Dolce & Gabbana introduces new fragrance for dogs

Have a dog that’s a bit dank? Is Fido a bit too fragrant? Willing to spend $100 to fix that? If so, Dolce & Gabbana would like a word.

The high-end retailer has debuted Fefé, a new perfume for pooches.

The $99 fragrance is alcohol-free and reportedly contains notes of Ylang Ylang, Musk, and Sandalwood. Ylang Ylang is an essential oil used in perfume that is said to have a fragrance that includes rubber and custard, among other scents. The perfume was inspired by Domenico Dolce’s unconditional love for his loyal dog Fefé. It’s described as a tender and embracing fragrance crafted for a playful beauty routine.

The push by Dolce & Gabbana is more than a love letter to a pet. It’s a chance to break into the explosive pet-care industry, which is expected to grow to a $500 billion market by 2030, up from $320 billion in 2023.

“We’re distributing Fefé right away throughout Europe, in the US and then, little by little, we’ll expand; it’s already available online,” co-founder Stefano Gabbana told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. “The market has reacted well; everyone went crazy at the announcement.”

While humans might like the smell of Fefé, your dog might not be quite as enamored. The ASPCA says some essential oils can be harmful to dogs or irritate breathing conditions. Dogs also depend on their sense of smell to explore the world around them, and perfumes could interfere with that.

Pet care has been getting increasingly upscale in recent years. Retailers have introduced everything from reversible puffer jackets and dry shampoos to freshly-made (and delivered) meals and balaclavas for dogs.

“The pet industry has often been a darling of Wall Street and venture capitalists, with a generally deserved reputation for being recession-resistant,” David Sprinkle, an analyst at Packaged Facts, told Fortune in 2022.

In conclusion, while the idea of a luxury perfume for dogs may seem extravagant, it is a reflection of the growing trend of upscale pet care. However, it is essential to consider the potential impact of such products on your pet’s health and well-being before indulging in them.