After attending several Pet Tradeshows I’ve noticed a common trend of owners having their dogs not only groomed, trimmed, and fed, but turned all different sorts of colors and patterns. Wanting to know more about the process of dyeing dogs’ hair for a future event with my pup or just to be more knowledgeable in general, I decided to investigate the method and the safety logistics of it. After researching, it is indeed possible to harm your pet through improper dyeing, so make sure you continue reading to know what’s best for your pooch!
There are two major issues related to the use of pet dye because being that hair is all over our dog’s bodies, all of the pet dye will be soaked up by the skin and can easily get into a dog’s eyes, mouth or ear and cause burning, skin irritation and/or itching.
Firstly, dyeing pet hair is a relatively new trend that has not been tested to see its long-term effects on dogs, as well as the effects of repetitive dyeing. If the process is not physically harmful, it often can mentally stress out your dog.
Secondly, many pets have been found to be allergic to certain dyes. Not only may their skin have a reaction, but as they lick and groom themselves, they will ingest it and could have an internal reaction. Many veterinarians even advise owners not to feed their dogs with mild food-coloring because it can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. If your dog already suffers from respiratory or other health issues it is recommended not to sue dyes at all.
Although risks exist, many owners have their dogs’ hair dyed every so often that does not result in negative side effects. To ensure the safety of your dog, we compiled a list of safety tips to help you in your dyeing process, if you’re dying to see your dog with some new shades and patterns.
SAFTEY TIPS
1) Use a Groomer! These people are experts when it comes to taking proper care of your pet’s needs and they have worked with non-toxic dyes before. Your safest bet is with a professional!
2) Slow and Steady Wins the Race! It is much safer and healthier for your dog if you start out using the dyes in small quantities and gradually build up. This will also allow you to closely monitor the dyes’ effects on your dog’s skin.
3) Don’t Use Human Products! In some cases, human hair colorants have been known to be lethal to pets.
4) Try Kool-Aid! Some groomers and pet dyers have had success using unsweetened Kool-Aid to dye their dogs’ fur (see instructions below).
5) Ask a Vet! If your dog starts exhibiting any abnormal behavior, unusual nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or skin reactions, make sure to seek out your local veterinarian.
How To:
1) Mix the dye or Kool-Aid with room temperature water or dog specific conditioner after checking to see that no ingredients are harmful if swallowed. If you have a small pup you can use a bath full of colored water, otherwise fill a squirt bottle with the dye and water.
2) Spray or soak away for about 15 minutes. Get all surfaces of your dog’s fur that you want colored, completely wet. Have a brush in hand as well to make sure the coloring gets through all of the hair. Just dipping the dog in the water will cause a lighter coloring to emerge (keep it out of his/her eyes!)
3) Rinse the remaining dye and conditioner with cool water.
4) Have your pup chillax on some newspapers and/or towels to let the dye dry. Wouldn’t want to have your dog dye your bathroom floor!
5) This lasts about two months, but can be shortened with excessive bathing.
References:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2222539_dye-dogs-fur-safely.html
http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-grooming/Dyeing-Your-Dogs-Hair-Is-a-Bad-Idea
http://animal.discovery.com/pets/how-to-dye-dog-hair.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Your-Dog%27s-Hair-with-Kool-Aid