Is dying your pet humane?

Question

Apparently dressing up your dog is humane, as dog-clothes are being sold by the Humane Society...

http://hsus.petfulfillment.com/index.php?shop=dog

But is dying your dog wrong?

My friend's dog LOVES the water, but some dogs don't. Do you think it's good to dye a dog who likes the water? I would NEVER want to do anything to an animal that made it even the slightest bit uncomfortable in any way, for such a vain and stupid reason.

On an MTV reality show, this lady dyed her cat pink, and that poor cat looked miserable, but there was a subscript at the bottom that said that the animal was not being hurt.

My cat loves water and being brushed and groomed, but that poor cat...

To lalily:

Oh dear no! I never swat at flies and I always save spiders and ants. Once, in 3rd grade, I got into a big fight with this girl because she stomped on an ant. DRAMA!

And I don't wear fur personally. Or leather.


But I admit, I like to drink milk. :-( There was a commercial on TV about how happy the cows were because they were treated well, even though they were animated... So I thought eating California dairy products was okay,

P.S. I don't have a dog, in case you were wondering. My poor doggy died this past summer. :-( I do have a wonderfulness cat though!

Answer 1

Depends on what type of chemicals are in the dye. If you are going darker most likely there are little amounts of acid in the dyes you are using. Think if you have ever had high lights or low lights, and the burning sensation from the high lights. Dogs skin is also more rough or coarse than humans skin. If you are doing a spot or two I wouldn't see how it could hurt the dog but follow the recommendations on the box don't let it set for any great length of time, this is if you can absolutely guarantee that the dye will not get in the dogs ears (yeast production in ears could be affected causing an infection), eye (could cause blindness), mouth (poison), anus or urinary tract.

When it comes down to it dyeing a dog or cat? is it really worth causing some kind of skin rash. Sometimes MTV does stupid things.

glad you are so intune about your animals, that is awesome.

Answer 2

Well, you can't really compare dying a pet to clothing it. Many dogs and certain breeds of cats can't tolerate the cold weather and to be able to go outside comfortably and safely, they need some type of covering, such as a jacket. Many specialists will recommend that certain breeds need to be covered when going outside in the winter, such as a Grey Hound or Whippet. It can also be a good idea to cover an animal from the cold if they have arthritis; keeping those joints warm and protected from the cold is very important. Dying is a completely unecessary process that is simply to please the owner more than the animal. Is it safe? It depends on how you do it and what you're using. Things to consider: Allergies, keeping the dye out of their eyes, nose and ears to prevent damage/infection and the fact it'll require extra grooming that might overstimulate and possibly stress out your animal.

Answer 3

I guess you are vegetarian and disagree to wearing leather and fur. Do you wear make-up or eat dairy produces? Do you fish, swat flies or stomp ants? If you answer yes to any of these you are indeed making an animal "slightly uncomfortable". Dying a pet is pampering compared to the boiling the remains of animals to make cosmetics or hooking a cow up to milking machines so you can have a smoothie at the mall! Get real!

Answer 4

Each pet, like each person, is different. What one persons skin can tolerate, anothers cannot. Same with animals. I doubt dying the fur would be 'painful' but I cannot imagine an animal enjoying the process. Besides that, you never know if an animal might have an allergic reaction to any or all of the chemicals in the dye. That would be painful to the animal and would require veterinary attention, which would cost you money. All of that to change the color of an animal. Personally, I would advise against it! Good question though!

Answer 5

I think it is silly to dye a pet pink..or any other color. A lot of people are doing this with cool aid. Although it looks ridiculous to us, the pet most likely has no idea that he or she is pink.

Answer 6

I imagine it's considered humane if it doesn't affect the animal in any other way but appearance. If it caused pain or discomfort, I wouldn't do it. But then again, I don't have any pets.

Answer 7

Well they have specialized hair dye for animals... I guess it depends on whether your pet would mind. I do not think my animals would like it much....

Answer 8

if your so worried about it then dont do it, it would probably make you look a little weird anyways

Answer 9

OK No......that is so rediculous........NO......NO.......NO!!!!!!!! First of all what would possess someone to even think about that. and second of all It could cause skin problems.
THAT IS SO STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

humane and inhumane only refers to humans