The contrast of black and white are a big part of what makes Dalmatians so special.  Despite our best efforts, that sparkling white coat will often come into contact with not so sparkling substances, especially if you live in the country.  Nothing ruins a dog’s gleaming coat quicker than a fresh pile of cow manure, and I can say this with authority after washing many white dogs on the farm growing up.

When your spotted pooch runs afoul of something, well, foul, there are a couple of different methods for restoring the pearl to his pearly white coat.

Brushing

A stiff brush can often get the bulk of dirt swept away without the hassle of a full bath.  Unless your dog has very sensitive skin, a standard household scrub brush is well suited to the task.  If, after brushing, your dog’s coat is still dull, shake a generous portion of baking soda onto his fur and rub it in with your hands.  Once the baking soda is evenly distributed, vigorously brush your dog again.  The baking soda should do a good job of removing any leftover dirt.

Bathing

When brushing and baking soda are not enough, the best option is a bath.  If it is cold outside, you can put your dog in the bathtub, but in the summertime, he would probably enjoy a hosing off outside with a garden hose.  There is no need to spend lots of money buying special dog shampoo.  You can get the same results with tear-free kid shampoo for a whole lot less money.  Just wet your dog down, apply a generous amount of soap by squirting it in several spots across his body, and then give him a good scrubbing with your hands.  Be sure to rinse all of the soap out and dry him as thoroughly as possible so he does not get chilled.  In the case of really stubborn, greasy stains, use Dawn dish soap instead.

Between brushing, baking soda and a bath, you can be sure your beloved Dalmatian’s coat will return to its beautiful, gleaming white shine.  No guarantees on how long it will last, though!