First of all, why in the world would you think of dying a dog?
Did you always want a living pink Poochie but find that Cocker Spaniels only come in sensible earth tones?
The Eighties are over. Are greys starting to show in Fifi’s coat? Worry more about her joints, eyes, and ears than her fur at this point.
Do you think the finishing touch on your Ash Ketchum cosplay would be a Chihuahua dyed yellow with red cheeks? Just get a Pikachu plush toy. Your dog’s natural coat is just fine the way it is.
Do you really need more reasons? Fine. Here’s a dozen.
Popular Read: Dog Panties For Heat
Hair Dyes Are Designed For People
You shouldn’t give your dog medicine or use shampoos made for people. What makes you think soaking them in hair dye designed for people is a good idea?
Hair dye is made with harsh chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide that even people have had bad reactions to.
How do you think it will affect your dog’s sensitive skin?
Reasons Why It’s Horrible To Dye Your Dog’s Fur
#1 Hair Dyes Can Be Toxic To Your Canine Companion
Hair dye is made for the hair on a person’s head. A dog would have to be immersed. That means the harsh chemicals could get in your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth.
Even if you kept the dye job to below the neck, your dog may lick at her fur and ingest the dye, which could cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
#2 Your Dog Does Not Want To Be Purple
Or whatever weird color you want. Their perception of color is actually fairly limited. Dying hair is a human concept that a dog could not possibly understand. The whole thing strikes them as unnatural.
People who love and admire dogs tend to admire them for their beautiful natural coat.
To quote The Bard “To gild refined gold, to paint the lily, to throw a perfume on the violet, to smooth the ice, or add another hue unto the rainbow, or with taper-light to seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish, is wasteful and ridiculous excess.”
Related Reading: Why Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Smell So Bad?
#3 Your Dog May Be Allergic To The Dye
You yourself are supposed to do a patch test before dying your hair. It says so in the instructions. (You did read the instructions, right?) Dogs can have allergic reactions too.
Think of this chain of events. An allergic reaction makes Fifi itchy. Fifi uses her claws to scratch. These non-retractable claws have been on the dirty ground.
Fifi now not only has an allergic reaction but a nasty infection from scratching too hard.
Check: How Do I Know If My Puppy Is Allergic To His Food?
#4 This Just Stresses Fifi Out
A normal grooming session for a dog requires a lot of reassuring words and the odd treat to keep Fifi from being stressed out. Why cause undue stress on your dog? It will just turn her fur grey sooner.
Not to mention the tummy troubles and heightened aggression you get with a stressed dog.
#5 Dye Could Cause Your Dog To Have An Ear Infection
A dog’s ear canal is shaped like an L. Water can easily get trapped here.
That makes it easy for bacteria and yeast to grow, Because floppy-eared dogs have more folds in the ears to retain moisture they are especially prone to it.
Groom, your Cocker Spaniel to look more like a classy Lady than a cutesy Poochie.
#6 It’s Illegal In Some States
Here’s one of the most convincing reasons. You may have to pay a heavy fine if you live somewhere that such a thing is illegal.
Florida, a very pet-friendly state in America, is one such place. In Colorado, an even more pet-friendly state, fines can be particularly hefty; as much as $1000!
#7 It’s Just Embarrassing
Your dog is not a fashion accessory to be humiliated for your amusement. When you do something with your dog it should be with his benefit in mind.
#8 This Really Isn’t Necessary
You might need to express your individuality, but don’t do it through your dog. Your dog might need a sweater or booties but not ombre fur.
From: AllPetnews.com
#9 It Makes It Hard For Other Dogs To Recognize Them
The dye doesn’t only change how your dog looks but the chemicals can alter his scent.
That can make it hard for other dogs to recognize him. Remember that your dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times greater than yours.
#10 Dye Products Have Not Been Tested For A Dog’s Health
Clairol once conducted research on dogs while testing their hair dye products in the late Eighties. (Were people trying to make a live Poochie?)
According to the said study, after many dyings, the dogs’ hairs peeled and split. The skin and hair were badly irritated. Don’t do anything to harm your dog’s health.
Learn How To: Unconstipate A Dog
#11 Even “Safe” Ones Can Have Misleading Packaging
Read the fine print. Does your “non-toxic” solution carry a warning about irritation or itching?
Does it caution against ingesting? Don’t be fooled by the word “natural”. Even poison ivy is natural.
#12 If You Just Can’t Be Persuaded….
There is a scene in The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy and her friends ride in a carriage pulled by The Horse of a Different Color.
The effect was accomplished by using powdered Jell-O to dye the horses’ coats. (It was played by four different horses.)
Of course, the Jell-O mix has sugar in it, which is a horse’s favorite treat. The horses would often lick the substance off themselves. If you really must dye your dog, use something nontoxic like Jell-O or Kool-Aid or their off-brands.
While non-toxic, it’s a bit sticky and more sugar than a dog needs. Try something natural like beet juice or spinach if you must-have color.
Conclusion
Which of the above had the most resonance with you?
Personally, I find it patently ridiculous that anyone would have to change the color of a dog’s already perfect fur.
Which of the above are you most familiar with? Do share this article if you like it.
Would you like to recommend a topic? Please reply in the comments below.
Other Puppy Health Related Topics
1. Puppy Food Allergies Ultimate Guide
2. Dog Dental Cleaning: Ultimate Guide
3. 15 Best Dog Shampoos For Odor Control
4. Best Dog Shampoo For Dandruff
5. Best Dog Shampoos For Shedding
6. Best Waterless Dog Shampoo
