Is hair dye toxic to dogs? Here’s What to Expect

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?

Fortunately, if you are looking to add a bit of colour into your dog’s life there are some pet friendly hair colour products on the market that are safer for you to use including pet chalks, pet hair sprays and semi-permanent pet dyes.

The pH level of your pet’s skin is very different from a human’s, which is why products that come into contact with your pooch need to be toxin free so event thought they are designed for pets, it is still important to check the ingredients on the hair colour products you are using on your pet to ensure they are free of toxic chemicals and look for reputable, natural brands rather than cheap imports that may not comply to the same laws and ingredients.

This not only relates to hair dye for dogs, but to the many other products we might be tempted to use on our pets from shampoos and conditioners through to nail polish (also a new trend).

Saying that, there are plenty of pooches that are up for a pampering of any kind so you may find your dog is more than happy to be part of this latest trend and sport their new colourful look at the dog park with their mates proudly.

There’s a growing trend owners colouring their dog’s hair for a bit of fun. But is hair dye for dogs safe, or should it be avoided at all costs?

Personally, if I ever do decide to dress my dog up with a mohawk on Halloween, I’ll definitely be swinging by our veterinary office first. And who knows? Maybe clip-ins will look even better.

Pinellas County Animal Services shared some of the heart-wrenching pictures of her recovery on Facebook (warning—pictures are graphic):

“Chemicals in hair dye are TOXIC causing a wide array of external injury to your pet — possible burns, blindness and because an animal’s first instinct is to lick, it can cause poisoning or internal burns,” Pinellas County Animal Services wrote in its Facebook post. “Just don’t.”

Fortunately, Violet recovered beautifully and is now in a new home with a wonderful owner. However, there’s one thing everyone should take away from her story: Do not use human hair dye on pets.

Hair dyes for humans are never safe for pets, and some non-profit organizations, like the RSPCA and PETA, have recommended against any pet dyeing at all, saying that the potential for injury—such as water in the dog’s ears, a dangerous allergic reaction or unnecessary psychological stress—can never quite be eliminated. However, others say the practice is okay if handled safely, and that as long as your dog isn’t bothered by the practice, there’s nothing to worry about.

Why Should You NEVER DYE Your DOG’S HAIR? ❌

It’s 2018, and we really shouldn’t have to say this but apparently we need to: please, please don’t dye your dog with human hair dye.

First of all, why are you dying your dog? And secondly, human hair dye has chemicals, including bleach, that should be nowhere near your pet’s fur or skin.Advertisement

This has been highlighted dramatically by the plight of Violet, a Maltese mix found in Florida, who was dyed purple with human hair dye, resulting in life-threatening injuries, including chemical burns.

Staff from Pinellas County Animal Services (PCAS) in Largo, Florida, found the pup and recounted her story in a post on their Facebook page. Warning: the photos are grim. No, seriously.Related Stories

When Violet was found she was described as “limp and listless”, her eyes swollen shut, and with obvious burns to her skin. The staff gave her pain medication and fluids and washed off as much of the purple dye as they could before gently bandaging her up in a rather snazzy leopard print bandage and waited to see if she would survive the night.Advertisement

When she did they took the next step, shaving her fur to see the real damage. To their horror, her skin started sloughing off. The burns to her body from the toxic chemicals were so much worse than they expected.

Regular human hair dye often contains ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and bleach to strip the hair of its natural color. Animals, of course, are well known for washing themselves by licking their fur and skin, so they can inadvertently ingest these as well as spread them over their bodies.Advertisement

After three months of more pain medication, antibiotics, IV fluids, being anesthetized, skin treatments, scab removal, multiple bandage changes, and worry that she may be permanently blinded or her hair may never grow back, the final bandages came off and Violet was revealed to be well on the path to recovery.

In fact, she’s been adopted by a family that specializes in “beautifying” pets – using products specifically designed for pets, of course.

“Pet makeovers are wonderful – they come out smiling after a new haircut, nail trim, maybe a little bow or bandana. They smell so good, they feel so soft, and they prance around showing off. Great stuff, right?” they wrote.

“[B]ut please do not use hair dye intended for humans to express your pet’s style. Let’s all say that together – Do NOT, under any circumstances, use hair color intended for humans on your pets. Chemicals in hair dye are TOXIC causing a wide array of external injury to your pet – possible burns, blindness and because an animal’s first instinct is to lick, it can cause poisoning or internal burns. Just don’t.”