Dog Cologne – Our Top 5 Picks to Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh

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Dogs suffer from bad odor just like us humans. They are unable to change their clothes or grab a quick shower as we can!  Bathing them each time they get smelly from rolling around in mud or running around can be time-consuming and frustrating for both pet and owner. However, if you pick up a quality dog cologne it can help mask the less than the fresh smell and is easy to apply.

We feel that the best dog cologne is the Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Pet Care Cologne, which is vet and groomer-approved and the scent is not overpowering.

As with any product you are considering for your pet, ask your veterinarian to advise you. You will want to ensure that the dog’s cologne will not cause any irritation, skin burns, or allergies to your dog.  Therefore, be sure to check the ingredients of the cologne and choose one that is suitable for your dog.

Best Dog Cologne Spray

There are many different scents available to spray your dog and mask a bad odor. It is worth mentioning that, when first spritzed on your dog, the smell is initially fairly strong. After a few minutes, the strength of the spray will dissipate to an acceptable level.

There are some sprays for your pooch that are labeled as cologne, and some that are labeled as a deodorant. A deodorant will help to break down and neutralize the odors but does not do anything to provide a pleasant aroma.

When you use a dog cologne for the first time, be careful not to scare your pooch with this new proposition. Introduce the bottle to them beforehand, letting them sniff the bottle and become familiar with it. 

It is sometimes best to approach the dog as it is facing away from you and spritz them from behind. This will avoid them from being apprehensive whenever they see the bottle.

Below is a list of the best dog colognes that are easy to apply, smell great, and help mask the bad odor.

Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Pet Care Cologne

This Gerrard Larriett is the United States-made and Veterinarian recommended dog cologne spray that is gentle, safe, and effective for tackling bad odors from your dog. It is not an overpowering scent. There are no chemicals that could cause irritation to your dog.

Other features of the Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Pet Care Cologne includes:

• Designed for dogs only and not other pets
• Suitable for spraying beds for a fresh scent
• Formulated for sensitive skin
• Paraben and dye-free
• Made in the USA

The formula includes lavender oil, chamomile oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, and oat, which are all very desirable ingredients. If your dog has sensitive skin, this is the best option that will also freshen and rehydrate your dog’s skin.

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Isle of Dogs Odor Neutralizing Spray

Isle of Dogs is a cologne that can be sprayed not only on the dog but also on their bedding. Bedding is another place that can smell bad over time. With this spray, you will be able to use one product on two sources of odors.

Other features of the Isle of Dogs Neutralizing Spray include:

• Violet & Sea Mist scent
• 100% safe for dogs
• Suitable for spraying around the house
• No toxic chemicals
• Long-lasting formula

Overall, it is a great solution for tackling bad odors coming from both the dog and their bedding. The violet & sea mist is very similar to an air freshener. The scent is not overpowering, which makes it great for regular use.

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Bodhi Dog New Natural Dog Cologne

The Bodhi Dog cologne is one of the most popular available and can be used for dogs and puppies, as well as cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. It is the ultimate pamper treatment for your dogs and keeping them smelling great between baths.

Features of the Bodhi Dog New Natural Dog Cologne include:

• Vet and groomer recommended
• Six different scents available
• Suitable for a range of pets
• Contains natural conditioners
• Produced by a family-owned business

Overall, it is the best dog cologne that not only leaves your dog smelling great but also contains conditioners to leave the coat feeling silky soft. The Bodhi Dog brand provides this cologne in different scents that include baby powder, lilac, orange sherbert, and sugar cookie.

Pawfume Premium Dog Grooming Spray

Pawfume is a premium brand and is trusted by professional groomers around the world. Simply spraying and then brushing the product into the coat can see a range of benefits that include a fresh smell, moisturizing the coat, and reducing the static in your dog’s coat.

In terms of the features of the Pawfume Dog Grooming Spray, they include:

• Alcohol-free, sulfate-free paraben free
• Hypoallergenic and safe for skin and coat
• Long-lasting freshness
• Veterinarian certified
• Two scent options

Pawfume offers this grooming spray in a blue ribbon scent, which is a fresh melon, pear, and raspberry. The alternative scent options are a white lily, powdery musk, and amber, which can have your pooch smelling fantastic. It is a premium dog cologne that is similar to the Bodhi Dog and leaves your dog smelling and looking great.

Espree Silky Dog Cologne

Espree is a unique dog cologne that has a calming waters fragrance that is made with 100% organically grown aloe vera. This means that it is a cologne that naturally neutralizes the odor, conditions the coat, and prevents tangles.

Other features of the Espree Dog Cologne include:

• 100% natural spray
• Non-powerful scent
• Made in the USA
• Aloe vera acts as a hydrator

Overall, it is the best natural dog cologne that effectively neutralizes bad dog odors and conditions the coat. Compared to other natural colognes, the Espree is by far the best value for the money too.

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Dog Cologne Buying Guide

Many of us dog owners want to give our pets the best possible treatment when it comes to grooming. Dog cologne is a specialty product that is used to make your dog smell great. It can be used in-between shampoo sessions or after a bath to make the pleasant smell last longer.

As well as sprays in between bathing sessions, you can also use cologne after a long walk, or if you and your pooch are visiting others. We want to keep our dogs fresh, but know it is not good to give your dog too frequent baths, as this can rob their skin of natural oils. Cologne sprays are a great option to keep them smelling fresh. 

Purchasing dog cologne is a great ‘go-to’ product for the times when your pooch needs a bit of freshening. Not only does the cologne make your dog smell great but it will also leave a lasting smell on fabrics around the house, like the fabric on your sofa.

Factors To Consider

Before purchasing or using a pet cologne, it is important to read what is in the ingredients to ensure that there is nothing included that can harm your dog.

Stay away from colognes that use alcohol-based ingredients. If these products can dry out your dog’s coat and can cause skin irritation.

Before using a new product on your dog, try spritzing it on just a small area rather than your entire dog.

Let your pooch see the bottle and become familiar with it before spraying. This will help to prevent your pet from becoming scared by the spray and running for the hills each time they see the bottle. 

Know that a cologne for dogs does not take the place of a regular bath or grooming, it is for use in between to keep them smelling fresh. 

Safety When Using Cologne

As with any product you use with your pet, read the directions thoroughly and completely before using it. 

Take care not to get the spray in your dog’s eyes, as this will sting and cause irritation.

In the same way, check your dog’s skin regularly when using a cologne to make sure that it is not irritating or causing an allergic reaction on their skin. 

If you see any type of irritation, discontinue using the product and seek the advice of your vet.

One final note is that if you know that your dog has sensitive skin or skin allergies it is advised to stay away from sprays as it can irritate the skin even more.

How Long Does The Scent Last?

When first applying the dog cologne, the smell from the spray will be strong initially just as when you apply your own personal cologne. That smell will slowly dissipate, leaving a pleasant level of scent. All of our recommendations will last up to 24 hours depending upon your dog’s fur.

Long-haired dogs will require further applications as they have a dense double coat, which will dissipate the product far quicker.

Using Human Cologne Spray On Dogs

It is recommended that you avoid using your own personal perfume on your pet because of the toxic ingredients. These ingredients can cause a nasty reaction on your dog’s skin, which will need immediate attention.

Cologne for your pet is relatively inexpensive, and you are also purchasing peace of mind that the product has been specially formulated for your pet. 

Conclusion

Our pets are a part of our family and we love having them around as much as they like being in close proximity to us. 

Using a dog cologne in between baths will keep your pet fresh and great smelling.

There are a variety of scents and product types that include those as a grooming aid. You are sure to find the scent that appeals to you. 

Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)