Dog shows are a highly competitive hobby. Many pet owners choose to purchase a high-profile, beautiful breed of dog and will then take that dog to purebred shows where the animal can compete for awards and trophies. Yet there are times that the dog competitions are not fair and square because some owners may try “cosmetic doping.” Unlike the doping that you may be familiar with, cosmetic doping typically doesn’t involve forcing a dog to swallow performance enhancing drugs. There are, however, times that dogs in physical competitions may be given drugs by their masters. This is also a constant battle on the racetrack with both horses and dogs when owners will slip caffeinated or performance enhancing supplements into the animal’s foods in order to make them do their best.

Yet in the dog show world, there are some “doping" procedures that may sway the competition or harm the animals unjustly. Typically, these “doping” procedures don’t involve illegal substances. Instead, they typically have to do with polishes, sprays, powders, and vitamins that are sprayed on the dog fright before he or she does out into the ring for display. In WKC and AKC shows, owners are only allowed to use select products them primping their dogs for the competition. This is because the AKC has approved specific dog grooming products that are not harmful to the animal and won’t become uncomfortable for them. When owners use other products, including human hair products, to enhance their dog’s appearance, it is as illegal as drug doping in horse races.

According to one set of rules for the WKC, it is expressly illegal to change the markings or natural colors of a dog’s coat by the use of dyes or other coloring mechanisms. As well, it is illegal to alter the appearance of a dog’s coat with any product other than a cleaning substance that is removed before the show takes place. The reason that these rules have been put in place is simple. It is dangerous to use too many high-power beautify products around an animal. Using human beauty products on an animal can cause severe skin irritations, or can have an effect on the dog’s sinuses, causing an infection. In some cases, the animal may be allergic to components within the product. This may cause his or her eyes to water, nose to run, or skin to bubble up with hives and other itchy growths.

Animals are also very sensitive to smell, so using too many strong-smelling beauty products near them can be aggravating to their senses. One veterinarian says that whenever hairspray is spritzed near an individual’s nose and eyes, it is bound to bring about some irritation. Aerosolized irritants can enter the eyes, nose, moth, and respiratory tract. Oftentimes, this leads to inflammation, and eventually to illness. Also, it is important for dog owners to keep in mind that curious animals will often lick themselves in order to taste the products that they were covered in. If your dog is covered in a dangerous spray, gel, or dye, then the animal may start consuming the product and this can lead to injury, illness, or death.

You want to make sure that you only purchase dog friendly products for grooming, or better, take your dog to la licensed and professional groomer that you can trust when you need to get him or her primped for a show. It can also be considered dog abuse for an owner to perform any cosmetic surgeries on the tail, ears, or another part of the body solely in order to improve the animal’s appearance. These painful surgeries can actually cause an animal extreme discomfort, so make sure to avoid them if possible. If you want more information about cosmetic surgeries, treatments and products and how they affect your animal’s health, then talk to a local veterinarian today. As well, if you are going to be putting your pet in shows, you should make sure that you have a dedicated and loyal vet who is there to help you if anything goes wrong.