Dolce & Gabbana’s Rs 9,000 dog perfume: A paw-some idea or just a smelly cash grab?

Who says luxury is just for humans? Dolce & Gabbana is turning heads and twitching noses with its latest offering: a Rs 9,000 perfume for dogs. Named "Fefé" after Domenico Dolce's beloved pet, this alcohol-free “scented mist” is the brand’s latest attempt to bring high fashion into the animal kingdom. Inspired by Dolce's "unconditional love" for his poodle, Fefé is described as a “tender and embracing fragrance crafted for a playful beauty routine.”

Introducing #DGFefé, the first fragrance mist for dogs by #DolceGabbana.

Discover more at https://t.co/AH8O2btGfF

No animals were mistreated during the making of this campaign. Their safety was fully protected.#DGBeauty pic.twitter.com/chYveXgkUC

— Dolce & Gabbana (@dolcegabbana) August 1, 2024

Posh perfume packaging

The fragrance itself is a blend of ylang-ylang, musk, and sandalwood, promising a delicate scent that’s as posh as it gets for your pooch. The perfume is housed in a sleek green glass bottle, adorned with a 24-carat gold-plated paw, and topped with a vibrant red cap because if you're going to spoil your dog, you might as well do it in style.

Dolce & Gabbana suggests a careful application process: spritz the perfume on your hands, then gently rub it into your dog’s fur, avoiding the nose area. This method, they claim, offers your pet a moment of “scented pampering” that’s supposedly on par with a luxury spa day.

Sniffing out concerns

But before you rush to add this to your cart, it’s worth noting that not everyone is wagging their tails in approval. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has raised concerns about the impact of such products on dogs’ sensitive noses.

“Dogs rely on their sense of smell to communicate and interact with their environment,” said Alice Potter, RSPCA’s senior scientific officer.

“Strong-scented products like perfumes can be really unpleasant for them,” Potter added.

Pet pampering debate

The RSPCA isn’t alone in its caution. While Dolce & Gabbana assures that “no animals were mistreated during the making of this campaign” and that the perfume is safe for dogs, some critics argue that the product is just another example of unnecessary humanisation of pets.

So, while Fefé might add a touch of luxury to your dog’s life, it’s worth considering whether your pet really wants or needs a designer scent. After all, your dog’s idea of a perfect day probably involves more rolling in mud than a spritz of sandalwood.