Perfumes, Sprays & Fresheners
Are Everyday Scents Safe for Pets?
So far in this series, we’ve explored candles, their ingredients, and how diffusers can affect pets depending on species and exposure. But what about the everyday scents we use without much thought; perfumes, deodorants, body sprays, and air fresheners?
The good news is that with a few small changes, you can enjoy your favourite products while keeping your pet’s wellbeing in mind.
Personal Fragrances
Perfume, Deodorant, and Body Spray
Are They Safe for Pets?
Generally, yes, with sensible use. These personal products aren’t typically harmful in small, occasional amounts. The key is when and where you use them. Cats and birds, in particular, have highly sensitive respiratory systems, and strong fragrances can easily irritate them.
A quick spray before leaving the house is usually fine. But spraying near your pet or using strong scents in confined spaces can lead to stress, sneezing, or mild respiratory irritation over time.
It’s also worth thinking about skin contact. If your pet licks your skin or clothing after you’ve applied perfume or scented lotion, they may ingest ingredients like alcohol or synthetic fragrance compounds. Cats are especially prone to this due to their grooming habits.
What’s Usually Fine?
- A light spritz of perfume or cologne on your skin or clothes, applied away from pets
- Occasional use of deodorant or body spray in a well-ventilated space, while pets are in another room
What to Avoid
- Spraying fragrance near pets, especially birds or animals with respiratory sensitivities
- Letting pets lick areas where perfume or lotion has been applied
- Using heavy or long-lasting scents regularly indoors
Tip: If your pet seems to avoid you after applying a product, it may be too strong for them. Try using less, or apply it in another room.
Air Fresheners
These products can be more problematic, especially when used often or in poorly ventilated spaces. While they’re convenient for masking odours, many commercial air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic fragrances, or essential oils that can linger in the air.
Cats, birds, and small pets are particularly vulnerable to airborne irritants. Birds, for instance, can experience serious respiratory reactions even from a quick spray. In other animals, frequent exposure may lead to coughing, watery eyes, or subtle stress responses.
Some sprays also settle onto surfaces like furniture, bedding, or even your pet’s fur. This can then be absorbed through the skin or ingested during grooming.
When to Be Cautious
- Using sprays in small, enclosed rooms
- Using products containing essential oils known to irritate pets (e.g. citrus, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, tea tree)
- Spraying near birds or senior pets
Safer Use Suggestions
- Use air fresheners sparingly and only when pets are not in the room
- Allow plenty of time for the room to air out before re-entry
- Choose phthalate-free or “pet-safe” products
- Avoid spraying directly onto soft furnishings or surfaces your pet uses
Cleaning Products and Strong Scents
Many cleaning sprays include strong fragrances and volatile chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or formaldehyde-releasing agents. These can linger in the air or leave residue on surfaces, especially risky for pets who spend time close to the ground.
Cats, dogs, and small animals may absorb or ingest these residues while walking across floors, grooming themselves, or lying on freshly cleaned areas. Over time, even low-level exposure may contribute to skin irritation, stomach upset, or other health concerns.
Tips for Safer Cleaning
- Let freshly cleaned areas air out before pets return
- Avoid bleach and ammonia in pet zones
- Use fragrance-free or pet-specific cleaning products, particularly if your pet has allergies or sensitivities
How Pets React to Everyday Scents
Dogs, cats, and other animals have far stronger scent receptors than we do. What smells mild to us can be overwhelming for them, or even distressing. Reactions vary, but some common signs of scent sensitivity include:
- Sneezing or watery eyes
- Avoidance or hiding
- Excessive grooming
- Restlessness or changes in behaviour
Not all reactions are immediate. Low-level exposure over time can gradually cause stress, especially when multiple strong scents are used together. If your pet regularly leaves the room after you light a candle, spray a fragrance, or clean the floor, they might be trying to avoid the scent.
If you’re unsure, opt for unscented or gentler alternatives and observe how your pet responds. And if signs of irritation persist, speak with your vet.
Quick-Reference Table For Everyday Scents & Pet Safety
| Product Type | Safer Use Tips | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Perfume/Body Spray | Apply away from pets, use sparingly, allow time to settle | Spraying near pets, strong or long-lasting scents |
| Air Fresheners | Use in another room, ventilate well, choose pet-safe options | Frequent use, enclosed rooms, citrus/eucalyptus/clove oils |
| Cleaning Products | Ventilate, use unscented or pet-safe cleaners | Bleach, ammonia, heavy synthetic fragrances |
| All Products | Observe pet reactions and adjust your habits as needed | Ignoring signs of stress or irritation |
In Summary
You don’t need to give up your favourite scents to live in a pet-safe home. The key is thoughtful use:
- Apply sprays in well-ventilated areas, away from pets
- Avoid spraying directly onto surfaces your pet sleeps on
- Watch for behavioural changes and make adjustments if needed
These small shifts can make a big difference in creating a safe and comfortable home for everyone, human and animal alike.
Coming Up Next
In the final part of this series, we’ll look at what vets and animal welfare organisations recommend, and offer practical, science-backed ways to enjoy scent in a pet-friendly space.
You may also like this post: https://spiritedflame.com/the-myth-about-natural-and-clean-candles/