Stained face, help!

[Susan & Max Power]

A few weeks ago we put down new black mulch and Max decided that it was a good thing to eat! Now his face is stained his cream hair is now brown around his face. The shampoo I am using does not seem to help. Can anyone suggest a good whitening shampoo that works?

[Mari Bezanson]

I am not sure how to remove that stain, other than over time it will fade away.  I do know that if it is a coloured mulch, it is more than likely dyed with a chemical and I would not let puppy too close to it.  This was a heads up given by my vet...

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I've used a few different whitening shampoos and the best, by far, is Chris Christensen's 'White on White'. This isn't a good choice if Max is allergy prone or has sensitive skin, however.
http://www.chrissystems.com/shampoos--conditioners/pet-grooming-sho...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Are you aware Coco Mulch is poisonous to dogs?

Dont let him in the mulch-Period. Who knows what they put in black mulch.  

Another huge drawback, even if this isnt coco mulch is that most mulches are sprayed with serious amounts of insecticides to keep the wood from rotting, attracting ants and bugs, etc.

Cocoa Mulch 
Many gardeners use cocoa bean shells—a by-product of chocolate production—in landscaping. Popular for its attractive odor and color, cocoa mulch also attracts dogs with its sweet smell, and like chocolate, it can pose problems for our canine companions. Depending on the amount involved, ingestion of cocoa mulch can cause a range of clinical signs, from vomiting, diarrhea and muscle tremors to elevated heart rate, hyperactivity and even seizures. Consider using a less-toxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark, but always supervise curious canines in yards where mulch is spread.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-guide-pet-safe-gardening

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More Links:

Alternative Mulch Products

Mulch Safety and Pets

[Jaime + Oliver]

This is great information.  We're getting ready to re-mulch and this saved us from making a bad choice.  Thank you!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

That black mulch is colored with dye. I know this, first hand, because we had it put down one year and it stained the entire foundation around my house!  I'd just make sure that his entire body is well shampooed. That stuff is nasty, and I'm sorry that Max's hair is discolored.  Wash his feet well, too, and wait for the dark-stained hair to grow out. Obviously, keep him out of your mulched areas, and switch to a naturally colored product in the future. I hope that he's okay, otherwise.

[Susan & Max Power]

Thank you all for your feedback, we are on top of Max to be sure he does not eat the mulch again and will be switching to the natural mulch next season.