Just because they’re a man’s best friend doesn’t mean they don’t get stinky. Yes, we’re talking about Fido. Whether they’re lounging on the couch or cuddling with you, dogs can give off a scent that is unpleasant. Luckily, there’s a fix – in the shape of Chihuahua perfumes.
You can go to the store to buy pre-made scent neutralizers, but it’s hard to gauge what ingredients are in these and the price point is often hard to get around. Sure, there are air fresheners, but that doesn’t stop the smell at places other than your home.
Luckily, a natural option is great for on-the-go: DIY dog perfume. With natural ingredients and easy preparation, we’ve come up with the perfect recipe to make a batch of your own doggy perfume that’s easy to spray on your pooch whenever you like.
In order to make your own batch of dog perfume you’ll need:
- 1 4 fl. oz. spritzer bottle
- Water
- 1 essential oil
That’s it. We’ll jump into specifics below.
1. Add Water Into Your Bottle
To begin, pour water into a 4 fl. oz spritzer bottle until almost full. Make sure that the water is warm, as this aids with the solubility of the solution.
You’ll generally want six drops of essential oil for this amount of water. This will provide enough liquid for multiple sprays and dilute the essential oil enough so that it’s pleasant and not overbearing.
2. Add Five Drops of Essential Oil to the Bottle
Once you’ve almost completely filled the spritzer bottle, mix in the essential oil of your choice. Swirl the bottle around to mix in the oil completely. When complete, the solution should be thoroughly mixed and have no visual reminisce of the oil. Shaking the bottle too vigorously, though, will break down the chemical bonds of the essential oil — so don’t go overboard!
Below we describe which essential oils are best for dogs and are least likely to cause irritation.
3. Screw-On the Cap, Mix, and Spray
Once the water and the essential oils have been added, you’re ready to go! When spraying your pup, make sure to avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth as this can cause discomfort.
Before each use, make sure to shake the bottle gently. This ensures the ratio between both ingredients stays the same spray after spray.
4. Store in a Dry Place When Not in Use
To avoid evaporation and dilution, doggy perfume should be kept in a dry, cool place. Your dog’s fragrance will last longer this way. It’s safe to throw it in your bag for a walk or trip to the dog park — just remember to store it appropriately when you get back home.
Essential Oil Safety for Pets
While essential oils are generally completely natural, it’s important to take proper precautions when applying them to your furry companion. Each dog is different, but there are general guidelines to follow.
A good way to test if your pup will respond well to your solution is to first spray their bed. If all goes well, applying to their coat should not be a problem. Above all, consult with a veterinarian if there are any issues with essential oils and your pet.
We’ve compiled a safety checklist below to help keep your doggo safe and smelling good:
- Apply to the coat — not directly to skin, nose, mouth, or eyes.
- Dilute the solution appropriately — 6 drops of your essential oil in a 4 fl. oz. a spray bottle works well.
- Mix the solution appropriately.
- Test with small amounts on your pup first.
Take extra precautions with puppies, older dogs and dogs with liver disease. If needed, try increasing the amount of water to dilute the strength of the essential oils.
Best Essential Oils for Pets
As with humans, the benefits of essential oils are different for dogs depending on what plant the oil was extracted from. Some provide calming effects, others can help counteract anxiety during storms and others can even deter fleas and ticks.
While your pet’s personal preference should be the priority when making an essential oil fragrance, why not counteract sleeplessness for or deter fleas at the same time?
It may take some experimentation and a few batches, but finding the perfect mixture for your dog is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will they smell good, but studies show that essential oils have healthy side effects for furry friends.
Here are some of the best essential oils for your pup:
- Lavender: Arguably the most popular for pet perfumes, lavender oil is gentle and soothing. It is thought to provide calming effects, ward off insects, and smells lovely.
- Peppermint: Another go-to for pet essential oil recipes, peppermint has been known to ease joint and muscle pain as well as give off a classic, fresh scent.
- Chamomile: This essential oil has been known to help pets relax. The daisy-like plant extract is thought to relieve muscle pain and inflammation as well.
- Eucalyptus: This plant’s extract has been known to help open airways and clear congestion; equating to a calming effect for the user or pet — apply to coat, for a mild release.
- Helichrysum: These plants are from the sunflower family and can produce anti-inflammatory effects for the skin.
- Niaouli: Coming from the paperbark tree, Niaouli essential oil can ease inflammation and has a tropical scent.
Anyone with a dog knows that they make the best snuggle buddies — so why not help them smell their best when they cuddle up to you at night? You wouldn’t want your significant other (or yourself) to have funk, so don’t let your dog either!
Have fun creating your dog’s new favorite scent and don’t be afraid to experiment with different oils to find the best mixture for them. Bonus points for having a fragrance of your own that pairs well with theirs!
Source: fragrances
