Bubba the Maltese: From Stained to Pearly White
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If you’ve ever met me, the adorable Maltese, you know how fluffy, and white my coat can be. But, there was a time when I wasn’t the picture of cleanliness. My face and paws were stained with tear marks and saliva stains, making my pristine white hair look less than perfect. Thankfully, my mom was determined to improve my coat. It was a lot of trial and error and asking around. After a lot TLC and a change in routine, I am now living up to the true “pearly white” potential of my breed. Here’s how I made the transformation from stained to pearly white.
My Mom did a lot. She googled, asked the Veterinarians, friends and other Maltese parents for tips. The Veterinarian prescribed Tylan Powder for tear staining but I refused to take it. One day it just clicked after mom reached out to A-Rod & Bailey’s parent(s)(@hi.arod) back in January 2021, they had a blog on tear stains. My Mom basically gathered all the information on what may work and the journey began.
The Struggles with Stains
Maltese dogs are famous for their long, silky white coats, but keeping them that way is no small feat. My stains used to be the result of several factors:
- Tear marks: Excessive tears, which are common in Maltese dogs, would leave reddish-brown streaks around my eyes.
- Saliva stains: Like many dogs, I lick my paws frequently, which left behind unsightly stains. My Maltese parents and sister at the breeder also licked me and saliva stains would be on my forehead and back.
- Dirt and outdoor adventures: Whether it was playing in the yard or going for walks, I would often return with dirt stuck to my paws, even after wiping them every time I returned from the outdoors.
A New Grooming Routine
The first step to my makeover was a complete grooming overhaul. Mom realized that my coat needed consistent care, so she made a few adjustments to our routine:
- Daily face and paw cleaning and trimming: To tackle the tear stains and dirt buildup, my face and paws were cleaned daily and trimmed. My paws are wiped with fragrance free baby wipes. These wipes helped remove dirt and prevent the brown stains. For my face Mom, would do warm compressions with warm distilled water and disposable towels, then trim any stained hair.
- Grooming: mom brushes me every morning, after every meal and snacking and before bed time. Mom also bathed me often, she and I are OCD, during the summers I bathe twice a week and during the winter once a week.
- Whitening dog shampoo: Mom trialed many shampoos but the one that seemed to worked best was Nature’s Miracle Dog Supreme Odor Control Natural Whitening Dog Shampoo & Conditioner Jasmine Pear which no longer is sold 😞. She then switched to Nature’s Miracle Whitening Shampoo and Conditioner – Blooming Almond (Mom was not a fan of the smell). That then lead to mom switching to
Nature’s Miracle Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs, 32 Oz, Pistachio Cream Scent.
- Ah Uh: Whenever I licked my paws, my mom would say “ah uh, and cover my paws with her hands or a blanket. Which in turn takes my attention away from licking my paws.
Diet and Hydration
While grooming was important, Mom also realized that a healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining my coat and overall skin health.
- Hydration: Ensuring that I drank only distilled water, no tap water each day helped maintain healthy skin, which in turn helped reduce the production of excess tear stains. Mom switched all or most plastic to use stainless steel bowls or a water system that has a filter system.
- Balanced nutrition: I am a picky eater and do not care for meals. Mom switched my food, from Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food to a mix between home cooked meals and a grain free dog food Avoderm topped with Weruva Wet food depending on my mood.
The Results: Bubba’s Pearly White Coat
With consistent grooming and a few dietary changes, my transformation has been remarkable. My once-stained face is now clear of any unsightly marks, and my paws remain free from saliva stains. My white hair now gleams with a healthy shine, making me look like the perfect picture of a Maltese.
My journey from stained to pearly white wasn’t quick, but it was definitely worth the effort. My new routine has ensured that my hair stays fresh, clean, and as white as ever, even after outdoor adventures. These simple changes have made a world of difference, and I couldn’t be happier!
A Final Tip for Dog Owners
If your dog is struggling with stains, don’t be discouraged. Consistent grooming, a good diet, and the right products can work wonders. My story is proof that with a little extra care, even the most challenging stains can be defeated, and your dog can shine in all their glory.
If you would like to follow me my instagram and TikTok is @bubbalove714.
Bubba Nerland 