Specialty Grooming for Dogs

Some people get a lot of joy from dressing their dogs up and creating innovative hairstyles, trendy outfits, and stylish pedicures. Dressing your dog may be amusing, but when it comes to spa visits, dog owners should use a little caution. Cutting a dog’s hair is a matter of good hygiene as much as good style, but there are some spa treatments that can be a problem.

Most canine beauty treatments are harmless. However, it’s important to choose safe options when giving your pup a makeover. To ensure your dog stays healthy and happy, it’s always a good idea to seek the help of a professional.

Can I paint my dog’s toenails?

Professional groomers take care in handling their patients and use well maintained equipment to avoid clipper burns or cuts. These canine hairdressers use safe shampoos and conditioners, as well as medicated products prescribed by veterinarians, when necessary. 

Groomers clip, wash, dry, and fluff their patients, and commonly finish by painting the toenails with polishes formulated for dogs. Canine nail polish contains safe ingredients and dries quickly, often in less than a minute – a real plus when dealing with a wiggly pup.

Pet-friendly nail polish used by professional groomers is made from all-natural ingredients that are safe when inhaled or ingested, such as aloe, green tea extracts, and vitamin E. Dog owners can purchase doggie nail polish at some pet stores and should read the label to ensure safety.

Do not use human nail polish on your dog. Many human products contain toxic ingredients that can make a nail-biting dog sick. Three questionable chemicals in nail polish are dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde. Known as “the toxic three,” these chemicals pose health risks when inhaled or ingested. Plus, the fumes from human polish can irritate the dog’s respiratory passages, which are significantly more sensitive than a human's airways.

Before polishing the nails, examine pads and paws for cracks or open sores that could be irritated by nail polish. Prevent the dog from licking at the nails, especially while they are wet. When dry, if the dog tries to chew the polish from the nails, remove the polish promptly.

Can I dye my dog’s fur?

Colored hair may make a pet cute, but it can be a health hazard. Some hair dyes are specifically formulated for dogs, but pet owners often use human products. There are no studies that show human hair dye can be safely applied to dog fur. A dog may suffer immediate problems from the dye, such as skin irritation from the ammonia and hydrogen peroxide contained in many hair dyes. This irritation may be more significant in dogs than in humans, as their skin’s pH levels are different and may absorb the dye in varying levels. While people only dye the hair on their heads, many dog owners dye their dog’s entire body, increasing the chemical exposure.

Dye may also get in the dog’s mouth, eyes, and ears. Swallowing dye can cause intestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Getting dye in the eyes can cause corneal irritation or ulcers. Dye in the ear canal can cause itching and irritation. In addition, dogs may have a general allergic reaction to the dye that results in multiple problems.

If you are determined to color your dog’s hair, consider creating dye from vegetables (e.g., beets, asparagus, cranberries, strawberries, spinach) or investigating products specifically made for dogs. After dying your dog’s hair, observe your dog closely for signs of discomfort. Visit your veterinarian at the first sign of skin redness or itching.