What about “pet-safe” or “non-toxic” hair dyes?
With the rising use of supposedly “non-toxic” (or even vegan) dyes such as Kool-Aid, food coloring, color sprays, color gels, and even chalks, is it then safe to dye your dog’s hair? And, what if you’re only allowing an experienced professional dog groomer to undertake this mission?
Even though such “non-toxic” dyes have flooded the market and made claims to be safe on your dog, there is NO GUARANTEE. Depending on skin sensitivity, allergies, healing or open wounds (if any), and overall health and temperament, your dog may or may not be more susceptible to “non-toxic” or “pet-safe” dyes. All in all, every dog may have a different reaction to exposure to dyes.
To date, official “dog-safe” dyes don’t exist. It’s not like the Food & Drug Administration has approved a set of dyes that are deemed safe for dogs (or animals). So, what you have are dyes that are potentially safe on your dog – when properly used. But who knows what the result will be? The real question is – Are you willing to risk the health and safety of your beloved furry family member just to get some attention from strangers?
Find food that fits your pet’s needs
With a special event on the horizon, you want to get your dog in on the festivities and think it could be fun to color their fur — green and red for the holidays or red, white and blue for a patriotic celebration. Its a trend thats been growing, but can you buy dog-safe hair dye? Do groomers know how to dye dog hair? As a dog parent, your pets safety and comfort is your number one concern.
Heres what to know about dying your dogs fur safely, so that you can make an informed decision about how youll prep your pet for your next soiree.
Good news for color enthusiasts: there are lots of ways to safely dye your dogs hair. Semipermanent pet-safe dyes often come in gel or liquid form. In addition to the dyes you can buy at a store, you can also use vegetable juice to dye your pets fur without exposing them to chemicals. Use carrot juice to give your pooch a reddish-orange tint or beet juice for pink fur. Food coloring is another option you may want to explore.
Consider asking a dog groomer if they sell or can recommend any pet-safe hair dyes. For other suggestions, reach out to your veterinarian or a local pet supply store.
The most important thing to remember is to not use hair dye for humans on your pet, as they can be toxic. This is especially dangerous since dogs lick themselves. Also, avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. And avoid dying your dogs hair if they have a skin condition or have irritated or itchy skin, as dye could further aggravate it.
Dog-Specific Hair Dyes
You can always purchase pet-friendly hair dye that is especially for animals. You can find various types, usually as a liquid or a gel. A good place to get some recommendations is your pup’s groomer.
No matter which dye you choose, make sure to follow the directions on the label. Depending on the dye, it might last for a few days or up to four or five shampoos.
Another type of dog-friendly hair dye comes in a pen form. You apply them by blowing through the pen (similar to kids’ craft pens). These are good options if you want to add a specific colorful design to your pup’s fur. You can use a stencil and blow pen to only apply the color to the designated area.
Why Should You NEVER DYE Your DOG’S HAIR? ❌
There are plenty of occasions that might make you consider using dog hair dye to give your pooch a pop of color. Maybe its for Halloween or a pride parade or you want your pup to match his favorite bandana or leash.
Regardless of the reason, there are a few things you should know about dog fur dye before you try it yourself at home: Namely, dont try it yourself at home. This is an instance when youll want to see a professional groomer to make sure your pup looks extra spiffy and the dye is applied safely.
Thats according to a pair of groomers, Brian Taylor of Harlem Doggie Day Spa and Gloria Hardaway, of Petcare Plus by Gloria the Groomer who told Daily Paws that dyeing your dog a certain color is a decision that needs plenty of thought. The coloring can be done safely, but will your dog be OK sitting through the long process it takes to dye their coat? And will you still like seeing the colored fur for potentially months and months?
“Hey, its going to stay on for a while,” Hardaway tells her clients. “This isnt something I can just take right back out.”
After you and your vet have decided that your pooch is a candidate for dog hair dye, the next step to dyeing your dogs fur—like we outlined above—is very easy and your only step: Have a pro do it. Seriously, unless you are a professional dog groomer reading this, start looking for groomers in your area rather than buying the dye yourself.
Be prepared for a long process. Both Taylor and Hardaway say theyll meet with their clients before the grooming session to make sure they know about the process and how long the dye will stay on their dogs. Plus, certain dogs, which well outline below, shouldnt get coloring.
Your groomer will also know which dog-safe hair dye to use, whether thats Opawz (Hardaways go-to) or Crazy Liberty. If you do visit your groomer for a dye job, be sure to ask them which kind of dye they use and why its safe for dogs.
Then comes the coloring process itself. Taylor, whos known as the Dog Father of Harlem, says the dyeing process will take about 30 or 40 extra minutes after your dogs regular grooming. He makes sure hes careful, staying away from the dogs skin and looking out for any signs the dog is stressed or anxious.
Trying this yourself without that knowledge is how you may inadvertently hurt, poison, or even traumatize your dog. You might also end up with an unwelcome, colorful addition to your new couch.
Once its on the dog, the dye will last a long time, surviving 10 or more washes. For some short-haired dogs, you might see the dye remnants for up to a year, Hardaway says. Thats a long time to hang with a festively colored pooch—do you really want to see that holiday-themed floof well into summer? The safest way to remove any dye is shaving your dogs hair, which might not be the best option for a short-haired or double-coated dog breed. (Maybe thats why poodles, with their ever-growing hair, are typically the best dye candidates.)