Debunking the Luxury Perfume for Dogs: Is it Safe?

Dolce and Gabbana’s latest luxury perfume for dogs has caused quite a stir in the animal welfare community. At a price tag of over $100, this perfume mist for dogs is inspired by Fefé, the pet dog of brand-owner Domenico Dolce. The fragrance boasts a blend of “fresh and delicate notes of Ylang Ylang, Musk, and Sandalwood,” packaged in a green lacquered glass bottle with a 24-carat gold-plated paw embellishment.

Despite being certified as safe for animal use by the Safe Pet Cosmetics program, organizations like Britain’s RSPCA have expressed worries about the potential negative impact of such perfumes on dogs. The RSPCA cautioned against anthropomorphizing dogs and reiterated the importance of preserving their natural sense of smell for communication and interaction with their environment and fellow beings.

Professor Donald Maurice Broom from the Cambridge Veterinary School raised concerns about the potential consequences of overwhelming a dog’s olfactory senses with a strong perfume like Fefé. He emphasized the importance of the subtle odour information that dogs rely on for interpreting their surroundings, suggesting that masking these scents could have adverse effects on a dog’s well-being.

Interestingly, Professor Broom acknowledged that exposure to certain sweet-smelling oils, such as lavender, could have a calming effect on dogs when used sparingly. He noted that oils like ylang ylang, present in Fefé, might also offer benefits to dogs in specific contexts. However, the key lies in moderation and ensuring that the scent does not overwhelm the dog’s natural olfactory abilities.

RSPCA’s Senior Scientific Officer, Alice Potter, suggested that lightly-scented products, which do not interfere with a dog’s sense of smell, could potentially have a soothing effect on dogs. The emphasis here is on choosing scents that are pleasing to dogs without compromising their innate ways of perceiving the world through smell.

While luxury dog perfumes like Fefé may appear glamorous and appealing to pet owners, it is essential to consider the potential consequences on the well-being of dogs. By understanding the delicate balance of scent in a dog’s life, we can make informed choices about the products we use on our furry friends. Ultimately, the safety and happiness of our canine companions should always be our top priority.