If you’ve ever seen a four-legged friend sporting some brightly colored fur, you may have wondered if dog hair dye is safe. After all, you wouldn’t want to put your beloved pet at risk, right? But is dyeing your pup’s fur really dangerous? The short answer is yes but only with the right precautions. So keep reading we uncover the facts you need to know about dog hair dye.
Is Dog Hair Dye Safe?
The simple answer is yes, dog hair dye is generally safe for your pup. However, it’s important to take the necessary precautions when dyeing your pup’s fur. Always perform a patch test before applying the dye to the whole area. This will help you make sure that your pup isn’t allergic to the product and doesn’t have any adverse reactions to it.
It’s also important to follow the directions on the product label carefully. Some dyes require that you dilute them with water before applying them to your pup’s fur. Others may need to be applied directly to the fur and left in place for a certain amount of time. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and use them exactly as directed.
What Exactly Is Dog Hair Dye?
Dog hair dye, similarly to dye for us humans, is a product used to change the color of a pup’s fur. You must never use human hair dye on your dog. If you decide to dye your dog’s hair, make sure you purchase a pet-grade or dog-specific hair dye. Human-grade hair dyes contain harsh and carcinogenic chemicals including ammonia, peroxide, and para-phenylenediamine. These chemicals will at the very least irritate your dog’s skin and could even cause extensive skin burns and damage their immune systems. Never use human hair dye on your dog. You can find a variety of dog hair dyes on the market, from temporary sprays and rinses to more permanent colorings.
Most dog hair dyes are made from non-toxic, plant-based ingredients. They’re designed to be safe for a pup’s skin, so they don’t contain any harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia. To ensure that the dye is safe for your pup, always look for products that are specifically labeled for use on dogs.
Uses of Dog Hair Dye
The only reason to change a dog’s natural hair color is cosmetic. Many owners find it cute to see their beloved pups with a new look or might wish to give their pups a costume for an event. If this is an elective choice you make for your dog, it is your responsibility to look carefully for products that are safe for your dog and test the products in a small area before applying them more extensively. Regardless of the safety procedures, never use pet dyes on your dog regularly. If you do choose to dye your dog’s hair, make sure it’s sporadic and only using organic and natural pet-grade dyes.
Risks Associated with Dog Hair Dye
While dog hair dye is generally safe, there are a few risks associated with it. Here are some of the potential risks:
Allergic Reactions
Some pups may be allergic to the ingredients in the dye. Oftentimes this occurs with permanent dyes because they have stronger chemicals. So be sure to do a patch test before applying the dye.
Skin Irritation
If the dye gets on your pup’s skin, it can cause irritation. Be sure to rinse it off immediately if this happens.
Eye Irritation
The dye can irritate your pup’s eyes, so be sure to keep it away from their face. You may want to use an applicator brush when applying the dye to the dog’s neck or ears.
Overdyeing
If you leave the dye in for too long, it can cause your pup’s fur to become brittle and damaged (just like human hair dye). Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label and rinse the dye out after the recommended time.
Important Considerations
Depending on where you live, dyeing your dog’s or any other animal’s hair might be considered animal cruelty. This means that even if you choose safe, all-natural organic dye, it is still not acceptable. Colorado, Maine, and South Carolina are three states where dyeing your dog’s hair could bring you expensive fines and even result in your beloved pet being impounded, put up for adoption, and even euthanized if nobody adopts. This is definitely not worth the consequences for a fancy new look. Keep this in mind and make sure that along with checking the ingredients you also check the rules and regulations before attempting to dye your dog’s hair.
The Different Types of Dog Hair Dye
When it comes to dyeing your dog’s fur, you have a few different options. Here are some of the most popular dog hair dye products:
How to Apply Dog Hair Dye Safely
If you choose to dye your pup’s fur, the best option would be to bring them to a professional groomer to get the job done. They will have more experience with the products and applications. You are still responsible for investigating the safety of these products for dogs since professional groomers are not medically trained. When it comes to dyeing your dog’s coat, safety should always be your top priority. Here are some tips to help you apply dog hair dye safely:
Popular Dog Hair Dye Ideas
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your pup’s next look, here are some popular dog hair dye ideas:
How to Choose a Dog Hair Dye
Choosing the right dog hair dye can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice for your pup:
Summary
Reputable dog hair dyes can be safe for dogs, but they should be applied carefully. As long as you take the necessary precautions and follow the instructions on the product label, dyeing your pup’s fur can be a safe and rewarding experience.
If you’re considering dyeing your pup’s fur, make sure to do your research. Read the product labels and instructions carefully and be sure to do a patch test before applying the dye to the whole area. And most importantly, don’t forget to take a few pics of your pup’s new look.
Featured Image Credit; hedgehog94, Shutterstock
