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The Best Dog Perfumes and Colognes to Keep Your Pup Smelling Good
If you haven't heard of fragrance sprays for dogs, your life as a pet owner is about to change.
If your first reaction to the idea of buying perfume for your dog is, "Um, what?" You're probably not alone there. But once you do a bit of research, you'll realize that figuring out how to make your dog smell great is less about them spritzing on some Chanel No. 5 every morning (though, admittedly, that is a funny image) and more about the coat sprays and deodorants that leave your furry friend smelling that much better than they would otherwise.
Shopping for the best dog perfumes isn't much of a stretch if you are already purchasing the best dog toothbrushes, dog toothpastes, dog nail clippers, or probiotics for dogs to keep your pup looking, feeling, and smelling their best. Sometimes, it's not even about the smell of the fragrance of the spray itself but the way it neutralizes odors that might be clinging to your dog's fur. This can be a huge problem if your dog has thick, coarse hair that tends to absorb all the odors around it.
Not everyone has the ability to give their dog a full bath when they're smelling a little less-than-fresh, if you will, but a perfume or spray can help eliminate the issue until their next bath or grooming appointment. The pet supply market is bigger than ever, so whether your pet is sensitive to fragrances or has allergies, there's likely an option that will work for them.
The best dog perfumes in 2023:
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Paw Fume Premium Grooming Spray
Paw Fume Premium Grooming Spray
With almost 13,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, this is a serious winner for most people when it comes to a dog perfume or fragrance spray. Not only is the brand run by veterinarians, but the product is hypoallergenic, sulfate free, and long-lasting. Some reviews even say that their dog smells good for a week after using it, which is pretty impressive.
Bark2Basics Salon Scents Pet Grooming Cologne
Bark2Basics Salon Scents Pet Grooming Cologne
According to the brand, this spray's formula is designed to attach itself to "the animal hair follicles for a longer lasting fragrance than leading brands." There are reviews from both groomers and pet owners that say this leaves their pup's fur shiny, healthy, conditioned, and smelling great for days on end.
South Bark Blueberry-Clove Pet Cologne
This one is a little more expensive than some other variations, but the reviews seem to indicate that it's very much worth the price. One customer wrote that they had tried several different dog perfumes and colognes for their dogs and this is the best they've found. Others noted that they were first inspired to use it because their groomer recommended it or used it on their dog in the first place. It's always a good sign when the professionals are using the product, too.
Lavender & Chamomile Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray
Lavender & Chamomile Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray
Experts have said that lavender and other scents can be effective in calming down anxious, nervous dogs. If your pup is a little on the anxious side, try keeping their fur fresh with this aromatherapy-focused dog perfume. Multiple reviews note the spray's scent and calming effect as positive aspects of this product.
Hempz Petz Dog Cologne
If your dog's fur is smelly and on the dry side, this dog cologne will hydrate their coat and leave them smelling wonderful. With an incredibly high rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon, this product is a favorite amongst dog owners. It's vegan and cruelty-free, while also being free of paraben, dyes, and gluten.
Bodhi Dog Natural Pet Cologne
With 10 different scent options, this natural pet cologne has an option for everyone and every dog. Plus, it's a family-owned business that makes their products in the USA, if that's important to you. Multiple reviews note that the spray works on dogs of many different breeds and that the smell lasts for days on end.
What to look for when shopping for dog perfumes
✔️ Made for pets: The first, most important thing, is that you should be choosing a fragrance spray that is specifically for dogs. This might go without saying, but it's important to emphasize, as other types of sprays or mists could be harmful for your dog. Many non-dog-specific sprays contain alcohol, which will dry out your pup's skin if used.
✔️ Free of harmful ingredients: Look for products that are pH balanced for dogs, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free.
✔️ Scents that won't bother you: It's also important to read all the reviews when it comes to choosing an exact scent. This is the best way to ensure you choose a scent that you want to smell all the time. Take note of reviews that say how strong or subtle the scent is, and how sweet-smelling it is, too. All are factors that can affect how you feel about it once you're smelling it around your house every single day.
FAQ
- What is dog perfume?
Dog perfume is fragrance spray or mist that's specifically formulated and balanced for the skin and fur of dogs. - How does dog perfume work?
As The DoDo points out, there is a difference between perfumes or colognes and deodorizing sprays. Dog perfumes mask scent, while a deodorizer works to eliminate the cause of bad odors. - Is dog perfume harmful?
If you choose a cologne, perfume, or deodorizer that's specifically formulated for dogs then, no, it won't cause your dog any harm. However, if you have any doubts about how sensitive your dog may be to the smell, ask your veterinarian what they recommend. Another way to stay on the safe side of things is to make sure you choose a hypoallergenic spray.
Olivia Muenter is a freelance writer and former fashion and beauty editor who writes about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, relationships, travel, home decor, and more for Woman's Day and beyond. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Refinery 29, Glamour, Byrdie, Apartment Therapy, Philadelphia Magazine, and more. When she's not reading (or talking about reading on Bad on Paper, the bookish podcast she co-hosts), you can find Olivia working on her first novel, curating the perfect playlist, or shopping online.
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