Introduction: Perfume as an invisible language
Perfume is never just an accessory: it's an invisible language that speaks to us, our memories, and our way of inhabiting the world. A touch of fragrance can transform an encounter into a memory, a space into a refuge, a person into an unforgettable experience.
Those who love perfume know that it is not just about “smelling good”: it means expressing one’s personality through olfactory notes that become a sort of tattoo on the skin .
Yet, there is one aspect that is too often forgotten: how to live together in style without forgetting the safety and well-being of our four-legged friends .
August 26th is International Dog Day , and what better occasion to address a theme that unites two universal passions – the love of perfumes and the love of animals – with an empathetic, conscious and refined approach?
Why talk about perfumes and pets?
Anyone who shares their life with a dog or cat knows that every daily choice—from food to detergent, from the fabric of the sofa to the lit candle in the living room—must take their presence into account.
Pets have a very sensitive sense of smell, and molecules that are harmless to us can be annoying or even toxic to them.
Talking about perfumes and animals therefore means:
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Educate about the conscious use of fragrances.
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Prevent risks from aggressive ingredients.
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Strengthen trust in a brand that puts not only the customer at the center, but also the values of respect and ethics.
Animal Sense of Smell: An Invisible but Powerful World
To understand how much perfumes can influence our companions, a few facts are enough:
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Humans have approximately 5 million olfactory receptors.
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A dog has over 220 million of them.
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A cat, despite having fewer eyes, has a vomeronasal organ that allows it to perceive pheromones and molecules differently than we do.
This means that an intense fragrance for us can be excessive, invasive or even stressful for them.
Imagine living in a room where the music is constantly at maximum volume: what is melody for us, can become noise for them.
Ingredients to Know: The Scientific Side of Safety
Not all perfumes or scented products are created equal. Some ingredients deserve special attention:
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Often found in deodorants and sprays, they can irritate animals' sensitive respiratory tracts.
Essential oils
Natural concentrates that, while valuable in aromatherapy, are problematic for dogs and especially cats. Oils to absolutely avoid include:
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Tea tree
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Eucalyptus
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Citrus fruits (lemon, orange, bergamot: contain d-limonene)
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Pine
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Ylang-ylang
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Cinnamon
Exposure symptoms
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Excessive salivation
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Tremors and lethargy
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Difficulty breathing
In these cases, there is only one rule: contact your vet immediately .
Perfume on the skin yes, on animals no
A common mistake, especially among affectionate owners, is to think that applying a few drops of perfume to their dog or cat is a way to "pamper" them.
Nothing could be more wrong: their coats are not designed to be impregnated with alcoholic or aromatic substances. This can cause dermatitis, itching, and accidental ingestion during grooming.
👉 Golden rule: perfume should be worn on human skin, never on animal fur.
The scented home: between comfort and awareness
Many people love to diffuse scents throughout their homes, creating an atmosphere that reflects their style. But with pets, a few precautions are necessary:
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Scented candles: Choose natural wax (soy, beeswax) and avoid overly strong synthetic fragrances.
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Electric diffusers: Avoid dangerous essential oils and place them out of reach of pets.
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Fabric sprays: Do not use on beds, blankets, or carpets where pets lie or might lick them.
💡 Varriale Tip: Apply a few drops of perfume to neutral fabrics (such as curtains or decorative pillows), keeping the room well ventilated. The fragrance will diffuse elegantly, without being overpowering.
The ethics of perfume: the value of "cruelty free"
Beyond home security, there is another fundamental issue: that of ethics.
What does “cruelty free” really mean?
European legislation
In 2009, the European Union introduced Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 , which bans animal testing for cosmetics. A marketing ban also came into force in 2013, which prohibits the sale in the EU of products tested on animals, even if they were tested outside the Union.
Cruelty-free vs. Vegan
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Cruelty free = product not tested on animals.
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Vegan = product that does not contain ingredients of animal origin.
The two concepts do not always coincide, and it is important to know this.
Varriale Profumi embraces a vision of conscious luxury : fragrances that respect the skin and memory, without sacrificing an ethic founded on respect for life.
Perfumes and pet lovers: how to live together in style
Coexistence means harmony, and perfume should always add beauty, not create discomfort.
Here's a handy checklist for pet lovers:
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Perfume yourself, not the animal.
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Ventilate rooms after applying strong perfumes.
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Choose elegant but not invasive fragrances , like those from the Varriale collection.
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Keep a respectful distance : never force the animal to stay in a room filled with fragrance.
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Respect signals : if your dog or cat wanders away, let them find their own space.
Varriale Perfumes: Luxury, Safety, and Personality
The Varriale collection was born from the idea that perfume is not just an accessory, but a form of artistic expression . Each fragrance is designed to be long-lasting and refined, yet not overpowering.
It is this balance that makes it perfect for those seeking respectful luxury , capable of coexisting harmoniously even in a home inhabited by animals.
The olfactory families range from fresh and fruity notes to oriental and woody, offering alternatives for every personality, without ever forgetting balance.
A day to reflect and make better choices
International Dog Day is an invitation to celebrate not only our love for our four-legged friends, but also the conscious choices we can make to ensure they live a healthy and happy life.
Choosing a perfume, in this context, becomes an act of responsibility: we can affirm our identity, tell our olfactory story, and at the same time protect those around us.
Conclusion: elegance, empathy and memory
Perfume is memory, sensuality, emotion. It's a distinctive trait that accompanies and defines us. But true elegance is that which never forgets respect: for ourselves, for others, for the animals we love.
With Varriale Profumi, wearing a fragrance means combining art, ethics, and awareness.
Because in the end, as we always say:
✨ “We don't make perfumes, but tattoos on the skin.”