URGENT UPDATE: A dog has gone viral after her owner mistakenly used hair conditioner meant for humans, resulting in a striking pink appearance. The incident, shared by 55-year-old Ella Hart from Toronto, has captivated social media, amassing over 7,000 upvotes on Reddit.
Hart posted a picture of her 4-year-old Hungarian Herding dog, Coconut, with the caption: “This is what happens when you don’t read instructions.” She explained to Newsweek that she used a red-enhancing conditioner, believing it would only give her a subtle tint. “I thought it would be ok,” Hart said, adding, “I was thinking maybe a pale pink that would wash out right away. It didn’t.”
The unintentional dye job lasted an impressive four months, enduring multiple baths and turning walks around Toronto into a delightful spectacle. Hart noted the mixed reactions from the public: “Little kids see her and run toward her squealing. It’s like a toy coming to life. Then there were very serious dog people who were unimpressed, going by their glares.”
Despite the divided opinions, Hart found joy in the attention Coconut received. “At least three people asked if it was real. Seriously. Wishful thinking maybe? Like, who wouldn’t want a pink doggie?” she remarked, highlighting her love for the color pink, which made their outings a coordinated affair.
Thankfully, Coconut’s fur has returned to its original color, and no harm was done. However, this incident serves as a crucial reminder for pet owners: always use dog-safe grooming products. Dog skin has a pH balance between 6.2 and 7.4, while human skin is more acidic. Using inappropriate products can disrupt this balance and harm a dog’s skin barrier.
Hart humorously shared her experience on Reddit to entertain fellow dog lovers, stating, “I posted it on Reddit for a bunch of reasons. To share the humor, to see comments, but mostly as I adore her and will use any excuse to talk about her.” The reactions from Reddit users were overwhelmingly positive, with one commenter joking, “This is what happens when you launder the whites with colors.”
This isn’t the first time a dog has unintentionally sported a new look. Just last month, another dog owner shared how his Labrador turned blue after swimming in a pond dyed with pet-safe color.
As pet grooming mishaps continue to amuse and engage online communities, this story stands out for its humor and the bond between Hart and her beloved Coconut. Do you have funny pet stories to share? Send your videos or pictures to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in our Pet of the Week lineup!
