On dyes – Remember every inch of an animal is coated in fur (well, most of). Dyes are not _natural_ and get absorbed into their skin from exposure. So look at the ingredients of pet dyes, would you want your pet eating it? Even food coloring has been known to cause severe reactions in some animals, ranging from a rash to fatal illnesses. Many people don’t like to feed their pets artificially colored foods because it has been linked to certain issues. And animals groom, so beyond skin absorption they are also ingesting it. And, since it is not “made for consumption” it has less rules / tests required to ship it to market.

Leashes – Even the most well trained rabbits can spook or get excited. And even the most experienced owner / trainer can have accidents happen. Many use leashes, but even people who do agility etc and use them understand the risk involved. A rabbit that is restricted / pulled by a leash from a full out run can break their back, legs or various other bones. Rabbits bodies are very fragile.

Is pet dye legal? Is it safe? I saw some being sold at my local pet shop and I’m wondering what are the cons of using color dye on your rabbit.

I wonder what any of the Pros are? I just don’t understand the use of it at all.
I 100% agree with what Stickerbunny has written. It is just not worth the risk IMO.

Do you have an area outside where you could set up a pen? He could explore at his leisure then.

Toys: cardboard tubes stuffed with hay. Cardboard boxes they can hop into or jump on top of are popular. Rabbits might shred and tear at them but its a safe activity for them to do.
Rabbits sleep a lot during the day time. Is he being destructive that has you thinking he could be bored?

I’ve never heard of ‘pet dye’ but I do know of vegetable dye. I don’t think it is safe for rabbits though, as they could ingest it VERY easily.
I know lots of people use veggie dye on dogs though, in fact, I am one. My vet approves and he never licks it off. Really no cons and pro’s, it’s just hair dye. Personally I use it because that stuff’s expensive! So when I change my hair color I DON’T want it to go to waist.
Again though, my vet personally approved it for my dog.

I think dying bunnies and chicks is cruel and inhumane. It`s something done entirely for the pleasure of humans. Every picture I`ve ever seen of a dyed rabbit, they look so miserable. And that stuff has got to be bad for them. Imagine if it gets in their eyes. Not to mention the stressful procedure of dying them. It should be illegal. Not to mention it is done mainly to encourage rabbits as Easter gifts for children.

I know some people dye their dogs. I have seen tons of photos from poodle competitions where food coloring is airbrushed on the dog. Not that I think it is a wonderful idea or anything, but at least dogs don’t lick themselves constantly. Rabbits are big groomers and they would be licking this dye. I can’t imagine that is good for them. And like LPT said, it is likely very traumatizing for a rabbit to be dyed like that. You can’t train a rabbit like you can a dog. Dogs that are used for show are trained to hold still for grooming and such. You simply cannot do that with a rabbit and the rabbit would be terrified of the whole process.

I had planned on purchasing a harness when I got my first bun. Do the research. And look up peoples stories. They’re horrifying. How a simple leisurely walk can turn into a horrifying story of a bunny dying because he spooked and snapped his spine. It’s really terrifying. I would really suggest not doing this and just keeping him enclosed in an x-pen with a cover if you’d prefer him to have some run time outside.

I have to agree with everyone else. Dye just seems horrifying to put on a rabbit. Not only for the physical reason of them ingesting it since all they do is groom themselves ESPECIALLY when they think they are dirty but also mentally as well. The only way to do this (well, the ways I can think of) include holding your bunny down so you can dye him or dunking him in something. Neither of which is healthy or conducive to having a good stable relationship with your bunny.

In Illinois – we have lots of hawks…so they highly recommend not taking buns outside, unless safe in a pen. Also – as bunnies have very sharp teeth, they say that the bun can easily bite thru the leash – and just take off. I’ve seen a bunny harness/leash used indoors when a person brought their bun to an Easter event at church for children…and that seemed pretty safe.

I think dying a bun just sounds horrible all around. What is the point?

We have a harness for Foo and we feel its wasted money. After buying it, we have been too afraid to even try to use it.

As for toys, Foo loves playing with boxes. On them, in them, chewing, etc. Just had my bridal shower so they are everywhere. Cheap, simple and easy!