Dying Dogs

It isn't even good for humans to dye our hair (even though I do!), let alone use it on dogs. The chemicals are extremely harsh and dog's skin is very sensitive. The body absorbs chemicals through the skin, which is why women are told not to dye their hair if they are pregnant. So, that dye is going to go right through the skin and into the dog's system. That isn't healthy, at all. However, I can understand the owner wanting to color her dog's fur, it's her baby. Therefore, she needs to use a vegetable-based dye. Even if the dog licks it's fur, it won't get sick. There's one called Manic Panic that is safe to use. Also, several of the kids on my school bus two years ago just used Kool-Aid to dye their hair, or food coloring. That would safe enough to use and she could change the color more often.

Any human destined product should never be used on an animal without the approval of a vet. As a future vet, I came to this situation very often: I have to explain on and on to some animal owners that they have to stop acting like their pet is human. They give them human food. They use hair dye, perfume, uncomfortable clothes to make the pet closer to a child. Those dogs ca perform severe allergy thanks to the dye, and they can get intoxicated if they lick their fur. She can at least try to use colors, which are specially created for pets, like those used by the groomers. I agree with you: this is animal cruelty.

Generally, I don't think it's cruel; the animals probably don't know or care. As long as she is doing it in a gentle way, it's probably just like getting a bath for them. She should definitely not be using human dyes, though. I'm sure they make some for dogs that are more sensitive for their skin. That's the only part I would take issue with.

No, you are not being oversensitive, there are also others who find it cruel to dye animals. It's really cute to see, but according to what I've read, you can't use any kind of dye, for as long it is safe for the animals and not doing it so often, for me that's ok. I also have and love dogs, and my kids too, so we consider everything about their health. But haven't tried to dye them yet. :)