Veterinarian warns against viral TikTok trend that has pet owners DYEING dogs’ fur

A veterinarian has been warned against a viral TikTok trend that has pet owners dyeing their dog’s fur to make them look like different animals.

Both amateur and professional groomers are using pet hair dye and strategic haircuts to transform their pooches into giraffes, lions, lizards, and even other dog breeds.

The playful videos have sparked fierce debates about whether it’s harmful or ethical to color an animal’s fur merely for aesthetic purposes, even if it is medically safe.

There are a variety of pet dyes on the market that are approved for animal use, but some vets believe it’s not worth the risk.

Dr. Anna Foreman from Everypaw Pet Insurance warned against a viral TikTok trend that has pet owners dyeing their dog’s fur to make them look like different animals

Both amateur and professional groomers are using pet hair dye and strategic haircuts to transform their pooches into giraffes, lions, lizards, and even other dog breeds

Dr. Anna Foreman from Everypaw Pet Insurance has spoken out against the controversial practice, saying it could lead to skin irritation or toxicity.

‘There is no situation — apart from when dyeing a dog’s tail to discourage theft — where dyeing a pet’s fur is benefiting the animal themselves,’ she said, per The Sun.

‘It is purely beneficial to us for aesthetic purposes. Some dogs enjoy being groomed or being bathed; however, there is no way we can say that animals specifically enjoy being dyed.’

Dr. Foreman noted that dyeing a dog’s fur can lead to skin issues or even poisoning if it’s not done safely.

According to the vet, the only situation in which dyeing a dog’s fur is ‘remotely acceptable’ is ‘when an animal’s tail is dyed a bright, line color as a way of preventing them from being stolen.’

Dr. Foreman said the controversial practice could lead to skin irritation or toxicity

There are a variety of pet dyes on the market that are deemed medically safe for pets

Owners who are interested in dyeing their dog’s fur are advised to hire a professional groomer

She explained that this method is mainly used in ‘foreign countries where microchipping is less common.’

‘As well as being a deterrent, as dogs with a brightly dyed tail are easily identifiable, it also discourages threats as a dog with a dyed tail is less desirable to potential buyers,’ she said.

However, he added that ‘there are other methods to discourage thieves.’

Despite the controversy surrounding the practice, you can safely dye your dog’s fur if you are using products that are made for pets, according to Rover.

The dog-sitting app warns never to use human hair dye on a dog, which can cause chemical burns, sores, and dog hair shedding.

Even if the dye is canine-friendly, owners have to be careful to keep it away from their pet’s eyes and mouth.

The company added that you should also steer clear of any dye if your dog has sensitive skin to avoid an allergic reaction and stop the dyeing process immediately if your pet is showing signs of stress.

Owners who are interested in dyeing their dog’s fur are advised to hire a professional groomer.