How do you keep a doodle's muzzle nice and white?

[Veronica Lackey]

I am a new doodle mom. We just got Brody last week and LOVE him!!! But his beard is always dark and dirty. I wipe it after he eats and drinks, but it seems like it's forever stained! I'd appreciate any suggestions!

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

my gorgeous Beau has the same problem. I frequently wash his face with a washcloth, with aromatic soap, like Almond or Lavender. He likes the smell so much, he tries to lick it....but then realizes it doesn't taste as good as it smells! LOL Sometimes, I will soap up his face around his mouth and beard with his own oatmeal shampoo, and that gets it sparkly white again. I think maybe it's just one of those things those of us that have whitish doodles have to learn to live with and deal with. Also, their own saliva, you will notice, makes the fur darker and even reddish.....you will notice this if he ever has a sore spot that he licks incessantly. (Hot Spot Spray from Petsmart works really well for this, by the way....it contains tea tree oil, a natural herbal remedy.)

[Veronica Lackey]

Is oatmeal soap better than whitening soap? I saw both of them at Pet Goods and didn't know which one to pick up.

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

I love the 8 in 1 Perfect Coat Oatmeal Shampoo, and have been using it on Beau since I got him 3 1/2 years ago as a newborn....it's very gentle and it's designed for dogs with light colored coats. Actually, I give him his first soaping with that, and the second soaping with my Pantene Smooth shampoo, and that gets him extra light, bright, and silky. Pantene is the only human shampoo recommended for dogs. (Something about Ph, I think). I also spray a little of the Perfect Coat Clear Choice Detangling Spray on his brush and comb before I start to brush him dry in the sun. It came free with the shampoo a long time ago, and once I tried it, I was hooked.....it makes short work of any tangles or mats you might encounter. I don;t think I ever would have voluntarily bought it, but isn't it funny how some of the best things in our lives we find by accident?

[Shelly Gouvas]

Interesting fact about the Pantene,used it on Jake and seemed to work great but bought the Les Pooch shampoo and conditioner and I'm sure we will love it.Jake gets that dirty mouth also,great suggestions everyone !!!Will try them

[Dozzer55]

Angel Eyes works really well for staining due to saliva. My vet called the manufacturer and it can be used long term. Not cheap.

[John Doerich]

Hi Veronica,
We had the same problem with our goldendoodle and when he was close to a year old decided to get him a poodle puppy cut where the paws and muzzle are shaved. Now the only problem we have is that most people mistake him for a poodle. You just can't win.
John

[F, Calla & Luca]

At least keeping the beard shorter helps and I think it looks better. I just use scissors.

[Shelly Gouvas]

Thats what we do

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Our groomer told me whitening shampoo has "bleach" in it that opens the cuticle of the hair - that's how it gets the hair so white. She also said it makes it easier to get stained again.

[Sally loves Maple & Lucky]

We usually have our Doodles groomed at PetSmart and Lucky comes back with a bright white face. Since it's cold and we have the matting (mostly) past us, we decided to let the girls grow their hair a little longer for warmth. After the bath yesterday, Lucky's chin is still rusty! She's bright white everywhere else but her muzzle is orange. We're wondering if it's the dry dog food. Anyway, the lavender spray (on a paper towel first) is going back - see the picture, it did nothing. I finally trimmed a few long hairs in the very front and she looks better but still slightly stained. Arghhh! what to do?!