There are many reasons you might want to give your dog a pop of color by using dog hair dye. You might want your dog to match his favorite bandana or leash for Halloween, a pride parade, or other occasions.
Regardless of the motivation, there are a few things you should be aware of before attempting to dye dog fur yourself at home. When this happens, you should consult a professional groomer to ensure that your dog looks extra stylish and that the dye is applied safely.
According to two groomers, Gloria Hardaway of Petcare Plus by Gloria the Groomer and Brian Taylor of Harlem Doggie Day Spa, choosing to dye your dog a particular color is a choice that requires careful consideration. The coloring can be done safely, but will your dog be able to endure the drawn-out process of having their coat dyed, and will you enjoy looking at the colored fur for perhaps months on end?
Hardaway informs her clients, “Hey, it’s going to stay on for a while.” “This isnt something I can just take right back out. “.
The following step in dyeing your dog’s fur, as we outlined above, is very simple and the only step you need to take once you and your veterinarian have determined that your canine is a candidate for dog hair dye. Seriously, look for local groomers rather than purchasing the dye yourself unless you are a trained dog groomer who is reading this.
Be prepared for a long process. Before the grooming session, Taylor and Hardaway promise to meet with their clients to go over the process and how long the dye will last on their dogs. Plus, certain dogs, which well outline below, shouldnt get coloring.
Additionally, your groomer will be knowledgeable about the best dog-safe hair dye to use, such as Crazy Liberty or Hardaways favorite, Opawz. Ask your groomer what kind of dye they use and why it’s safe for dogs if you decide to go in for a dye job.
Then comes the coloring process itself. Following your dog’s regular grooming, the dyeing process will take an additional 30 to 40 minutes, according to Taylor, who is known as the Dog Father of Harlem. He takes care to avoid touching the dog’s skin and watch out for any indications of stress or anxiety.
Without that knowledge, attempting this yourself could result in accidental injury, poisoning, or even traumatization to your dog. Additionally, your new couch may acquire an unwelcome, colorful addition.
The dye, once on the dog, will endure 10 or more washes and remain visible. According to Hardaway, you might notice the dye residue on some short-haired dogs for up to a year. The safest way to remove any dye is shaving your dog’s hair, which may not be the best option for a short-haired or double-coated dog breed. That’s a long time to hang out with a festively colored pooch—do you really want to see that holiday-themed floof well into summer? (Perhaps for this reason, poodles are frequently the best dye candidates due to their constantly growing hair. ).
When pricing your color services, it’s very important to charge for the products you are using.
Something like my giraffe creative on the standard poodle took 4 tubes of OPAWZ brown dye alone and was done over the course of a couple days for the comfort of the pet. A large project like that could easily run a client $350 once you charge for the groom, color, products, and of course your time.
Can you permanently dye a dog?
OPAWZ Dog Hair Dye is safe and non-toxic. Plan your project carefully and in advance because this permanent dye can last for approximately 20 washes.
Is Human Hair Dye Safe for Dogs?
Nope! Dont do that! Our hair dye can have toxic chemicals that can really hurt your dog. Take Violet, who nearly died after her fur was colored with a human product. As always, you can talk with your preferred groomer or veterinarian about any products you should stay away from when looking for fur dye.
You don’t want to be like the customer who recently asked Hardaway to reverse the dog’s Kool-Aid dye job. Thats not cool.
Youll want trusted hands like Hardaway or Taylor. They both have heard that fur dyeing is cruel, but they contend that the dye is safe when used properly on the appropriate dog. The dog maintains its happiness, and the dyed, well-kept fur is much preferable to a dog with untidy, matted fur on the other end of the spectrum.
I don’t ignore my dog because of its color, says Hardaway.
FAQ
Can you permanently dye a dog?
Yes, as long as you use dog-safe products. NEVER use human hair dye: NEVER. Given how much puppies love to lick their fur, it is likely that these dyes will be ingested, where they can be toxic.
Is it cruel to dye dogs fur?
Many companion animals require routine grooming, which is important and necessary, but unnatural beauty treatments that don’t improve an animal’s health and well-being should never be carried out because there is simply too much risk and no need. This type of cruelty toward animals is not in style and is abusive.
How long does hair dye for dogs last?
Depending on your dog’s coat and the type of dye you use, the durability of your dog-safe hair dye will change over time. Some products are made to wash out after a single bath and last for a day or two, while others may last for up to five washes.
Is it healthy to dye a dog’s hair?
Although dyeing your dog can be extremely dangerous, it can be fun to sport different colors and styles. Some novice, at-home groomers may not be aware that dyes made for human use contain toxic chemicals. Hair dyes and highlights can be fatally irritate the skin, causing burning and itching symptoms.