Dog Blog

As a dog retailer I make sure that I am always up-to-date on the latest pet trends. Normally I am extremely proud of the progress we have made in the pet industry because as people are treating their animals as full fledged members of their family, pet products have evolved to give them better choices for food, toys, pet care, and more. Every once in a while however, I see a trend that comes out that has me shaking my head and dying your pet's hair is one of them.

In a recent article written by Daryl Conner entitled Color Their World, he profiles one of the latest trends in grooming, which is multi-coloured hair dying for dogs. With photos of dogs with blue mohawks, or rainbow highlights it is hard to believe that these pet owners are truly looking out for the best interests of their dogs. In my opinion, all this will do is manage to get their dogs laughed at, and if anyone thinks that dogs don't know when people are laughing at them, then you need to learn a few things about dogs and their emotions.

The worst example I saw of this grooming practice was a standard poodle whose body was completely dyed bright purple with images of grapes created out of intentional hair cutting pronounced along her side. The reason for this? The poodle's owner runs a pet spa and the attention her poodle gets is helpful for promoting her business. Ok, I understand that gaining exposure for your business is important. I also understand that having your own animals in public using your products is helpful so people can see the value in what you are selling as they witness the benefits these products bring to your dog....BUT...I cannot accept intentionally allowing your dog to be ridiculed to help boost one's business.

Ok so this post was more of a rant than anything else, but I just had to get this out there. I stayed silent when I saw pet wigs appear (another inappropriate fad) but I couldn't stay silent when I see our pet's put in such unfair situations by their owners who they love, and trust to take care of them.