Dyeing your dog’s fur at home can completely transform their look, allowing you to get creative and have some fun with different colors. However, it’s important to dye your dog’s coat safely and use pet-friendly dye products. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about DIY doggy dye jobs.
Should You Dye Your Dog’s Fur?
Before deciding to dye your dog’s fur, carefully consider whether it’s truly necessary. Remember that dogs’ coats naturally change over time and many breeds experience fading or graying fur as they age. Dyeing fur that is simply fading may be an unnecessary hassle. Also keep in mind that dyeing is usually done for aesthetic reasons rather than your dog’s wellbeing. Make sure not to cause your dog undue stress for the sake of a colorful coat.
That said, here are some instances where dyeing your dog’s fur at home may be appropriate:
- You want to temporarily change your dog’s look for a costume party or event
- Your dog is a show dog and you want to enhance their appearance for competitions
- You want to cover up greying or yellowing fur
- You want to even out your dog’s color after shaving their coat
Dyeing should only be done on healthy coats. Talk to your vet if your dog has sensitive skin or fur issues before attempting to dye at home.
Choosing Safe, Pet-Friendly Dye
It’s extremely important to only use dyes made specifically for pets. Human hair dye contains harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide that can irritate a dog’s skin. Some human dyes are even toxic if ingested.
Look for dye products that are non-toxic and safe for regular use on dogs. Many purpose-made pet dyes utilize vegetable-based colors. Make sure to carefully read reviews and ingredient labels when selecting a pet-safe dye brand.
Here are some top recommended brands of safe, non-toxic doggy dyes:
- Opawz
- Creative Dog Coat Colors
- Warren London
- Paw Play
Avoid using hair chalk or colored hair sprays on your dog. Although these products wash out easily, they can be accidentally ingested while grooming and licked off their fur.
Patch Testing the Dye
It’s highly recommended to do a patch test of the dye before applying it all over your dog’s coat. Use a small amount of the mixed dye formula on a tiny area of your dog’s fur to check for any skin irritation or allergic reaction. Some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to certain dye ingredients. Let the test patch dry fully before observing the results.
Keep a close eye on the patch test area over the next 24 hours. Look for signs of redness, itching, swelling, or discomfort. If your dog seems irritated or inflamed, do not proceed with full dyeing. Rinse out the dye patch and contact your vet if the reaction persists.
If no reaction occurs after 24 hours, the dye should be safe to use. You can then move forward with the full dye process.
Preparing Your Dog for Dyeing
Take some time to prep your dog’s coat prior to dyeing for best results:
- Brush thoroughly – Detangle all mats and remove loose hair. Dye adheres best on clean fur.
- Wash – Bathe your dog with a clarifying or degreasing shampoo. This removes dirt and oils for optimal dye absorption.
- Dry completely – Towel dry then use a blow dryer to fully dry the coat. Damp fur will dilute the dye.
- Protect sensitive areas – Cover your dog’s eyes, nose, mouth, Paw pads, genitals and rectum to avoid irritation.
You may also want to invest in a grooming table to keep your dog comfortable and still during the dye process.
Mixing and Applying the Dye
Thoroughly read and follow the dye product’s instructions for mixing ratios and processing times. In general, you’ll want to:
- Add the dye powder to a non-metallic bowl or bottle.
- Mix in the appropriate amount of warm water, shaking or stirring until smooth.
- Section off parts of your dog’s fur using clips if only dyeing certain areas.
- Brush dye mixture thoroughly into your dog’s dry coat until fully saturated.
- Allow the dye to process for the recommended time.
- Rinse dye thoroughly from your dog’s coat.
Use gloves during application to avoid staining your hands. Work the dye down to the roots in thin sections for an even finish. Keep your dog contained after rinsing to allow the coat to fully dry before they can lay down or rub up against anything.
Maintenance and Re-Dyeing
How long your dog’s colored coat lasts will depend on factors like their hair growth cycle and how light or dark the dye shade is. On average, touch-ups are needed every 1-3 months as new hair grows in.
To extend the vivid color as long as possible:
- Use a color-protecting or color-depositing shampoo for bathing.
- Spot re-dye the roots as they grow out.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and chlorinated water which can fade dye.
Always patch test each time you re-dye in case of any new sensitivities. Going darker in shade is safer than trying to go lighter, which carries more risks of irritation.
Risks and Precautions
While pet-safe dyes are designed to be low risk, take these precautions to avoid any issues:
- Never use human hair dye or bleaching products on a dog.
- Avoid getting dye on mucous membranes like eyes, nose and mouth.
- Do not dye dogs under 12 weeks old.
- Only re-dye after the previous application has fully grown out.
- Consult your vet if your dog has pre-existing skin issues.
Monitor your dog closely after dyeing and contact your vet if they develop signs of an allergic reaction like facial swelling or hives. Seek emergency care if breathing difficulties occur.
Conclusion
Dyeing your dog’s coat at home can be a fun way to change up their look for special occasions or competitions. However, safety should always come first. Be sure to do a patch test, only use high-quality pet dyes, and monitor your dog closely for any adverse reactions.
With the proper research and precautions, dyeing your pup can be a creative way to bond and give them a stylish new ‘do!
