What is creative grooming, and is it safe for our animal companions? The answer is yes — as long as natural products are used.
As president of the only organization that is dedicated to both the art and science of creative grooming, I know firsthand about the controversial topic of ‘creative coloring’. Hands down, the most common concern of pet owners, as well as the public, is the safety of the animals. This is a very legitimate concern and the NAPCG addresses this issue on almost a daily basis.
Let me start by informing you that the pet industry is completely unregulated. That’s right — there’s no mandatory level of education, no licensing, and no official body that governs the grooming industry. For this reason, it is imperative that pet owners ask questions and interview potential groomers, and it’s even more important when it comes to creative coloring. It was also this very reason that I was prompted to establish the NAPCG. I wanted professional groomers to have a resource for continuing their education and to ensure the safety of the pets we are entrusted with.
Understanding your pet’s skin
There are many coloring products that are perfectly safe for use on pets, and there are also products that should never be used on pets. Let’s start with the basics: the skin. We must keep in mind that canine skin and human skin are not the same. There are approximately 20-25 layers to the human epidermis. However, there are only 8-10 layers to the canine epidermis, and the number can be as low as 6 layers for felines. What does this tell us? For starters, it tells us that canine and feline skin is much more susceptible to toxic or corrosive chemicals.
Is it cruel to dye your pet’s fur?
Dyeing your dog can be safe and cause no harm if done right. … Dogs that are groomed regularly are usually quite used to being bathed and it causes no unusual distress in them. If you are going to dye your dog’s fur, it is important to use the right dye. Human dyes are not meant for ingestion and are very toxic.
Warning from experts after dye job nearly kills dog
All-natural and organic dyes formulated for use on pets are for the most part safe. These products do not include the harmful toxins and chemicals found in most regular human hair dyes. … Never, under any circumstances, use human-grade dye products on your dog.