If smelly odors are coming between you and your pup, dog cologne can be an excellent solution. Dog colognes come in various pleasant scents, and they help mask odors to keep canines smelling fresh between baths. Simply spritz some onto your dog’s coat, work it in and you’re good to go.
Before you buy dog cologne, take time to find out more about ingredients, scent and compatibility with flea and tick treatments. A staple among professional groomers is Four Paws Cologne. It’s made with nourishing, non-drying ingredients and boasts a long-lasting formula that works for up to 24 hours.
What to know before you buy dog cologne
Ingredients
When choosing a dog cologne, look for a formula that contains gentle, nourishing ingredients. Harsh chemicals can cause irritation and may dry out your dog’s skin and coat. You’ll also want to avoid alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, isopropyl or denatured alcohol as these often cause dryness.
However, not all alcohols damage the skin. Fatty alcohols, like cetearyl, cetyl, behenyl and stearyl alcohol come from natural sources. These ingredients help condition your dog’s skin and coat. Benzyl is another alcohol that works as a preservative in all-natural skin or hair care products. It’s generally safe in small amounts, so this is okay to use with your pets in moderation.
Scent type and strength
Dog colognes come in a wide variety of scents. While some come from natural sources, others have artificial fragrances. Although dog colognes that smell like cotton candy or baby powder are downright irresistible, colognes that use essential oils can also work as mood enhancers or pest repellents. Lavender calms anxious pets and or cedar tends to repel ticks and fleas..
It’s important to keep in mind that dogs have highly sensitive noses, which are easily overwhelmed by strong fragrances. For your dog’s mental and physical well-being, it’s best to opt for a subtler scent instead of the strongest cologne on the shelf.
Compatibility with flea and tick treatments
Odor control should never affect your dog’s flea and tick protection. Although most companies manufacture dog colognes that don’t interfere with flea and tick treatments, it’s still a good idea to scan the packaging. Check for any possible side effects, interactions or warnings first.
Quantity
Dog colognes come in bottles and packages of varying sizes. Larger bottles and bulk packs of dog cologne are easier on the pocket in the long run. However, if you’re familiar with a particular brand and scent, it’s wise to purchase a smaller bottle first to determine whether or not it’s a good fit for you and your dog.
Dog cologne features
Aromatherapy
Dog colognes that use essential oils can double as an aromatherapy treatment for your four-legged friend. For instance, lavender and chamomile extracts are known to calm, soothe and reduce anxiety. Citrus, on the other hand, can help combat nausea and tummy troubles. Lemongrass not only enhances focus but also helps keep fleas at bay. And cedar oil is another fantastic flea and tick repellent, but you should only use it sparingly due to its potency.
Coat and skin conditioning
Many dog colognes have nourishing ingredients to help condition your dog’s skin and coat. For healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat, be on the lookout for dog colognes that contain ingredients such as vitamin E, oats, aloe and lanolin. These ingredients can also help soothe and hydrate dry, irritated skin.
Packaging
Just about all dog colognes come in spray bottles or aerosol cans. In both cases, you shouldn’t overlook the comfortable grip and functional spray nozzle. These features tend to make the bottle easier to handle. And take a quick look at user reviews to avoid any products with faulty spray nozzles.
Dog cologne cost
Dog cologne costs anywhere from $5-$20. This wide price range entirely depends on the quantity, ingredients and brand name.
Dog cologne FAQ
How often can I apply dog cologne?
A. You can usually apply high-quality dog colognes as needed, especially those with gentle, plant-based formulas. However, when it comes to chemical-based dog colognes, it’s best to limit it to just once or twice a week since harsh ingredients may dry out your dog’s skin and coat.
Is dog cologne safe for puppies?
A. You may want to hold off on applying a dog cologne until your puppy is at least six months old. A puppy’s immune system isn’t fully developed until around six months, and they may react poorly to exposure to dog cologne before then. Although many companies list their dog colognes as “safe for all ages,” there’s simply no telling how your puppy will react to certain ingredients. This rings true for both natural and artificial scents.
Which dog cologne should I get?
Best of the best dog cologne
Four Paws Cologne: available at Chewy
Our take: Gentle ingredients and long-lasting odor control make this dog cologne a firm favorite among professional groomers and pet parents alike.
What we like: Alcohol-free formula hydrates and conditions. Can apply multiple times between baths. A little bit goes a long way, making it effective and long-lasting.
What we dislike: Some users complain about faulty spray nozzles.
Best bang for your buck dog cologne
OUT! Body Mist Grooming Cologne: available at Amazon
Our take: Outstanding odor control and eco-friendly packaging make this affordable cologne a top pick for environmentally-conscious pet parents.
What we like: Alcohol and dye-free. Compressed air spray action is kinder to the environment. Sprays upside down for hard-to-reach spots. Fresh, clean scent.
What we dislike: Requires thorough application. Some owners felt the scent didn’t last long enough.
Honorable mention dog cologne
Tropiclean Baby Powder Pet Deodorant Spray: Amazon and Chewy
Our take: A popular option that effectively tackles stronger odors and conditions your dog’s coat at the same time.
What we like: High-quality, natural ingredients that condition and hydrate the coat for a soft, shiny appearance. Effective even on stronger odors, including skunk and urine. Compatible with most flea and tick treatments.
What we dislike: Some users found the baby powder scent a bit overwhelming.
Erica van Blommestein is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money
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