Extreme dog grooming and dyeing: is it harmless fun?

Grooming used to mean a bath, a brush and perhaps a trim. Today some salons offer coloured fur, painted nails, feather extensions and spa treatments. Some owners see this as harmless fun. UK welfare charities are far more cautious. This guide explains why, and how to keep grooming focused on what your dog actually needs.

What is extreme or creative grooming?

It covers grooming done mainly for appearance rather than for the dog's health or comfort. A 2018 BBC report on the trend described dogs with multicoloured dyed fur, feather extensions and gems, as well as "dog spa" treatments such as facials and "pawdicures". Some groomers who offer it call it "creative grooming".

Normal grooming is different. The RSPCA explains that keeping your dog's coat in good condition matters for their health and wellbeing. It removes excess hair and dirt and may include clipping the coat. Nail checks, ear care and baths with dog-safe shampoo all fall into this category.

Is extreme dog grooming harmful?

What welfare charities say

In the same 2018 BBC report, the main UK charities warned against the trend:

• RSPCA (2018): extreme pampering "sends out an extremely worrying message" that pets could be seen as novelty accessories rather than intelligent, sentient animals. The RSPCA also said pets can be frightened and distressed by spa treatments. It added: "Even if a dye is marketed as 'pet friendly', we would strongly advise against it."
• The Kennel Club (2018): if extreme pampering becomes normal, "there is a risk that animals will start being seen as accessories, which could lead to their welfare being jeopardised."
• Dogs Trust (2018): its veterinary director said that "grooming must be for the dog's needs" and that dogs are not fashion accessories.

A creative groomer told the BBC that fur should only be coloured by a professionally trained groomer using products made for animals. A dog spa said its treatments were harmless as long as the dog was happy. Even so, none of the welfare charities quoted supported dyeing.

The health risks

Vets at VCA Animal Hospitals, a US veterinary group, point out that no studies show human hair dye is safe on dog fur. The risks they describe include:

• skin irritation from chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide
• stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhoea if dye is licked off and swallowed
• eye irritation or ulcers if dye gets in the eyes
• itchy, irritated ears
• allergic reactions

Human nail polish is also a concern. VCA advises never using it on dogs, as many contain toxic ingredients and the fumes can irritate a dog's airways.

The stress risk

The experience itself matters too. The RSPCA has said pets can be frightened and distressed by spa-style treatments, and it advises never forcing a dog to be groomed if they don't enjoy it.

What does the law say?

We haven't found a UK law that specifically bans dyeing a dog's fur. However, in England and Wales the Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires anyone responsible for an animal to meet its needs. These include the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease, and the need to behave normally. Similar duties apply in Scotland under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and in Northern Ireland under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. A treatment that causes skin damage, distress or illness could fall short of that duty.

How to choose a good groomer

The RSPCA notes that dog grooming in the UK is unregulated and that groomers don't need any qualifications. It suggests:

• asking your vet, friends and family for recommendations
• meeting the groomer and looking around the premises first
• asking about qualifications, trade body membership and insurance
• checking they use reward-based handling and can spot signs of anxiety
• making sure dogs are never left unsupervised while being dried

The RSPCA has particular concerns about drying boxes, because dogs inside can't move away from the heat. Dogs have been seriously injured and some have died after grooming equipment failed or dogs were left unsupervised. The RSPCA also says a good groomer should use professional products formulated for dogs. It notes that any allergic reaction usually shows within 24 hours.

Keep grooming about your dog

• Brush and check the coat regularly for your dog's breed and coat type.
• Check nails every couple of weeks, as Dogs Trust suggests.
• Use shampoos made for dogs.
• Build up handling slowly with treats so grooming is calm.
• If your dog has skin problems, ask your vet before using any new product.