TikTokkers dying dogs for video stunts accused of ‘poisoning’ pets for views

TikTokkers who dye their dogs’ fur for online videos are poisoning them, a vet has warned.

Several clips show owners tinting their pets’ hair to make them look like other animals such as pandas and foxes.

The footage has amassed millions of views.

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But Dr Anna Foreman, from Everypaw Pet Insurance, said dying a pet’s fur was “purely benefiting us for aesthetic purposes” and puts dogs at risk of toxicity, skin irritation and serious infections.

She said the videos were “promoting dying an animal’s fur and encouraging members of the public to do the same to their animals”.

While some dogs will enjoy being groomed or bathed, there was “no way we can say that animals specifically enjoy being dyed”, she added.

Research showed searches for “blue dog hair dye” have increased by 200% in the past three months, while online trawls for temporary dog hair dye are up 100%.

Dr Foreman said the only situation where fur dying was remotely acceptable was if an animal’s tail was tinted a bright garish colour to stop them being stolen.

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In such cases, food colouring is the safest to use as it is made from natural ingredients.

But she added there were “other methods to discourage thieves”.

More than a third of dog owners plan to have their four-legged friend at their wedding ceremony, a poll by pet care company Rover found.

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