alpha aromatics®Essential oils are much in vogue due to their various benefits and the diversity of their applications, which include: fragrances, diffusers and aromatherapy.
When it comes to our beloved pets, however, essential oils must be carefully evaluated, as it its is a matter of safety before use.
Pet-safe fragrances are a somewhat newer trend in modern perfumery, as cutting edge innovations in industrial science and synthetic chemistry have expanded the scope of the perfume industry to include our canines and felines.
Scents containing essential oils that are deemed non-toxic to animals include but are not limited to:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Vanilla
- Chamomile
- Myrrh
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Bergamot
- Frankincense
The fact that our animals share our living spaces, whether outdoors or inside, entwines their lives with ours in just about every way.
They are part of the family unit, pulling at our heartstrings with their unconditional loving spirits that serve as buffers against loneliness and depression.
Pet owners want the-best for their animals and seek products for their care that contain pet-safe fragrances.
The demand for these items continues to grow and expand.
Some product types include: cleanup items; shampoos, conditioners, paw wipes, cat litter, skunk odor removal products and deodorizing spritzes, many of which are scented with pet safe fragrances.
Why Are Some Fragrances Dangerous To Your Pets?
There is more than one culprit responsible, but phthalates are one of the most toxic chemicals found in artificial fragrances that are perilously unhealthy to dogs, cats and humans as well.
They serve to bond fragrant ingredients, but the International Agency For Research On Cancer has officially stated that they are carcinogenic and can greatly damage a dog’s central nervous system.
Essential oils may smell wonderful, but for dogs they are the source of the worst allergens.
Dog and cat owners alike should specifically avoid the use of:
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus
- Citrus
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Peppermint
- Tea Tree
- Wintergreen
- Anise
- Pennyroyal
- Pine
- Clove
- Sweet Birch
- Yarrow
- Ylang Ylang
- Juniper
While some essential oils are soothing to dogs, they can negatively affect their behavior as well as cause respiratory concerns.
This is the case whether they are inhaled, consumed or absorbed via the skin. They can be particularly harmful to puppies, dogs with liver disease, or elderly dogs.
Unless advised to do so by a vet, it is best to avoid using essential oils topically or directly on a dog and seek out instead products containing “pet safe fragrances”.
Cats are even more sensitive to essential oils than dogs but reactions depend upon the scent, the delivery method, and the character of the cat.
This is because the oils are metabolized in the liver and cats lack the necessary enzyme to break down and eliminate them.
Cats are negatively affected by chemical compounds like phenols, which can be found in some essential oils. The higher the concentration of the oil, the greater the risk to the cat.
Danger depends upon how close the animal is to the diffuser because the oil can be either absorbed or ingested when the cat grooms itself.
Other creatures, both large and small, have positive reactions to essential oils found in pet-safe fragrances, but a professional should always be consulted before use.
Horses are calmed by some essential oils which include: bergamot, chamomile, basil and eucalyptus.
Floral oils, citrus oils and frankincense are considered safe around pet birds, but can only be dispersed via a cold air diffuser. Heat should never be used.
What Are Some Pet Safe Products?
Modern pet care concerns products that make our animals happy, clean and smelling good. These items are most often scented and include but are nor limited to: shampoos; deodorizing spritzes; conditioners; cat litter; paw wipes and skunk odor removal products.
For the industry powers-that-be, the motivation for the increased production for these products lies in their perceived ability to alleviate the messier aspects of pet care in easy, time-saving and appealing ways.
Pet owners in apartment building tend to have cats rather than dogs because while they do need a little box, they do not require time-consuming walking time.
Dog owners, on the other hand, need items like training pads and waste bags.
Shampoos
The pet product market is flooded with pet shampoos, all of which perform the same function. Some smell positively delicious.
The challenge, however, concerns the fact that some shampoo formulas contain artificial fragrances and chemicals that can harm an animal’s sensitive skin.
Pet safe fragrances are vital here, and pet owners should always carefully check labels to ensure that the shampoo is made from natural ingredients that do not contain additives, harsh dyes and chemicals.
Pet Conditioners
Maintaining a dog’s coat, keeping it hydrated and free from mats, knots and tangles is vitally important to pet care.
Conditioners contain pet-safe fragrances that emit a pleasant scent and can applied in between baths.
As each animal’s fur is unique, some may require a standalone product or a combination shampoo-conditioner.
While some dog owners may be tempted to use their own hair products on their dogs, the American Kennel Club warns that ph levels for dogs are not the same as humans, and such action can disrupt the thin layer of protective skin that is known as the acid mantle.
Paw Deodorizing Wipes
These small, rectangular pieces of disposable cloth keep odor and loose debris at bay in between baths.
In addition to containing pet-safe fragrances, they also serve to cleanse, deodorize and moisturize pet paws.
Usually, their formulations include a blend of nutrients that help to maintain the health of a dog’s coat and skin.
Cat Litter
Car litter manufacturers are dealing with animals that are not comfortable with even the slightest alteration within their environment.
Research has indicated that cats have certain preferences when its comes to litter. The majority prefer particles rather than pellets or crystal types.
Felines originated in the desert regions of the world and down through the centuries have always buried waste in the sand.
It is not pet-safe fragrance, but rather the lack of scent, which means free from ammonia, that makes litter work well for cats.
Alpha Automatics and Some Pet Safe Fragrances
The following represent only a sampling of the many splendid fragrances available from our vast roster of fragrance options.
Natural Cucumber Mint
Head notes stream with facets of energizing citrus and brisk, crunchy cucumber.
A floral heart soon takes hold featuring rich and deeply intense jasmine, mellow, herbal and relaxing lavender and alluring, sugary and exotic white tea bud.
A dry down of cool, minty, sweet and fresh spearmint leaf and tart, woody and subtly floral petitgrain completes this unforgettable pet-safe fragrance.
Natural Coconut Sandalwood
This intense scent streams with opening notes of lush, tropical pineapple, potent, sugary guava and pearly, milky coconut.
These facets soon drift into a heart of nutty, sensual sage and musty, green vetiver.
The dry down of this exotic blend features elements of smooth, creamy sandalwood, and balsamic, dry cedar wood.
Natural Honeysuckle Bloom
This robust fragrance opens with an energetic burst of aromatic, acidic citron and succulent orange.
A floral/citrusy heart soon follows featuring rich, haunting jasmine, romantic, musky red rose, piquant, fiery carnation and warm, sugary honeysuckle.
A dry down of slightly powdery, herbal and woody elements meshed with smooth, velvety sandalwood and green, fresh dried herbs completes this unforgettable pet-safe fragrance.
Fresh Pear Blossom
Head notes of light, bitter bergamot, succulent orange and slightly sugary pear initiate this charming scent.
These facets soon fold seamlessly into a floral heart of woody, powdery violet, aromatic and musky red rose, sensual, green geranium and fluffy, sugary heliotrope.
The fragrance completes with a woody dry down marked by smooth, creamy sandalwood.
Crushed Raspberry Leaves
Elements of sugary, aromatic grape, woody-nuanced raspberry and crunchy green apple stream through the head notes of this pet-safe fragrance.
These facets flow into a floral heart bouquet of rich, intense jasmine, dreamy, musky red rose and potent, peppery leafy greens.
A dry down of ambrosial, noble vanilla and sweet, tart berry nectar completes this scent.
Alpha Aromatics As A Fragrance And Odor-Control Pioneer
At Alpha Aromatics, we are dedicated to crafting fragrances that not only enhance products but also prioritize the safety and well-being of our beloved pets.
Through meticulous research, stringent testing, and innovative techniques, we have perfected the art of creating pet-safe fragrances that delight the senses without compromising on safety.
As the demand for pet-friendly products continues to rise, we urge pet product manufacturers to prioritize the health and happiness of our furry companions by partnering with us.
With pet product manufacturers, we work to create products that enrich the lives of pets and their owners alike, while ensuring their safety and comfort at every sniff.
If you are a developer of pet products, let’s create magic, one scent at a time™!
