This document discusses dyeing and coloring dogs' fur. It notes that while human hair dyes are unsafe for dogs, natural alternatives like food coloring, beet juice, or Sharpie markers can be used to safely dye a dog's fur. It emphasizes testing new products on a small patch first and understanding that not all dogs will tolerate the process due to temperament. The document also covers extreme professional dog grooming competitions that sculpt poodles' fur into works of art and websites offering animal-safe fur dyeing and customization products for do-it-yourself pet dyeing.

1. Dogs to Dye For!
By Tracie Forman Hines
(photo by #barksa)
Why should humans be the only ones having fun with trendy hair colors? Whether it's for a Halloween
parade, a special event or just a couple of laps around the park, the trend towards cool color
combinations is spreading to include dogs.

2. (photo from PetPaint.com)
Dog dyes: What you need to know
NEVER use hair dye or bleach for human hair on your dog. The pH level of a dog's skin is vastly
different than that for a human and you risk a very unhappy, uncomfortable pet – and some big
potential vet bills – if you use a product that contains toxic chemicals.
All-natural doesn't mean safe to eat
Choosing a dye method is simple. Safety first. Chances are that your dog will lick the dyed area, so if
it's not safe for a dog to eat, it's not safe to use as a dye. Food colors are the safest bet, as well as a very
cost-efficient way to get some dazzling results.

3. (photo from Freak4mypet.com)
You can make your own dye, too, in some cases. For example, beet juice makes a very pleasant pink or
red and is completely safe, even if your dog licks the dyed area. The down side is it attracts extra
attention from insects and other wildlife. Some people use Kool-Aid, but it creates a sticky coating
that's as uncomfortable for your dog as it is for you to clean up.
(photo from Reuters Images)
You can also color your (light colored) dog's fur with a Sharpie, and the good news is, they are non-

4. toxic for dogs (and you probably already have a few lying around the house).
Remember, too, that like people, dogs are individuals, so no matter what product you choose, it's
always best to test a small patch before dying large areas of the coat. Your pet's health and comfort
should always be the top priority. When in doubt, consult your vet.
Is Your Dog Patient Enough to be Dyed?
It's important to note that not all dogs are temperamentally suited to being dyed or painted. You know
your animal best. If your dog is used to grooming, it probably won't be a major issue, though of course
the dye is going to look, smell and feel unfamiliar, so make sure to take that into consideration. In some
cases you can apply color to your gloved hand and literally pet the color into the coat, but don't plan on
creating the Mona Lisa on your dog until you've both had a bit of practice, plus an extra helping of
praise and a treat to reward patience. But, bottom line is, if your dog hates it, don't do it.
Extreme Grooming

5. (Photo from purebredbreeders.blogspot.com)
The first official dog grooming show was held in 1973, by professional groomer Jerry Schinberg, in
Illinois, and despite a heated debate among dog lovers worldwide, the trend is booming. One side says
it's cruel, while the other says the dogs enjoy the attention. As controversial as the trend is, it's still a
stunning display of patience and artistry.
Somerset, New Jersey is host to an annual Creative Grooming competition at Intergroom, a popular
dog show on the east coast that gets an average of 3,000 groomers a year. For the professional-level
events, poodles are the breed of choice because their fur can be shaped and sculpted to create truly
living art.

6. (photo by Ren Netherland)
(photo by Ron Netherland)

7. Personalizing Your Pet
For people who'd rather try doing it themselves, there are specialty websites offering a wide range of
products that they say are animal-safe. For example,not only does PetPaint.Com offer a wide range of
colors, but they also offer rhinestones and brightly colored fur extensions (each set includes bead
crimping pliers and a fur hook tool, as well as 150 extension beads in an assortment of colors (for
example, “brights”).
Talent and humor level may vary, but with a little thought and a bit of patience on both your parts, you
and your dog can make a bold statement, whatever it is you feel like expressing.
(photo from PetPaint.com)

8. (photo from PetPaint.com)