Hair Dye Effects on the Hair Coat and Skin of the Dog: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Eight healthy mixed-breed dogs with short hair coats were dyed daily for 80 days with Clairol Hair Dye Flaxen Blonde. By the end of the experiment, the dyed areas were red and dry, and four dogs exhibited restlessness and skin changes such as parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis. Hair shaft examination revealed deep fractures and splitting in two dogs, with secondary hairs showing excessive cuticle peeling and cortex deterioration. The intensive dye use caused significant hair and skin damage, including irritation, dryness, and epidermal changes, and affected the dogs' behavior.