The Growing Trend of Dyeing Dogs’ Fur
In recent years, there has been a growing trend on social media of owners dyeing their dogs’ fur bright, unconventional colors. This trend has gained popularity largely on TikTok and Instagram, with some dog owners showing off their brightly colored pups and sharing tips on how to dye fur.
There are a few main reasons owners are dyeing their dogs’ coats. Some do it just for fun and the attention it brings on social media. Others believe it allows them to express their creativity. There’s also a desire by some owners to make their dog “stand out” with a unique, eye-catching look.
The most popular unnatural dog fur dye colors seem to be vivid shades like bright pink, blue, purple, and green. More subtle tones like reddish browns and lighter blondes are also common. Dog owners get creative with dye techniques too – some do full coats of one color, while others do multi-tone dye jobs or get artistic with streaks and stenciled patterns.
While vibrant dyed dogs may be attention-grabbing online, some vets are warning about potential dangers of dyeing fur if chemicals interact with a dog’s skin. Nonetheless, unconventional doggy dye jobs remain a popular craze.
Potential Dangers and Considerations
There are some potential dangers and important considerations to keep in mind when dyeing your dog’s fur. According to the PETA article “Dog Hair Dye: Facts, Dangers, What to Know Before Starting”, dog fur dyes can potentially cause dogs to have a serious allergic reaction or stress them out. The dye chemicals may irritate their skin, especially if left on for too long1.
Some of the toxic chemicals found in human hair dyes could cause burns or injuries if used on dogs, as noted in the Allure article “TikTok Thinks Dyeing Your Dog’s Fur Is Always a Bad Idea…”. It’s important to only use dyes that are specifically formulated to be safe for dogs and to do a patch test first. Ingestion of the dyes could also make dogs sick.2
Consider consulting your veterinarian before dyeing your dog’s fur to make sure there are no pre-existing skin conditions or allergies that could react poorly. Take precautions to minimize ingestion or eye contact with the dyes. Monitor your dog closely during and after dyeing their fur to watch for signs of skin irritation or distress.
Types of Dog Fur Dyes
There are several types of dyes that can be used to color a dog’s fur:
Temporary vs Permanent Dyes
Temporary dyes only last for a few washes and slowly fade over time. They are a good option if you want to dye your dog’s fur for a costume or short-term event. Permanent dyes chemically alter the dog’s hair shaft and can last 4-6 weeks with proper maintenance. Permanent dyes provide longer-lasting, vibrant color but require more caution and commitment (OPAWZ Permanent Dye).
Vegan vs Non-Vegan Dyes
Vegan dyes use plant-based ingredients and avoid chemicals that may irritate a dog’s skin. Non-vegan dyes often contain ingredients derived from animals. It’s important to choose a vegan formula certified safe for dogs if dyeing at home (Rover).
Powder vs Creme Dyes
Powder dyes need to be mixed with water before application. They allow you to control the intensity of the color. Creme dyes are ready to apply straight from the bottle. They provide an easier application method with less mess. Both powder and creme dyes come in temporary and permanent varieties (Opawz Semi-Permanent Dye).
Best Practices for Dyeing Your Dog
When dyeing your dog’s fur, it’s important to take steps to prep their skin and coat to ensure the dye job turns out well and is safe for your pup. Here are some best practices to follow:
Before dyeing, give your dog a bath with a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt, oils or residue from their coat. Make sure their fur is completely dry before applying any dye. You may also want to trim their fur if it’s very long or matted to allow the dye to better penetrate the hair shaft.
Pet supply stores sell creme rinses to help prep dog’s coats for dyeing. Apply this after shampooing according to package directions. It will help the dye adhere evenly to the fur.
Always do a patch test of the dye first, especially if using a new brand. Apply a small amount to a hidden area of fur and let sit for the recommended time before rinsing. Check for any skin irritation before dyeing their whole body.
Wear gloves during application and work the dye thoroughly from roots to tips. Use a tinting brush or sponge brush to help separate the hairs and reach the undercoat. Take care not to get dye on your dog’s skin or eyes.
Follow the exact processing time listed on the dye package, usually 5-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Use a gentle pH-balanced dog shampoo after to remove excess dye residue.
Blow dry and brush out the coat to reveal the vibrant dyed color. Styling products can help smooth and seal the cuticle to make the color last longer.
Expect the dye to fade after 4-6 weeks as the fur grows out. Protect dyed fur from sun exposure which can cause fading. Use a conditioning dog shampoo when bathing to help lock in color.
Creative Hair Dye Design Ideas
Creative groomers are constantly pushing the boundaries with fun and bold hair dye designs for dogs. Social media has fueled inspiration for wild, eye-catching looks that transform dogs’ coats. Some popular creative styles include:
- Leopard and cheetah prints using spots or rosettes of contrasting colors
- Ombre fading from dark to light shades from top to bottom
- Tips dyed a different color than the rest of the fur
- Rainbow patterns spanning multiple bright colors
- Glamorous multi-tonal highlights and lowlights
- Recreating the look of specific breeds like Bernese Mountain Dog
- Patriotic red, white and blue designs
- Stenciled shapes, words, and symbols
On Instagram, some of the most viral dyed dogs feature leopard coat patterns, bright ombre fades, and colorful abstract paint-splatter looks. Competitions like Creative Grooming at grooming conventions also showcase stunning one-of-a-kind designs.
While creative dyed styles are eye-catching, it’s important to use safe, non-toxic dyes and ensure the comfort of the dog remains top priority. When done properly, creative grooming allows self-expression and transforms dogs into living works of art.
Dyeing Puppy Fur
When it comes to dyeing a puppy’s fur, extra caution should be taken. A puppy’s skin is more sensitive than an adult dog’s, so care must be taken to avoid irritation or allergic reactions. According to Rover.com [1], most vets recommend waiting until a puppy is at least 16 weeks old before using any hair dye products. Their skin needs time to fully develop before introducing hair chemicals.
There are dog-safe semi-permanent dyes made specifically for puppies that can be used once the pup reaches 4 months old. These are non-toxic and formulated to be gentle for young dogs. When applying any dye to a puppy, be sure to carefully follow the instructions and do a patch test first. Limit the dye to small sections of fur at a time so as not to overwhelm the puppy. Avoid using bleach or getting dye on sensitive areas like the face, ears, tail, and genitals.
It’s also important not to leave the dye on too long with a puppy. Rinse thoroughly after the minimum recommended processing time. After rinsing, monitor the puppy closely for signs of skin irritation or allergic reaction. Discontinue use if any concerning symptoms appear.
[1] https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-fur-dye-everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-try-it/
Non-Toxic DIY Dog Fur Dye Recipes
For pet owners looking to temporarily add some flair to their dog’s coat, homemade dyes made from common household ingredients can provide a fun and safe alternative to commercial dyes. Many of the ingredients used in DIY doggie dyes are things you likely already have in your pantry.
Some popular ingredients for homemade dog fur dyes include:
- Kool-Aid or other drink mixes
- Food coloring
- Beet juice
- Turmeric
- Blueberries
- Spinach
When using food items, opt for all-natural whenever possible. Avoid ingredients with artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Here are a few safe, simple recipes to try:
Kool-Aid Dye:
Mix a packet of Kool-Aid with a few tablespoons of warm water until dissolved. Apply to clean, dry fur and allow to set 15-30 minutes before rinsing. For lighter colors, dilute with more water. (Source)
Food Coloring Dye:
In a bowl, mix 1-2 tsp cornstarch with 5-8 drops of food coloring and enough water to make a thin paste. Apply paste to fur, allow to set, then rinse. For more vibrance, let paste dry before rinsing. (Source)
When using any homemade dyes, first test a small area to check for skin irritation before applying all over. Avoid getting dye in your dog’s eyes or mouth. Homemade dyes don’t last as long as commercial dyes, but provide a fun temporary pop of color.
Top Brands of Dog Fur Dyes
There are several popular brands on the market for safely dyeing your dog’s fur. Here are some of the top options:
OPAWZ – This brand offers a range of permanent dog hair dyes in various colors like pink, blue, purple, and more. Their dyes are non-toxic and safe for dog fur. Many pet owners rave about the vibrant, long-lasting results from OPAWZ dyes. They also offer accessories like stencils for creative patterns.
Creative Pet Products – This brand sells the popular Creative Pet Tintz line of dog hair dye. They offer semi-permanent colors in shades like lemon, orange, pink, blue and others. The formulas are ammonia-free. Their colors show up well on light fur.
Hair Chalk/Crayons – For temporary color, dog hair chalk or crayons let you easily apply color that washes out. Popular options are by OPAWZ and Warren London. These are great for holidays, birthdays, or trying out fun colors.
When researching brands, look for dyes labeled non-toxic and safe for pet fur. Focus on brands with consistently positive reviews from other pet owners for long-lasting, vibrant results.
Costs of Dyeing Your Dog’s Fur
Dyeing your dog’s fur can get pricey, especially if you opt for a professional groomer. On average, professional creative grooming services charge between $45-$80 for a single color dye job depending on the size of the dog. Small dogs generally start around $45, medium dogs $60, and large dogs $80 or more.
The pricing also varies based on how much of the dog is being dyed. Just the ears or tail may only add $15 or so to the normal grooming price for a small dog. But a full body dye job or very elaborate creative grooming design can cost upwards of $150-200 on top of the standard grooming services.
Doing it yourself at home is significantly cheaper, with most standard dog hair dye kits ranging from $10-30. However, the results may not be as vibrant or long-lasting. High quality professional dye products also tend to be more expensive, around $13 per bottle.
In summary, a full-body professional dye job costs $80-200+ depending on size, but you can dye small sections yourself using DIY kits for under $30. Consider cost, quality, and complexity when deciding between DIY and professional creative grooming services.
Maintaining Dyed Dog Fur
Keeping your dog’s dyed coat vibrant and beautiful requires some maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping the color looking fresh:
Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner made for dogs to wash the dyed fur. This will help the color last longer. Avoid frequent bathing which can cause the color to fade faster. Bathe the dog every 2-4 weeks or as needed.
Brush the dog’s coat regularly with a soft bristle brush to evenly distribute the dog’s natural oils and conditioner throughout the fur. This will keep the dyed hair from drying out and the color from fading.
Use a moisturizing spray made for dogs between baths. Spritzing the coat every few days will keep the dyed fur conditioned. Pay extra attention to the ends which tend to get drier.
Touch up the dye as needed, usually every 4-6 weeks. The roots tend to grow out and show the natural undyed fur first. Use the same dye and follow safety precautions. Consider having a professional groomer do touch-ups.
Avoid letting the dog outside in the sun and water for a few days after dying. Exposure to sun, chlorine or salt water can cause dyed fur to fade more quickly. Limit sun time and rinse with clean water after swimming.
Keep the dog calm after dyeing. High activity can cause excess rubbing that may transfer dye to light surfaces. Allow the dye to fully set before letting your dog run around and play freely.
With proper maintenance between dye jobs, you can keep your dog’s stylish dyed fur looking vibrant for weeks!