3 Dog Safe Hair Dyes (Temporary, Semi- and PERMANENT)

This is our review of 3 dog safe hair dyes available in the market.

If you are looking for the best dog safe hair dye for your canine friend, then there are a few things that you should consider. While dog hair dye safe is something that most dog owners strive for, it can be quite a challenge to find dog dye that is:

  • pet safe and vegan
  • tested on other animals (and not your dog)
  • long-lasting, AND
  • does not cause irritation or other dog hair problems
dog safe hair dye

The list of things to consider may seem long, but it is not impossible to find dog hair dye that meets all these requirements. And although it may take some time to find the best dog-safe hair dye, we believe we can make your search a little bit easier.

Today we will be reviewing 3 of the best pet dye for dogs on the market, with Opawz Bright Semi-permanent dog dye being our top pick.

These are all low-impact, non-toxic brands that will not cause any allergies or irritations to your pet. These products work well for both dogs and cats, though if your pet is susceptible, you may want to test a small area of skin before using it all over fur.

Let’s start by learning a bit about dog hair dye in general and why we would want to use it in the first place.

Is Dog Hair Dye Safe?

Yes, it is safe to dye your dog’s fur. As with human hair dye, you’ll need to ensure that the ingredients are pet safe before using it on your canine friend. But, like any other do-it-yourself project, if you choose a nontoxic product and follow the instructions carefully, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Why Would I Want to Dye My Dog’s Hair?

There are many reasons why you might want to dye your dog’s fur. Some of the most common include:

Matching Hair Color to Own Hair

Many dog owners dye their pets’ fur to match their hair. For example, if your hair is blue, you might want to dye your pet’s fur blue as well so that it looks like you share the same color.

This can be especially useful for holidays or other special occasions. For example, many owners will dye their pets’ fur for Halloween or picture day at school, though some dogs with dyed hair are outfitted especially for dog shows as well.

Cosmetic Reasons

This is a fairly controversial reason and may not be your best option if you think you might ever want to sell your pet in the future, and looking at their fur might make a potential buyer want to buy them. Some owners will dye their pets’ fur for cosmetic reasons, such as covering up grey hairs or making their coats more uniform.

Medical Conditions

There are times when your dog may suffer from hyperpigmentation or hypo-pigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the body’s pigment cells (melanocytes) produce too much melanin causing black, brown, or dark gray spots on the skin. On the other hand, hypo-pigmentation is when the fur color does not grow back in certain body areas.

If you are concerned that your dog may have this condition or if they have patchy fur due to injury, you may want to dye their hair so that the coat regains its full luster.

Special Occasion

Sometimes owners will dye their dog’s fur for a special occasion, such as weddings or other formal events. This is especially common in the case of brides that want their dog’s coat to match their wedding party’s attire.

Just for Fun

Some people like to try out fun colors and patterns on their dogs, such as pink or blue highlights or zebra stripes dyed onto the coat. While this can be a lot of fun and very cute, it is essential to keep in mind that some colors and patterns may only look good for a few days or weeks before they fade.

Dos and Don’ts of Dog Hair Dye

To ensure you get good results when dying your pet’s hair, it is essential to do your research and follow the instructions below.

Do’s

  1. If possible, get a professional to help you dye your pet’s hair if you are unsure about doing it yourself. A groomer or vet may be able to dye the fur for you for free or at a meager cost since they already have all the supplies on hand.
  2. If you are going to dye your dog’s hair yourself, always do a skin patch test first to ensure that your pet is not allergic to the ingredients in the dye. To do this, put some of the dye on a small patch of skin behind their ear and wait 24 hours to see if any adverse reaction forms before applying it to their entire body.
  3. Make sure to use a dye designed for pets and not general human hair dye. This is very important if you are worried about your dog’s safety or if your pet has sensitive skin. Also, pets should only be dyed with pet-specific products made especially for them.
  4. Pets with white or light-colored fur look best when dyed and can handle darker colors better than pets with dark fur. For example, a black dog will not look good if you dye their coat purple because the color will stand out much more against their natural pigment than it would on a lighter-colored pooch.
  5. Use a conditioner before dying your pet’s hair. Dogs have a much harder time getting rid of the dye if their fur is well taken care of before dying. Therefore, it is best to use a good quality conditioner right before applying the dye to ensure that your dog will not need to suffer through an uncomfortable tingling sensation as the solution activates.

Don’ts

  1. It is crucial never to dye your pet’s fur by yourself if you don’t know what you are doing or do not have the proper equipment, such as protective gloves and eyewear. You should also never try to dye your pet’s hair without first consulting with a professional to ensure that it will be safe for them.
  2. Do not use hydrogen peroxide because this substance is much too harsh on pets and can cause severe chemical burns or other damage if misused.
  3. Do not leave the dye or any chemicals in your dog’s fur for longer than recommended by the instructions because this can cause damage to their skin. You must follow the dye’s safe time frame precisely so that you do not hurt your pet.
  4. Do not try and wash off permanent dog hair dye after it has been applied because this could cause unpleasant chemical burns or other damage to their skin. In addition, permanent dye for dogs does not wash out of fur all at once, so it is essential to let the dye fade naturally.
  5. Do not use petroleum jelly or baby oil on your pet before dying their hair. This can severely damage their respiratory system if they ingest some while grooming. It is also crucial that you use protective eyewear and gloves when dying your dog’s fur.
  6. Do not use a regular human hair dye on your pet because it will probably irritate their skin or be too harsh to use regularly. Likewise, do not use any traditional fabric dye either, as these usually contain a powerful chemical solution that is not safe for pets.
  7. Never dye your pet’s hair if they are ill or on medication. This is because the chemicals included in pet-specific dyes can be harsh and even dangerous to animals that cannot fully process them, such as those with liver damage.

Best Dog Safe Hair Dyes: Quick Picks

  1. Best Overall: Owpawz Opawz Dog/Pet Hair Dye Gel Bright, Fun Shade, Semi-Permanent and Permanent Dye, Completely Non-Toxic Safe for Dogs, Multiple Colors Available
  2. Best Decorative: CRAZY LIBERTY Dog Hair Dye
  3. Best for Semi-Permanent Results: Warren London Critter Color Temporary Pet Fur Coloring for Dogs – Easy to Use Apply & Dry Formula – Made in USA- 7 Colors

Reviewing 3 of the Best Dog Safe Hair Dyes

Best Overall: Owpawz Opawz Dog/Pet Hair Dye Gel Bright, Fun Shade, Semi-Permanent and Permanent Dye, Completely Non-Toxic Safe for Dogs, Multiple Colors Available

Amazon Choice Accolade if Applicable: For “Dog Dye.”

Key Features

  • Brand name: Owpawz
  • List of ingredients: Purified water, cosmetic, toiletry, and fragrance approved cosmetic colorant dyes and pigments, cellulose thickening agent, and preservative
  • Available volumes it comes in: Each tube contains 4 oz (113 g)
  • How long does the effect last: Up to 8 washes
  • Is the product safe to use?: Pet safe dye
  • Size of breed product is for: For dogs older than six months
  • Where is the product made?: Canada
  • Available colors: Brown, pink, black-blue, copper, dark green, aquamarine, blue, flame orange, green, navy blue, light pink, orange, purple, red, dilution cream
  • Does the product rub off?: No
  • Can the dye be used on light or dark coats or both?: Both

Opawz Dog Dye is safe to use on dogs older than six months. The formula is completely non-toxic and does not contain any harsh chemicals that damage dog hair. In addition, this dog hair paint contains a cellulose thickening agent and a preservative to increase durability.

The dye is available in 16 bright colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your pet’s fur color. Opawz dog dye comes in gel form and is easy to apply. This product lasts longer than a temporary hair dye, and it doesn’t rub off on your hands or clothes.

The tube-style dispensing cap makes this pet dye easy to control and apply. The gel adheres to your pet’s hair shafts, so there is no mess or runoff. This animal dye is entirely safe for small dogs, cats, and other animal pets.

Directions for Use

  1. Brush your pet’s fur before applying the dye.
  2. Apply the dye with a styling brush.
  3. Rub it into your pet’s fur with your fingers.
  4. Let the dye settle into your pet’s coat.
  5. Wipe excess dye from your pet’s skin and fur with a damp cloth.
List of HitsList of Misses
No harsh chemicals or irritantsAvailable in 16 colorsIt comes in gel formPricey for the tiny amount included

Best Decorative: CRAZY LIBERTY Dog Hair Dye

Amazon Choice Accolade if Applicable: For “Black Dog Hair Dye.”

Key Features

  • Brand name: CRAZY LIBERTY
  • List of ingredients: Alcohol, aqua, dimethylpolysiloxane emulsion, benzyl Alcohol, lactic Acid, carbomer, glycolic acid, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium citrate, perfume, colorant agents
  • How long does the product last: Permanent pet dye
  • Available volumes it comes in: 5 oz (141 g)
  • Is the product safe to use?: Pet safe dye
  • Where is the product made?: U.S.A
  • Available colors: Black, apricot, aquamarine, brown, buff, cream, Christmas, dark blue, dark chocolate, gold, light green, grey, liberty, light blue, light pink, magenta, Nouvel, pastel blue, pastel pink, pastel purple, patriotic, rainbow, red, spring, teal, turquoise, ultraviolet, valentine, violet, yellow, clear up
  • Does the product rub off?: No.
  • Can the dye be used on light or dark coats or both?: Both

CRAZY LIBERTY is a unique product that uses the all-new crazy coloring technology, which allows you to dye your dog’s fur in a new and fun way without any harsh chemicals. The all-natural formula is designed to improve the appearance of your beloved pet, and it has all the ingredients necessary to keep its coat healthy and nourished.

You can use CRAZY LIBERTY dog-safe hair dye to nourish and restore the structure of your dog’s coat by using it as a conditioner. The gentle formula will make the fur softer, shinier, and look much healthier than before.

This high-quality dog dye is designed to be as easy as possible for pet owners with no experience or training necessary. The non-toxic formula is safe for all animal coats, and the easy-to-apply gel makes it perfect to use on your dog or cat at home.

Unlike other permanent dyes in the market, this dog hair paint does not contain ammonia or any harsh chemicals present in many other products. This means it is much less likely to cause skin irritation, drying, or damage your pet’s fur.

Directions for Use

  1. Apply CRAZY LIBERTY to clean, dry fur.
  2. Use a brush or comb for spreading CRAZY LIBERTY onto the fur.
  3. Wait 10 minutes.
  4. Add water and shampoo until all of the dye is gone from your pet’s fur or feathers.
  5. Rinse with warm water.
List of HitsList of Misses
The product is made from vegan-friendly ingredients that are safe to use on petsIt contains no harsh chemical dyes, so it is unlikely to irritate your pet’s skin or hair folliclesThe non-toxic formula is safe for all animal coatsEasy to applySome owners report that the color of the dye turns out lighter than expected

Best for Semi-Permanent Results: Warren London Critter Color Temporary Pet Fur Coloring for Dogs – Easy to Use Apply & Dry Formula – Made in USA- 7 Colors

Key Features

  • Amazon choice accolade if applicable: Not applicable
  • Brand name: Warren London
  • List of ingredients: Reverse osmosis water, copolymer, acrylates, approved coloring,  gerbanben II, triethanolamine
  • How long does the product last: Washes out in 2 to 3 baths or fades on its own within weeks
  • How long does the effect last: Few weeks
  • Is the product safe to use?: Pet safe dye
  • Size of breed product is for: For dogs at least 12 weeks old 
  • Where is the product made?: U.S.A
  • Available colors: Pink, green, orange, blue, purple, red, and yellow
  • Does the product rub off?: No
  • Can the dye be used on light or dark coats or both?: All skin levels

This temporary dog hair dye comes in seven bright colors that can be used to add a splash of color to your pet’s fur. The dye washes out completely after 2-3 shampoos and does not irritate or damage the skin as some harsh chemicals do.

Critter Color dog-safe hair dye is easy to apply and can be used on dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, mice, and other small animals. It is completely safe for your pet because it contains no harsh chemicals and is made in the USA.

Directions for Use

  1. Brush your animal’s fur to remove any tangles.
  2. Put on gloves to protect your hands. 
  3. Apply the dye to a dry or damp coat.
  4. Use a brush to help spread the color throughout the coat.
  5. Allow coloring to remain in your pet’s fur for 10 minutes. 
  6. Use a hairdryer to dry the dye until it is completely dry.
List of HitsList of Misses
Made in the USANo harsh chemicalsIt does not last long (comes out in 2-3 shampoos)

How to Normalize Your Pet’s Hair After Dyeing it

Although dyed dog hair looks fantastic on many floofs, you’ll eventually want your dog to look normal again. Fortunately, this isn’t difficult to accomplish. To get rid of the color, simply wash your dog’s hair like you usually would.      

If the dye doesn’t come out, use a clarifying shampoo to break through any stubborn color molecules. Rub the shampoo into your dog’s fur. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly to remove the dye and any leftover shampoo residue.

Once your dog is back to its original color, you may want to keep the dyed hair as a unique accessory. Just be sure to check with your animal’s veterinary office first before attempting any dye jobs at home.

Summary

Although there are many other types of dog hair dyes on the market, temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent are the most popular.

If you are looking for a temporary dog hair dye, the best choice is the water-based paint available at your local grocery store. If you are looking for semi-permanent or permanent hair color, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it is safe for your pet before applying any dyes at home.

Our best pick, the Owpawz Opawz Dog/Pet Hair Dye Gel, is an easy-to-use, all-in-one gel that comes in multiple colors and washes out entirely after a few baths.

What’s your favorite pick for an excellent dog-safe hair dye? Let us know in the comment box below!

Groomers' Land