Dyeing Your Dog: Do or Don't?
"I wanted my beagle painted like a zebra before he got married," says extreme pet owner Sarah to Anderson.
"I don’t even know where to begin with that sentence," replies Anderson.
Dog Creative Stylist Anais Hayden and Dog Spa Owner Sarah Segal joined Anderson with their dyed dogs, Swinger, Casino and Phoenix.
The animal lovers say the vegan dyes are safe, and are a popular request at dog spas, and that the dogs love the attention they get from being dyed.
Dr. Marty Becker, known as "America's Veterinarian," and author of "Your Dog: The Owner's Manual," says that philosophically he has no problem with it, however, it is illegal in a number of states.
Dr. Becker does warn never use a human dye, as they are not meant to be ingested. Also, he says, "You never want to dye a cat because there are things that are very toxic to cats," because they groom themselves all over.
If you want to dye your dog, says the veterinarian, use a food coloring. He assures these have been approved by ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Not only have Anais and Sarah dyed their dogs, but they've also painted their dogs' nails. Anais says that she used Dog Nail Polish Pens from Warren London because "they work excellent, they dry fast and show up very vividly."
For more information on Anais, go to Facebook.com/DogGroomingAnais, and to learn about her pet photographer, go to Facebook.com/CreativeVuzeProductions.
Comments
I really don't see the need to be dying your pets hair unless you are looking for attention. A docile well mannered dog is going to put up with it and let you do it, but does that mean they actually like it? I seriously doubt it. This dying of the pets hair if solely for the owner to get more attention. Just like that new trend of getting your hairless animal tattooed. It's not for the animal but for the owner. Want to learn more about animals getting tattoed? Read my article... http://voices.yahoo.com/animal-cruelty-hairless-animals-t...
I don't think I'd ever dye my dog but I also prefer larger dogs to the smaller lap dogs. I'm just a 'big dog' person (full disclosure: I don't currently own a dog, but have owned at least 10 dogs in the past). Dying just doesn't appeal to me.
The other thing is that I don't necessarily want to draw attention to myself or my dog. I've owned Borzoi (Russian Wolfhounds), Salukis and Sloughis and they're exotic enough on their own to draw attention. If I'm out walking my dog, I don't really care to have strangers interrupt my walk to talk about my dog. To be clear, my dogs have always been friendly to strangers as long as I'm comfortable, it's me who doesn't want to be bothered. I'm not a snob at all, but as a single woman I just don't want to be pestered by strange men, which has happened sometimes in the past.
So, if people want to dye their dogs and the dogs enjoy the attention, fine by me. I'd just rather not do it. And the veterinarian you had on is absolutely correct. Dogs love being groomed because of the fuss everyone makes about how beautiful they are when it's done. They do strut around. My Borzoi weren't always happy with the bath itself, but once they were all dried out, the would prance around the house very happy. Of course they also got lots of treats and love from me, too.
Thanks! It's an interesting conversation!