Many owners turn their pets into colorful fashion accessories without much consideration for the pets themselves. Photo: CFP

Fashion accessories can come in all shapes and sizes, often in the form of a stylish handbag or a glamorous necklace. However, as the summer heat rises and the latest fashion trends come on display, it is not unusual for pet owners to turn their cats or dogs into that vital accessory which ties an outfit together. Although a pet with a new hair color or a full-body trim may appeal to the owner, pets themselves may not always appreciate their new hip look.

Some pet owners view the  trimming of a cat's hair as a controversial decision. "Imagine that a cat is like a thing of beauty. If you trim all her hair without her permission, she'll probably become pretty upset," said Christian Yang, a pet groomer of Jianwen Pet Grooming Academy in Chaoyang district. "Another more extreme metaphor is that a hairless cat is just like a naked person, which strongly embarrasses them."

Li Yuan, a vet from Chongai International Pet Hospital, claims that grooming cats is less serious than some believe. "Generally speaking, cats aren't that vulnerable. They just need some time to get used to the situation," she said. "When the cats habitually lick their hair, they'll directly touch the skin. Yet it's no big deal. Moreover, it depends on every cat's personality."

Thom Jenkins, another vet from Doctors Beck & Stone International Pet Hospital, said that regular grooming is an important part of responsible pet ownership. "Long-haired cats in particular need very frequent grooming sessions if we are to prevent the development of painful fur matting. Having a cat or dog's fur trimmed in the lead up to the hotter summer months can be a very sensible idea," he said.

Yu Jinbei, an IT engineer, who removes his cat Bobo's hair every summer, believes trimming not only benefits the pet but also the owner. "Bobo will feel cooler, while also reducing the loose hairs that he sheds around the house, which cause allergic reactions," he said.

However, vets warn owners that the grooming of an animal can be a stressful experience, and should only be carried out by trained groomers.

"Cats are extremely sensitive to stress, and a bad grooming experience can trigger depression," said Jenkins.

Besides the trimming of a cat's fur, other pet lovers prefer to dye their dog's hair during in the summer. "The ingredients are made from plants," said Yang. "You don't have to worry about any bad effects once the dog occasionally ingests the dye." She claimed that the dye is not only non-irritant, but also edible.

A dog's new hair color may scratch an owner's creative itch and complement their fashionable wardrobe, but it can leave the dog itself facing awkward situations. "We believe dyeing patterns into a dog's hair can unintentionally alter the behavioral signals that they send to other dogs, potentially provoking aggression," said Jenkins. "This trend risks sending the wrong message, encouraging people to think of pets as fashion accessories rather than companions and much loved family members."

Asked if non-toxic dyes are safer for the dogs, Jenkins suggests the owners ensure they are using a dye that is non-toxic for pets. A label stating that a product is non-toxic to humans does not guarantee that it is safe to use on other species.

"Do think twice before you want to make a major decision of changing your pets' appearances," Yang said. "For example, declawing your cats might lead to infections and hemorrhage."