The Best Dog Hair Dyes That Are Safe For Pets

Add some festive fun to your pet’s fur with these gentle and non-toxic dog hair dyes.

If you’re looking for a way to give your pet a fun and all fur types, from short white hair to long, dark strands. It’s gentle and non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about adverse effects. It’s also sold in a variety of formulas, so you can choose from products that last many months or only a few days. Read on to discover the best dog hair dyes to purchase today.

Best Dog Hair Dyes to Consider

Before you start to daydream about colors, it’s important to consider a few things. To start, you will need to make sure the product that you choose is designed for use on pets. It’s never safe to use human-grade hair dye on dogs. The products on the list below are a good starting point for finding dog-safe hair dyes.

Next, consider how long you want your dog’s new look to last. Many dog hair dyes are temporary, which means they wash out after only one bath. There are also semi-permanent products, which last several weeks, and permanent products, which last several months. It would be disappointing to invest in a product that didn’t last for the party you wanted to dress your pup up for. Likewise, it would be devastating if you tried to change your pet’s shade for a few days and ended up with a neon pup for the next few months.

And last but not least, make sure you’re comfortable with the application method. Some dog hair dyes come in pen form, so you can simply color them onto your pet while they sit or lay next to you. This means that you may be able to have your kids help out. It also means it’ll likely be easy to color even the most cautious pups. Other dog hair dyes are similar to human products, which take a lot more time and prep. They may also require your pup to sit still for an extended period of time, which we all know not every dog enjoys, you may even have to bribe them with entertaining toys to get the job done.

All in all, there are plenty of dog hair dyes on the market today that are safe and easy to apply. Just keep these few things in mind while you make your purchase to make sure you and your pet are happy with the end result.

Temporary Dog Hair Dye Markers

These dog hair dye pens are a perfect choice for anyone who is new to coloring their pet’s fur. You’ll receive 12 pens with your purchase, each of which washes out with warm water and soap. The colors will fade on their own without baths as well. The ingredients are non-toxic, so you won’t have to worry if your pet decides to try to lick off their new look. The colors show up on all fur types, including long and short as well as dark and light shades.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Safe
  • Fun for holidays or parades
  • Colors get brighter with additional layers
  • Not messy if used according to instructions

Cons:

  • Thick layers may transfer onto fabric surfaces

Washable Dog Hair Dye Chalk Pens

These chalk pens offer a fun and low-stress way to dye your puppy’s fur. Each purchase includes 12 pens. All of the colors are bright and cheery, as well as easily seen on fur of all shades. The colors wash out with soap and water. They are all non-toxic for your pet’s safety. The dye sticks well to fur after it dries, so you don’t have to worry about it rubbing off on the carpet or furniture in your home.

Pros:

  • Low price
  • Easy to use
  • Retractable design
  • Drying can be sped up with a blow dryer

Cons:

  • Colors may begin to flake off after extended periods of time
  • Works best on short fur

Bright Non-Toxic Dog Hair Dye

This product offers a long-lasting, bright color change. It washes off after 6-12 baths depending on how much you use and your pet’s fur type. You can choose from all of the colors of the rainbow when you make your purchase. The cure time is 20 minutes, and the initial application can take place in the bathtub after you give your pet a good scrub and rinse.

Pros:

  • Reasonable price
  • Lasts longer than temporary dye
  • Non-toxic once dried
  • Also safe for use on other pets, including cats, birds, and horses

Cons:

  • Will wear off from wiry fur faster than other fur types
  • The pink shade only works on white fur

Neon Dog Hair Dye Set

This set of six dog hair dyes will give you the ability to color your pet however you want to. It comes with bright, rainbow colors, and all of them are permanent to produce long-lasting results. Other packs are available as well, in case you prefer other colors or want a smaller selection. The dyes come from plant and fruit juices for a completely safe and non-toxic color change. Other ingredients soothe your pet’s skin for a more comfortable and rejuvenating experience.

Pros:

  • Small business
  • Unique color options
  • Lasts for months
  • Safe for other types of pets

Cons:

  • Higher than average price
  • It will dye your hands, so make sure to wear gloves during the application process

Permanent Rainbow Dog Hair Dye

This permanent dog hair dye is perfect for anyone who is looking for long-lasting results. It can last as long as 6 months after the initial application. It requires no mixing — simply open the cap and brush the contents onto your pet’s fur. It works on all fur types but shows most brightly on short, light strands. The ingredients are non-toxic and completely safe for your pup’s skin.

  • Reasonable price
  • Multiple colors included in each pack
  • Also works on other pets
  • Nice fruity scent

Cons:

  • Not safe for pets under 12 weeks old

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dog hair dye safe?

Yes, dog hair dye is safe. Human hair dye, however, is not. It’s important that you only use pet-rated products when coloring your puppy’s fur.

Why is dog hair dye often controversial?

Dog hair dye gets a bad reputation at times. This is because it’s hard to tell whether the pet owner used a dog-safe product or a human product. Human hair dye can leave pets with burns, itchy skin, and allergic reactions. It can even be lethal in some circumstances. These reactions cause some onlookers to feel concerned when pets have their fur dyed, but recent innovations in pet-safe hair dye have turned the dilemma into a non-issue.

How long does dog hair dye last?

This depends largely on the product you choose. There are temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent dog hair dyes available to purchase. Temporary products can be washed out in one bath, and they may even lighten over time without a bath. Semi-permanent dyes wash out over the course of several weeks. Permanent dog hair dyes could last up to 6 months.

Do dogs enjoy having their hair dyed?

Most dogs don’t mind having their hair dyed. It doesn’t feel any different for them. You can always try dying a small section of their fur to make sure they don’t seem off-put before adding the rest of the color.

Will dog hair dye come off in the pool or lake if we go swimming?

Temporary dog hair dye would wash off in the lake or pool. Semi-permanent and permanent options would last through your swimming adventures.

About the Author

Jessica is the proud owner of two dogs: an adorable dalmatian and a very active retriever mix. With all her years of experience caring for her own pups, Jessica hopes to help other dog moms and dads make the most of their time with their furry friends by finding them products that make dog ownership convenient, easy, and fun. As a mom of two, Jessica is always looking for products that are safe for her dog, her kids, and her home.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.