jasmine and pear scent keeps your pooch smelling fresh
4. Veterinary Formula Solutions Snow White Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
As promised by the blue bottle, this whitening shampoo for dogs is blue in color. Those blue optical brighteners eliminate the appearance of yellowing, dingy fur, and brighten up that white coat. Snow White Shampoo is formulated with coconut oil cleansers, vitamin E, and green tea extract. Reviewers love the long-lasting scent, though dogs with sensitive noses may not enjoy smelling like citrus.
Features of note:
- pH balanced for sensitive skin and will not wash away topical spot-on flea and tick treatments
- Not just for dogs; this shampoo is safe for cats and even horses
- Manufacturers recommend following with a moisturizing conditioner
5. Earthbath All Natural Light Color Coat Brightener Shampoo
Are you looking for an all-natural brightening shampoo for your light-colored dog? Earthbath to the rescue! This lavender-scented shampoo uses optical brighteners to leave your dog’s coat looking bright and shiny and smelling fresh. Plus, it’s sulfate- and paraben-free, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin or eyes.
Features of note:
- Soap-free, coconut-based cleanser effectively removes dirt and stains
- Paraben- and phosphate-free
- For best results, manufacturers recommend leaving on coat for several minutes before rinsing
- 100% biodegradable formula is also vegan-friendly
6. Lillian Ruff Brightening Shampoo & Conditioner
This coconut brightening shampoo is formulated with aloe vera to help moisturize and soothe your dog’s skin. The gentle cleansers add shine while the included conditioner helps smooth tangles and fly-away hair. Plus, the coconut and lavender scents leave your pup smelling lovely, and may even have aromatherapeutic properties.
Features of note:
- 100% cruelty-free
- Aloe vera to moisturizes your dog’s skin, prevent itching and leaving their coat feeling soft and smooth
- Contains no parabens or sulfates
- pH balanced for dogs’ skin and hair
7. Makondo Pets White Hair Dog Shampoo
This dog whitening shampoo has all kinds of natural, botanical, dog-safe ingredients to pamper and polish your white dog. In addition to the gentle cleansers and brighteners, it has aloe vera for moisture and itch relief, and rosemary to prevent hair loss and improve shine. Reviewers say this shampoo works wonders, and the light lemon scent isn’t overwhelming.
Features of note:
- Sulfate, paraben, and toxin-free
- Moisturizing formula won’t dry out coat
- Manufacturers recommend shaking well before use
8. Chris Christensen White on White Shampoo
This whitening treatment shampoo is a favorite among show dog handlers because of its super-brightening qualities. The manufacturer describes it as “an optic intensifying treatment within a shampoo,” formulated not just to clean, but to brighten your dog’s coat. It removes yellow stains, makes white fur whiter, and can even brighten dog coats of other colors. Reviewers praise its power but caution that you might want to use a conditioner to restore moisture after the shampoo.
Features of note:
- Safe for all coat colors, but specially designed for white fur
- Manufacturer recommends a spot test in an inconspicuous area of the coat before applying all over
- Contains no bleaching agents, harsh chemicals or softening agents
What about tear stains?
No matter which type of dog shampoo you choose, you should always avoid the eyes. Even “tearless” dog shampoos can cause irritation, and whitening shampoos aren’t meant for tear stains. Instead of shampooing near your dog’s eyes, purchase a separate tear stain remover or tear stain wipes to clean up tear tracks and keep their eyes safe.
