There are plenty of occasions that might make you consider using dog hair dye to give your fur baby a fresh splash of colour.
Maybe you want to give your dog a unique and colourful look that will be sure to turn heads.
You may want to include your dog in the Heritage Day celebrations or simply want your pup to match the hue on your head.
A few ‘clickity clacks’ of your keyboard and Google will splash out a million colourful ways to dye your pet’s fur, from Kool-Aid to food colouring (the list goes on for kilometres).
Maybe you’ve wanted to try it in the past but were a little scared about the potential consequences.
Well, here’s the second opinion you need before applying the first coat of colour.
The dog dyeing dilemma: To dye or not to dye?
There is no real dogma or prevailing persuasion when it comes to the trendy topic of adorning your dog with a new coloured coat. However, the subject still presents an ethical conundrum or moral debate between those who are for dyeing one’s pet and those who oppose the notion on social media (mostly on social media).
Medically speaking, dyeing your four-legged baby’s fabulous fur is relatively safe, according to most vets (and Dr Nicky, the head of pet wellness at dotsure.co.za). Provided you only use non-toxic products and your pet is without any underlying health issues. Although Dr Nicky acknowledges that there are pet-specific hair dyes that are gentler and safer for the animals, she would not recommend regular use.
Can you dye your pet's fur?
It is always advisable not to risk it and hire a professional groomer who knows exactly what and how to do it. But if you are set on doing it yourself, use dog-safe products only!
NEVER use human hair dye!
- Dogs lick their fur, and the hair dye can be toxic to them because they contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.
- Dye can be too harsh for their skin as the pH of their skin differs from human pH. This can result in chemical burns of the skin, skin irritation and allergic reactions to the dye.
- The process may also be unpleasant for the dog as the chemical smell is quite strong.
ALWAYS test to see if your dog is sensitive to the product you are using.
ENSURE your dog will manage sitting through the entire process.
Why dyeing your pet’s fur is flirting with disaster
Trying this yourself without that knowledge is how you may inadvertently hurt, poison, or even traumatize your dog. You might also end up with a fur friend that resembles one of Rasta’s famous paintings.
Considering that dye isn’t something you can just wash out again over the weekend, ensure that you choose a colour that fades well (or, at the very least, a colour that will not look out of place on your couch).
Dog conditions that are red flags for any colour dye
- Skin allergies or other skin conditions.
- Open sores and moles
Dyeing a dog's fur can be a fun and creative way to express your pet's personality, but it is not without risk. Always remember to use pet-safe (high-quality) dyes and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming your dog. Before dyeing your dog's fur, it is a good idea to consult your vet to ensure it is safe for your pet. Keep in mind that regular dyeing can damage your dog's fur, so it should only be done occasionally and with care.
PAWRENTS WHO READ THIS ALSO READ: 10 HUMAN TREATS THAT ARE TOXIC TO PETS.
