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10/15/08
Cologne for your pet—When is it just too much and what to look for in your pet’s cologne?
By Christina Miller
For any questions relating to this article please email christina@petmanufacturers.com.
Whether your pet is the outdoorsy type and often needs a little something extra without going the full mile, here are some viable options to keep your pet fresh and clean when you don’t have time to bathe him every day. First, you want to choose a safe dog cologne. When selecting a dog cologne, look for one with all natural ingredients. Certain cologne additives can not only cause skin irritation, but can also intensify your dog's smell receptors. It's vital to keep in mind that dogs have much more acute smell perception than humans which means you don't want to use cologne with a heavy odor. Also, pick a product that's free of alcohol which can irritate and dry the skin.
• When is it just too much?
You want to consider a spritz on your pet…just a spritz! If your dog is sensitive to cologne or you feel the scent is too heavy, you may want to consider a spritz which is a more dilute version of a dog cologne. This may be a nice alternative if your dog sneezes or appears irritated by the use of dog colognes. Again, look for an all natural product without ingredients that will cause irritation to the eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. Be sure to apply cologne appropriately. Use common sense when applying dog cologne or cologne spritz to your dog's fur and avoid spraying his face or eyes since this can cause irritation to the delicate mucous membranes. Also, apply scent as lightly as possible to avoid overwhelming your dog with smells that may not be pleasant to him. Since most dogs aren't enthusiastic about being sprayed with scent (they rather like their natural odor), give your dog lots of pats and positive reinforcement once the job is done.
• What to look for in your pet’s cologne?
You should look for ingredients that condition fur and skin. Some colognes and spritz sprays have ingredients that condition your dog's fur and help to relieve dry irritated skin. Be on the lookout for ingredients, such as jojoba oil, shea butter, aloe, almond oil, vitamin E and vegetable glycerine. The addition of essential oils can also have positive benefits on the condition of your dog's skin and fur. If you do choose a product with essential oils, resist the urge to use it on your cat because these oils can be toxic to cats.
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