Dolce & Gabbana launches $100 dog perfume inspired by owner’s poodle, raises animal welfare concerns

Dolce and Gabbana's luxury dog perfume, priced at over $100, has raised concerns among some animal welfare groups.

The Italian fashion brand's alcohol-free dog fragrance mist, which sells for £83 ($105) on its UK website, is inspired by Fefé, the pet dog of the brand’s co-owner, Domenico Dolce.

The scent combines “fresh and delicate notes of Ylang Ylang, Musk, and Sandalwood” and is packaged in a green lacquered glass bottle with a 24-carat gold-plated paw emblem, according to the product description on the company's website.

Fefé can be applied directly to a dog’s body, avoiding the nose area, or it can be sprayed onto the pet owner’s hands before being brushed or rubbed into the dog’s fur.

Dolce and Gabbana claim their new product has been certified as safe for animal use by the Safe Pet Cosmetics program.

However, the fragrance has raised concerns among some animal welfare organizations and experts, who caution that perfumes can disrupt a dog’s sense of smell.

Britain’s RSPCA has also warned against treating dogs like humans by attributing human preferences to them, which can blur the line between what is suitable for humans and dogs.

Donald Maurice Broom, a professor of animal welfare at the Cambridge Veterinary School, mentioned that a product like Fefé could negatively impact dogs if it lingers for more than a few minutes.

However, the professor pointed out that when dogs are briefly exposed to certain sweet-smelling oils, like lavender, it can have a calming effect on them. He also noted that oils such as ylang ylang, which is included in Fefé, can have a positive effect.

Dolce and Gabbana chose not to comment on the concerns brought up by animal experts.