12/08/2023
After losing three of our oldest dogs to cancer/tumor related deaths from 2020-2021, I've been on a quest for the last three years to learn as much as possible about natural healthcare for pets. I would not have wished such a horrible end on my worst enemy, let alone my best dog friends. It has been an eye opening journey to say the least. One of the worse practices I have come across for voluntary chemical exposure is that of pet dying. Pet dye companies tout their creations as "safe" when the truth is they are not regulated nor are they required to disclose all of the ingredients in their dyes. There are long term psychological and health risks associated with dying of dogs. I was even following one IG person who chronically dyed her beautiful white poodle from head to toe pink. The dog ended up collapsing in the grooming tub, was rushed to the ER and had to be revived several times. A costly mistake for the owner, but she continued to dye her dog after that and deny that it was the dye which had affected her dog so badly. Because, according to her and the companies profiting from dog hair dye claim these products are "safe." Needless to say, I had to stop following her for my own health and well being as this was so upsetting to me!
There are many articles and opinions online that truthfully explain the dangers of this practice. "Critics of dyeing dog fur bark about the unethical practice of turning our best furry pals into accessories rather than being treated like the intelligent animals they really are. Dogs don’t get to choose whether or not they want to be purple or orange, or have their hair shaped into the Lion King. The long hours forced to stand on a table for an owner’s pleasure is cruel, and could be quite stressful. And the dyes themselves could change how a dog’s fur smells, causing aggression and problems with other dogs, creating more psychological stress." This is only one opinion in one article of many against dog hair dying that I, as an R+ trainer and naturalist, support.
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Is it Safe to Dye a Dog's Fur?
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Is it Safe to Dye a Dog's Fur?
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By Kim Rain
Published: 12/04/2021, edited: 12/04/2021
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Some dogs love to sport their groomed look while strutting through the neighborhood or local dog park. Short bangs, trimmed paws and legs, and other pawfect looks can instill confidence in a dog, giving them a sense of pride and comfort.
Encore, however, gets applause whenever he shows off his Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat impression from Alice in Wonderland! Seen in the documentary, “Well Groomed,” this Poodle is involved in creative grooming, a type of dog grooming that features dyes and elaborate designs for competitive grooming shows. While some may say that Encore loves the attention, the preparation of getting ready for a show takes around 20 to 40 hours of time on the table getting his hair cut, dyed and styled. Who knows if he likes that, or if it’s causing any health problems?
While creative grooming is a growing trend, there are owners who may just want to celebrate the holidays with a red and green streak in their pooch’s tail, or give their dog pink highlights around their ears and feet. But there are opponents to dyeing dog fur that say the practice is unethical and dangerous.
Is it safe to dye your dog’s fur? Let’s find out!
Dyeing your dog’s fur is all the rage, but is it safe for your dog? Discover facts about the art of dog dyeing, and if its right for your furbulous pooch.