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Grooming can be a stressful, uncomfortable process for many dogs.<\/p>\n
\u00a9AYO Production\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
(AYO Production\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cSkilled groomers,\u201d according to Alexandra, \u201cminimize discomfort by using low-stress handling techniques, such as working at the dog\u2019s pace, incorporating breaks, using high-value rewards, and introducing tools gradually. Many also offer \u2018puppy grooms,\u2019 which are shorter, low-pressure sessions designed to build positive associations with the grooming environment rather than complete a full groom.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSome groomers allow pet parents to stay during the session, which can help certain puppies feel more secure. Ultimately, the \u2018gold standard\u2019 is cooperative care, where the dog is trained to willingly participate in grooming rather than being physically restrained or forced through it. Some groomers are more patient than others, so finding the right groomer is part of the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Dogs Look Like They Like It, Though\u2026<\/h2>\n In videos like those of Gabriel Feitosa, it looks like the dogs enjoy these specialty haircuts. They seem to react exuberantly to the attention they get. It\u2019s worth noting, though, that the same dogs (including his own), often feature repeatedly in his videos. So, they have been trained to endure the process for rewards. One might argue that their happiness is in great part because the grooming is over<\/em> and treats are forthcoming, not that they are proud of their new look. As a dog behaviorist, here\u2019s Alexandra\u2019s read on these dogs\u2019 joyful reactions online:<\/p>\n\u201cIt\u2019s easy to misinterpret a dog\u2019s behavior in viral videos. A wagging tail or calm posture doesn\u2019t always mean the dog is enjoying the experience\u2014it may simply be tolerating it. Some highly social, confident dogs may enjoy attention from people and can appear to \u201cshow off,\u201d but that\u2019s often a projection on our part, a form of anthropomorphism. Many dogs, however, find the extra handling, unfamiliar people approaching them, and increased attention overwhelming rather than enjoyable, so dyeing their fur is actually a disservice to the dog.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDogs are individuals, and what looks like enjoyment online can sometimes mask subtle stress signals that aren\u2019t obvious to the average viewer. It\u2019s important for pet parents to become familiar with canine body language and err on the side of caution, especially with dogs who are shy, fearful, or prone to reactivity, by avoiding processes like dyeing that may add unnecessary stress to their daily life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Risks of Hair Dyes<\/h2>\n Another objection to creative grooming is the safety of the products used on the dog\u2019s coat. Hair dyes for pets can be temporary, washing out after one or two baths, or semi-permanent, usually lasting 2-6 weeks. Permanent dyes can last over 20 washes or up to 6 months. These fade over time but do not completely disappear until the dog\u2019s hair grows out and they\u2019re groomed again.<\/p>\n
Are dyes ok for dogs? Alexandra indicates dog parents need to proceed with caution in this area: \u201cEven when dyes are marketed as \u2018pet-safe,\u2019 that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re completely risk-free. A dog\u2019s skin is more sensitive than human skin, and they groom themselves, so there\u2019s always the potential for ingestion, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset or exposure to chemicals that weren\u2019t meant to be consumed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alexandra mentions other concerns as well:<\/p>\n
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Drying out the coat, becoming brittle over time<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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Possible chemical burns with some products<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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Even when marketed as pet-safe, hair dyes can irritate dog\u2019s skin and damage their coats.<\/p>\n
\u00a9wedmoments.stock\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
(wedmoments.stock\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBreeds at Particular Risk<\/h2>\n Some dogs are more susceptible to problems from hair dyes than others, according to our expert:<\/p>\n
\u201cBreeds with more delicate fur include those with silky or continuously growing hair, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Afghan Hounds. Dogs with single coats or finer hair strands may be more susceptible to dryness and breakage compared to double-coated breeds, whose outer guard hairs tend to be more resilient. That said, coat type isn\u2019t the only factor because any dog with sensitive skin, allergies, or existing coat damage may be at increased risk, regardless of breed.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Is this necessary for the dog, or is it purely for human aesthetics? If it\u2019s the latter, we have to consider whether the added handling, chemical exposure, and potential stress are truly justified\u2026<\/p>\n
Alexandra Bassett, professional dog trainer<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\nReactions of Other Dogs<\/h2>\n An issue that isn\u2019t talked about in the videos is that an unusual grooming job attracts attention not just from other people, but from other dogs, and this can be dangerous for your pet.<\/p>\n
\u201cDogs rely heavily on visual cues and body language to communicate,\u201d explains Alexandra, \u201cand altering a dog\u2019s natural appearance can interfere with that communication. Unusual silhouettes, bright colors, or obscured facial features can make it harder for other dogs to read signals accurately. This can lead to confusion, hesitation, or even defensive reactions. While not every dog will react negatively, there is a real possibility that a dog with a highly altered appearance could be approached differently, or even targeted, by other dogs who perceive them as unfamiliar or somehow \u2018off.’\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Other dogs may not know what to make of a creatively groomed dog. In some cases, this can go beyond curiosity to defensive behavior.<\/p>\n
\u00a9Iryna Kalamurza\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
(Iryna Kalamurza\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBottom Line From Our Expert:<\/h2>\n So, what\u2019s the bottom line? Our expert says, \u201cFrom a welfare perspective, the bigger question is: Is this necessary for the dog, or is it purely for human aesthetics? If it\u2019s the latter, we have to consider whether the added handling, chemical exposure, and potential stress are truly justified for something that is ultimately a cosmetic and whimsical choice. In most cases, it doesn\u2019t add any meaningful value to the dog\u2019s quality of life \u2013 it primarily serves to satisfy a human preference.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t just about personal taste,\u201d she continues. \u201cWhile some dogs tolerate or even enjoy grooming and attention, novelty cuts and dye jobs can introduce potential physical and emotional stress into a dog\u2019s life. If an owner chooses to do this, the dog must be genuinely comfortable with grooming and the products used must be truly non-toxic. The dog\u2019s welfare, and not their appearance, should be the top priority. The question shouldn\u2019t be \u2018Is it cute?\u2019 but \u2018Is my dog okay with this?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n To clarify the issue, Alexandra lays out these pros and cons of creative pet grooming:<\/p>\n