A smooth voice intones over swelling violins as a parade of pampered pooches poses on high chairs, each more extravagantly groomed than the last. “I am delicate, authentic, charismatic, sensitive, enigmatic, rebel, fresh, irresistible, clean,” the voice says. “‘Cause I’m not just a dog. I’m Fefé.”
Dolce & Gabbana’s ad
The perfume has been certified by Safe Pet Cosmetics, an independent veterinary organisation in Italy that validates the safety of products for animals, Dolce & Gabbana said. But is it a good idea to spritz your furry companion?
“This is entirely for the owner’s benefit, not for the dogs,” said Daniel Mills, a professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the University of Lincoln in England. “Dogs have a fantastic sense of smell, and changing their odour can cause significant issues.”
Dogs rely heavily on smell to navigate the world, which is filled with subtle odour cues from other dogs, humans, food and potential dangers, Mills said. Applying strong scents — even creamy undertones of sandalwood — can mask these important signals, potentially causing social issues and confusion among dogs.
Changing a dog’s scent can also cause other dogs to misidentify it, which could lead to aggression or social rejection.
“Overall, it’s a very bad idea,” Mills said.
Dolce & Gabbana is not alone in the world of dog perfumes. Hownd, a dog food and grooming company, makes Peach Bum Natural Parfum for Lady Dogs, while the dog grooming brand Peanut and Pickle provides a selection of fragrances, such as coconut, sea salt, peppermint and grapefruit, for both adult dogs and puppies. Even Queen Elizabeth, known for her love of dogs, created her own dog perfume in 2022: the “Happy Hounds Dog Cologne,” described as having the essence of “coastal walks.”
The fragrances are a small part of a major industry. By 2030, the value of the global pet industry, encompassing veterinary care, pet food, pharmaceuticals and more, is projected to soar to US$500 billion, up from its current US$320b, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence report from 2023.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.While it may not always be harmful, veterinarians said, using perfume on dogs is generally unadvised.
“A dog with perfume put on it would be deprived of important life information,” said Donald M. Broom, a professor of animal welfare at the University of Cambridge. He likened it to a person trying to see in blindingly bright light; this sensory overload is why dogs often avoid strong, masking odours.
Some sweet-smelling oils, like lavender, can have calming effects on animals, which can be useful for purposes like transportation, Broom said. But other scents, such as musk, can negatively affect a dog’s physiological functions.
Anna Judson, the president of the British Veterinary Association, said that dog perfume could also hide underlying health problems, potentially causing unnecessary delays to treatment. “If your dog smells, it could be due to a skin condition or other health issues,” she said. “So consult your vet for advice.”
Mills also expressed concern that perfuming dogs could cause discomfort for the animals.
“My concern is this is instrumentalising the dog,” he said. “This is not giving the dog any choice in the matter. If your dog wants to rub itself in coyote scat or fox scat, that’s the dog’s choice. But if it gets a spray of Dolce & Gabbana on it, that is not its choice.”
He added: “We need to be far more respectful of dogs and their wishes.”
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Written by: Sarah Hurtes
©2024 THE NEW YORK TIMES
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.More on beauty & fashion
What we’re wearing, and why it matters
Winter fashion: How to style sporty separates for the perfect high-low outfit. Don’t succumb to seasonal drab — now’s the time to experiment with the unexpected.
Cosy up! These 10 hoodies are like a warm hug. We celebrate an unsung winter hero piece that you can dress up or down.
Have you tried ‘scent-scaping’? Create boundaries and increase productivity by using fragrance to your advantage.
Inside the 30kg Louis Vuitton trunk that carried the Olympic torch. The fashion house had an important role in the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.
