After a rainy romp or an epic outdoor adventure, your dog might come home smelling... less than fresh. That funky scent? It loves to stick around the house longer than you'd like—definitely not your favorite souvenir!
So, it may be a good idea to use dog perfume, right? Hold on a minute. Before you decide that should be the case, reading through this guide could be something you’ll want to do first. Especially if you are uncertain about which dog perfumes to choose or if your dog might have an issue with them, let’s answer this question and more right now.
Why Do Dogs Smell?
Yes, dogs do smell at times after they’ve spent time outdoors, gotten down and dirty, or whatever else. Knowing where that doggy odor has originated from is important. While rolling around on the ground might be one good reason, it might not be the only thing to blame it on. Here are some common reasons why dogs might get smelly:
- Natural oils on their skin can accumulate over time and give off a musky odor
- They may be dealing with skin allergies or yeast overgrowth
- Ear infections or dental issues may lead to persistent smells
- A smell could emit from their anal glands, which is a strong, fishy scent
As for whether or not a dog perfume is necessary, the answer can be yes and no. Your dog just might need a bath. Not to mention, perfume alone is not the best approach to such issues. Perhaps the best solution is to address the root problem. In the case of skin allergies, we highly recommend Under The Weather’s Allergy and Itch Powder for Dogs. It contains natural ingredients like biotin to help promote a healthy skin and coat, along with probiotics for digestive support.
If you are dealing with ear infections or dental issues, your vet will provide you with the best treatment options. Keep in mind that the smell that is associated with such conditions will dissipate along with the issue itself.
What Is Dog Perfume?
Dog perfume features formulated mists or sprays that freshen their coat between baths. Unlike human perfume that contains alcohol and synthetic fragrances (which can trigger potential safety concerns aside from direct contact), dog perfumes have ingredients that are safer on a dog’s skin and won’t harm them if accidentally ingested via licking. Some perfumes may feature conditioning agents like essential oils for a pleasant aroma and conditioning agents to maintain a healthy coat. So that you know, not all dog perfumes are the same.
Are Dog Perfumes Actually Safe?
It depends on what the product is and how it is used. A high-quality dog perfume will be safe to use if the ingredients are formulated for dogs. It can be used occasionally and properly, making it a safe and helpful option. However, it is important to follow these important safety tips:
- Never use human perfume. It contains alcohol and artificial fragrances that can trigger skin irritation in dogs. If ingested via licking, it may have harmful side effects.
- Consider gentle, vet-approved ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and oatmeal. These will be excellent options, especially for those with sensitive skin.
- Avoid spraying in sensitive areas like the mouth, nose, ears, or eyes.
- Never overuse, even daily. This can lead to a buildup on the skin and coat, which can cause irritation.
Patch testing dog perfume can be done. However, if you have any concerns about your dog’s allergies or skin conditions, consult with your vet as soon as possible.
When Can Dog Perfume Be Useful?
There may be times when applying dog perfume might make sense. So when exactly should it be done? Let’s discuss the best times and when to apply it (even if you have a regularly busy schedule):
- Between baths: If your dog is not yet due for a full bath but just needs a quick freshen-up, dog perfume can be useful. It is especially effective for long-haired breeds, as they pick up smells much more easily.
- After a long outdoor adventure: Whether it’s a rainy walk or a hike on the muddy trails, your dog might not smell the best. Even if they are not the slightest bit dirty, it’s still possible that they can smell. Thus, consider using a light spritz to get rid of the odor before they go indoors.
- During social events: If you are expecting company to come over, use a bit of dog perfume on your four-legged friend to keep them nice and fresh. This can also be done before you both head out for an event or even a dog-friendly cafe.
- After a visit to the groomers: Every now and then, the groomer might spritz on a dog-safe scent—it’s just a chill little bonus that makes your pup feel extra pampered.
When Shouldn’t You Use Dog Perfume?
On the other hand, there are times when dog perfume shouldn’t be used. What are those specific situations? Let’s take a look at those right now:
- If your dog has allergies or skin sensitivities. Natural ingredients may seem harmless most of the time, but they can trigger skin allergies. As such, it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Do they have an underlying medical issue like a skin infection, dental disease, or an anal gland problem? No need for dog perfume at all. However, you’ll need to set up an appointment with a vet as soon as possible.
- Does your dog hate the idea of being sprayed? This can happen since dogs consider the sight of a spray bottle a source of stress. Alternatively, you can use a slightly scented grooming wipe that can come in handy in situations where they might smell.
Remember that your dog’s comfort is always a priority. Do not spray dog perfume if it makes your dog uncomfortable.
What Are Some Natural Alternatives to Dog Perfume?
If you don’t like the idea of using commercial dog perfume, there are plenty of gentler alternatives to consider. You can consider something that will handle a dog’s smell without worrying about putting them in some kind of danger. These alternatives we highly recommend include the following:
- Regular brushing: This is perhaps a common but beneficial approach. It will allow you to remove any dirt, danger, or debris that may contribute to bad odors.
- Grooming wipes: These are pre-moistened and safe for dogs. You can wipe their paws, fur, and behind the ears with them. They mostly come in faint but natural scents or can be unscented. Either way, they can be an excellent alternative, especially for dogs that don’t like being sprayed.
- Dry shampoos: Yes, there are dry shampoos that can absorb excess oils without using water. These come in powder or foam.
- DIY sprays: Mix distilled water with dog-safe essential oils that smell lovely (we recommend chamomile or lavender). Be sure to properly dilute the mixture. If you are unsure whether a DIY spray might be the best fit, you can always check with your vet prior to application.
Know Your Dog’s Scent Sensitivity
Did you know that dogs have 50 times the amount of olfactory receptors compared to humans? That’s right, humans have 6 million of these receptors while dogs have up to 300 million. A faint floral smell to you might be an overpowering smell for your four-legged friend.
For this reason, it may be a good idea to consider using a light, subtle scent for your dog, especially if it’s a dog perfume or a wipe designed with their sensitive sense of smell in mind. Keep in mind that if it smells strong to you, it’ll be overkill for them in terms of scent.
Choosing the Right Dog Perfume
When choosing a perfume for your dog, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for numerous factors. These include, but are not limited to the following:
- Find something that is made for dogs. Avoid using human products.
- Make sure it’s free from alcohol and synthetic dyes.
- The fewer the ingredients, the better it is for your dog.
- Always choose a mild, natural fragrance. Your best options are chamomile, lavender, or rosemary. A good rule of thumb is to always choose more calming herbs.
- If your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, look for hypoallergenic formulas that are mild and safer.
Final Thoughts
A dog perfume formulated just for them will be good when needed. It won’t always be the best solution for whenever they smell. That’s why it is important to be vigilant of when you notice the smell and how it might have happened. Never use fragrances formulated for humans. If your dog has not been outdoors recently and they exhibit a suspicious smell, be sure to look them over thoroughly for any skin, dental, or other issues (which will warrant a vet visit if something is discovered).
