Some dogs have their own Instagram and Facebook pages, others are dressed up in ribbons and bows, carried in bags, even employed as professional personalities. And just like humans, our pets have trends.

The latest trend to displace the better judgement of otherwise responsible pet owners has emerged. Dog owners are now covering their canine companions’ most sensitive areas with glitter.

The trend was first introduced to the public by the Royal Paws Pet Salon, which was quick to distance itself from the flashy new treatment.

“I just thought I would let everybody know the latest creative grooming trend is glitter,” the caption of their Facebook post reads. “Please know that I love doing creative but, I will NOT be doing this. Posting for your entertainment.”

Source: Facebook/Royal Paws Pet Salon

A Poodle scrotum, decorated in dazzling gold glitter.

The glitter is edible and attached with cornstarch so although it’s not harmful if dogs eat it, vets and animal welfare charities are warning that it’s probably not a good idea.

Other pages though, showed off dogs with ‘the nicest set of testicles in the Grooming Industry.’

But don’t be so quick to judge a ball by its color. Jordan Burns, a professional groomer and breeder from Kentucky, says that the dog with blue balls is actually her poodle.

“I actually didn’t do it for the grooming community,” Burns explains. “It was a joke between other breeders. We get a lot of backlash for having intact dogs and someone made a joke that we should start glittering our dogs’ balls to make them even more noticeable. So I thought a pet expo would be a great way to jokingly test that out.”

Source: Facebook/Royal Paws Pet Salon

The edible glitter is applied with corn syrup.

Burns nailed the look with a little corn syrup and edible cake glitter, which were safe for consumption in case her pooch licked his package.

Most people were pretty taken aback by the idea though.

One poster said: ‘That has got to itch their skin or irritate it at least on the inside of their legs. I find this concerning, upsetting, and disturbing. Please don’t do this!!!!!’

‘Glitter is bad for the oceans, the environment, and for the dogs digestion when he licks this off! Omg! Animals, not even our pets, are purely for our selfish entertainment! What is wrong with people!?’ another added.

We spoke to Battersea Cats and Dogs home who said that any sort of dyeing or adorning should not be recommended.

A spokesperson said: ‘Dogs are sentient beings that deserve respect, not fashion accessories.

(Picture: Facebook)

‘Owners have a duty of care to look after their pets responsibly in ways which don’t threaten their welfare.

‘Battersea would not encourage anyone to dye or adorn their dog in any way that threatens the animal’s health.’

In short, you probably wouldn’t like it if someone did this to you.

They added that neutering your dog (and therefore removing the testicles altogether, glittery or not) is the best thing to do for their health.

‘We also believe neutering your pet is something all responsible owners should do as a matter of course,’ they said.

‘Not only will it reduce the number of unwanted animals ending up in rescue centres, it also has health and behavioural benefits for dogs.’