My dog ate hair dye, relaxer & perm solutions — what should I do?
YELLOW — Call your vet today
What to do now
- Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours).
- Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Can be caustic (alkaline relaxers, peroxide).
Symptoms to watch for
Drooling, mouth irritation, vomiting.
When: Minutes to hours
Frequently asked questions
Is hair dye, relaxer & perm solutions dangerous for dogs?
It can be. Can be caustic (alkaline relaxers, peroxide). Call your vet today for advice.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate hair dye, relaxer & perm solutions?
Drooling, mouth irritation, vomiting.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats hair dye, relaxer & perm solutions?
Minutes to hours
What should I do if my dog ate hair dye, relaxer & perm solutions?
Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours). Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Corrosive agents
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Household cleaners and personal care products
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: hair dye, relaxer · Category: Cosmetic · Last reviewed 2026-10-14