I’m pretty sure you’ve seen a dog transform into a panda, zebra, or even a giraffe after a grooming session, and think to yourself, “Hey! I’d like to do that to my fur baby too!”. You’re not alone. A lot of fur parents are now interested in dyeing their fur baby’s hair and transforming them into different animals. However, there are a lot of things that you have to consider before joining the trend.
Dyeing your canine companion’s fur is generally not recommended unless it is done for a specific medical reason and under the guidance of a veterinarian or expert. While some may want to dye their pooch’s fur for aesthetic reasons, it is important to consider the potential risks and stress it may cause.
Here are 4 reasons why dyeing your fur baby’s hair is not recommended:
- Skin Sensitivity – Our fur babies have sensitive skin, and the chemicals in hair dyes can cause irritation, itching, and allergic reactions.
- Risk of Ingestion – Some hair dyes contain toxic substances that can be dangerous when ingested. Since our fur babies groom themselves by licking their fur, and if they ingest the dye or chemicals, it could be very harmful to them.
- Stress and Anxiety – The process of dyeing our pooch’s fur may involve restraint and potentially uncomfortable experiences. Our fur baby may find the process stressful and may not understand what is happening, which can lead to anxiety.
- Regrowth Issues – Dog hair grows continuously, and as the dyed hair grows out, it may look uneven or require touch-ups to maintain a consistent color.
Do’s and Don’ts of Dyeing Your Fur Baby’s Hair
DO’S
- DO ask for professional help. If you’re not sure how to properly dye your fur baby’s hair, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Professional groomers are always happy to assist us.
- DO a patch test. If you’re decided that you’ll DIY everything, it’s important to remember to do a patch test before you apply the whole dye on your pooch’s hair. To do a patch test, take a small area and apply the dye. Wait for at least 24 hours and observe if your fur baby had any allergic reaction to the dye such as redness, bumps, and itchiness.
- DO protect your fur baby’s eyes. Even if the product is made for dogs, it can still cause irritation to the eyes. You can try putting on pet-safe eye ointment on your fur baby’s eyebrows and corners of each eye.
- DO stop immediately if your fur baby shows signs of stress. The dyeing process can be stressful and cause anxiety to your fur baby. Always prioritize your four-legged best friend’s physical and mental health before aesthetics.
DON’TS
- DON’T use human hair dye or permanent dye. Permanent dye and hair dyes made for humans contain a chemical called hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or bleach to lift the natural color. Both of these chemicals are extremely harsh and can cause chemi300 cal burns, sores, and shedding of your fur baby’s hair.
- DON’T let your fur baby lick the dye. Even if the dye is made for dogs, it would still be safer if they don’t lick the dye so they don’t ingest any product. To do this, you can try putting a cone before you start the process and make sure to remove the cone once the
Home Products That You Can Use As Hair Dye
It’s time to go check the pantry! If you’re looking for natural ways to dye your fur baby’s hair you can try different vegetables and fruits that’s readily available in your home. This way you know that the product is safe and you’re not exposing your fur baby to any harsh chemicals.
Going for a hint of orange or transforming your fur baby into a fox? You can use carrot juice. What about streaks of pink and turn your fur baby into a fashion icon? You can use beet juice. For a natural way to get a yellow dye, you can always use turmeric.
For other colors, you can also try food coloring. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all food colorants. Only colors derived from natural pigments in plants, minerals, and animals are permitted. According to the Modern Vet, food coloring is acceptable for dogs to consume orally or topically. Numerous dog meals contain both artificial and natural color additives permitted by the FDA.
How Long Does Pet-Safe Hair Dye Lasts
The dye’s longevity depends on your fur baby’s coat and the product itself. Some dog-safe products offer up to 8 wash or 4-6 weeks depending on how often you bathe your canine companion.
Conclusion
Is it safe to dye your fur baby’s hair? Yes, if and only if, the product that you will be using is a pet-friendly hair dye.
Each of our fur babies are made beautifully and uniquely. You have to remember that they don’t need hair dyes to be cuter, but if you do decide to try dyeing their hair you have to take note of how to do it properly to make sure that they’re always safe.
It is crucial to consult with a professional or a veterinarian first. These experts can provide guidance on whether it’s safe for your specific dog and recommend pet-safe products if necessary.
What colors are you planning to try on your canine companion?
