Dying 'Assistance' Dogs Pink

[DarceyK123]

Yes, i know, weird question.

I am in a FB group for border collie owners when an American lady posted a pic of her dog which parts of it were dyed pink, so i asked why. Her reply was hes an assistance dog and it makes him harder to steal.

Thought it was a big weird but maybe in America!!

But today in our park met another lady who had a labrador with a pink tail , asked her the same question and got the same reply.

Never heard of this before and how does is help anyway?

Any thoughts?

[Barsel]

Well, I think you've answered your own question, Darcey.
If someone is going to steal a dog, they wouldn't want one with a pink tail or ears.

[barry1010]

I can't see it being much of a deterrent, dye can be washed off, dyed over and is never permanent.

[barry1010]

Oh dear https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/17185557/scared-dog-stolen-dye-red-trolls-cruel/amp/

[douglas9401]

Condolences, must be hard to lose a companion.

[Hopkirk]

It would take a long time to completely disappear, but any thief would want to sell it on quickly.

[DarceyK123]

Oh i really dont like this trend, poor dogs.

[barry1010]

Does a dog know it looks differently, do other dogs react differently? I honestly don't know

[RATTER15]

Its ridiculous what they do to dogs and cats in the USA, what with the dying silly colours, cropping ears and tails the use of barbaric prong collars, and declawing cats, it's disgusting and cruel!!

[barry1010]

I don't like the idea of dyeing dogs either, ratter - but is it cruel? Assuming the dye is intended for dogs and is harmless, of course.

I well remember poodles being dyed for no other reason than a fashion trend years ago.

There are plenty of cropped dogs in the UK, the owners claim it was done in Europe to evade the law.

[Peter Pedant]

veg dye, in case the dog licks

and it is dyeing innit? - I sat frooan hour's lecture at the BM on dying practices 1450-1500
and ONLY learnt that black dye used in henry VII coffin cover was VERY expensive. ( anne Boleyn's fave colour was the..... fab expensive black dye)

yeah I thought it stopping living, or expiring

[Old_Geezer]

I think it won't change the ability to dognap. Dye grows out anyway, or can be redyed, or the end buyer may not ask questions anyway.

Ah, darn. I see barry has already covered that.

[pastafreak]

I don't know...maybe a pink tail makes *that* dog recognisable and easier to find if stolen. It has a different value if its an assistance dog. But if all dogs get dye jobs, none stand out...defeats the purpose. I'm just trying to find a reason...

Anyone who dyes their dog for fun should have it taken away. The dog didn't have a choice...it just draws attention to the stupid owner.
Just checked...its illegal in several states. Good for them!

[pastafreak]

Forgot link...

https://wagwalking.com/wellness/dyeing-your-dogs-fur-is-it-illegal-in-your-state

[vulcan42]

It seems to me this is yet another example of the human psyche that has an intense desire to interfere with nature.

[barry1010]

Nobody has addressed my question. If the dye is safe does dyeing a dog harm it any way? Does it know it looks different, does other dogs think it looks a threat or different?

[Old_Geezer]

If it can see it, it will know. I'm unsure how dogs react to their own reflection so that may be a different matter. I suspect dogs are sufficiently accepting of difference for it not to make a major issue for them, most times. The above is just guesswork though.

[pastafreak]

It may not harm the dog, but it doesn't benefit it in any way either. I see it as purely for the owner's vanity.