How To Keep A Schnauzer's Face White

A schnauzer is a German dog breed with a bearded snout. This breed got its name from the German word schnauze, which means muzzle. A schnauzer can be easily distinguished from other breeds because of the typical schnauzer beard and long fluffy eyebrows. However, oxidation caused by salivation, artificial coloring in dog food, diet, and tear staining can leave stains on his beard and face. This can be a cause for concern if your dog has white facial fur. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep the schnauzer face white.

A diet rich in grains and cereals can cause dog beard stain. Give your dog a diet that has no or less amount of grains and cereals after consulting your vet (unless there's a specific reason to avoid grains, it might not be a good idea to do so as the FDA acknowledged there is a small risk of dogs developing a heart condition from grain-free foods). Furthermore, many commercial dog foods and treats contain artificial coloring, which can stain a schnauzer's face. Avoid giving these treats and foods to your dog.

Water high in minerals can stain your pet's beard. It is easy to identify if water is causing the staining, as the whole face along with the beard will be stained and discolored. To avoid discoloring due to drinking water, it is best to give your dog bottled drinking water.

Milk of magnesia can help keep the schnauzer face white. Mix it with an equal quantity of hydrogen peroxide. Add corn starch to the mixture to form a paste. Apply the paste on the stained part of the face and allow it to stand overnight. Wash the following day with warm water.

Be careful while applying, as it should not be put too close to the eyes. Repeat the application process every other day until your pet's face is white again.

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Use nonscented baby wipes to clean your pet's face every day after meals. This will help to remove food debris stuck in the schnauzer beard and prevent staining.

Some schnauzers are prone to tearing, causing tear stains under the eyes. Wiping the face with the baby wipes every day could help to reduce these stains. Monitor your dog's eyes and consult your veterinarian for treatment options if you suspect he has an infection or allergies that are contributing to the tearing.

Bathe your schnauzer with a whitening shampoo. Use the shampoo following the instructions on the label, as most whitening shampoos need some amount of dilution. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water after use.

It is best to use a detachable showerhead to wash your dog's face, as it will allow you to direct the water toward the beard and prevent getting water or shampoo in your dog's eyes. Dry the beard with the towel, squeezing out the water rather than rubbing it. This will prevent the hair from getting tangled.

The face of a schnauzer can get discolored due to a proliferation of red yeast. This is usually seen in dogs that suffer from excessive tearing of the eyes. The presence of the yeast causes the fur to get a reddish-brown tinge under the eyes. Consult your vet to treat this infection, as it may require medication. Don't give your dog medication or eye drops without first consulting your vet.