How to Dye Your Dog's Hair

Dogs can be fashionistas, too.

Dogs have long been known as man's best friend, and the 70 million dogs kept as pets in the United States today helps prove it. Many pet owners go a step further and treat their dogs as members of the family. From dressing dogs in elaborate outfits to toting them around in enormous purses, many humans are making their dogs as fashionable as they are. Dyeing a dog's hair is just another step in glamorizing the animal.

Things You'll Need

• Dog hair dye gel
• Latex gloves
• Dog shampoo

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of latex gloves to avoid staining your skin.

2. Dab a small amount of hair dye gel, specifically formulated for dogs, on a portion of the dog's hair. Leave this dye on the dog's hair for 15 minutes, then wash it out with cold water. For the next 24 hours, watch the dog for any signs of an allergic reaction, such a pain, itching or rashes. An allergic reaction to this nontoxic dye is rare, but it can occur. If the dog has an allergic reaction to the dye, discontinue use and call a veterinarian.

3. Shampoo the dog's fur in a bathtub or outside with a hose. Rinse out the shampoo and leave the dog's fur wet.

4. Apply dye to the desired areas of the dog's fur and allow it to set for 15 minutes. During this time, try to keep the dog still and relaxed so it doesn't smear the dye or stain anything.

5. Rinse out the dye with cold water, and dry the dog with a towel. The color should last four to six weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the dye on for longer than 15 minutes for a deeper, more intense color.

• Apply dye to dry fur if coloring small areas, such as the tail or ears.

• Dry the dog with a dark towel to avoid excess dye from staining the fabric.

• Read all directions and warnings that come with the dye before beginning.

• Contact a veterinarian if any skin irritation or allergic reaction occurs.

• Do not allow the dye to come in contact with the dog's eyes or mouth. Even though dog hair dyes are labeled as nontoxic, manufacturers recommend rinsing the dog's eyes and mouth with water for 15 minutes if they come in contact with the gel.

• Do not use dye on dogs with sensitive or damaged skin.

• Do not use dye formulated for human hair on a dog. This can cause chemical burns to the animal's skin.

References

• Vetinfo.com: Is There a Dog Dye That's Medically Safe to Apply?
• Pet Edge: Top Performance Hair Dye Gels
• ASPCA: Pet Statistics

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Pet Health 101