5 beauty products and activities that may upset your dog

If you share your home with a dog, you’ve likely noticed their distinct likes and dislikes, especially when it comes to noises and smells. While the vacuum cleaner is a well-known noise that many dogs find distressing, there are also several everyday beauty products and routines that can upset your dog in less obvious ways.

This article highlights five common beauty products and activities that may unsettle your dog, explaining why they have this effect and how you can minimise any discomfort to keep your pet calm and happy.

1. Hairdryers

Hairdryers can be a source of stress for many dogs. The noise they produce is loud relative to their size, similar to a vacuum cleaner, which dogs often find unsettling. Additionally, hairdryers emit a high-pitched sound beyond human hearing but perceptible to dogs, which can aggravate their anxiety.

To reduce your dog’s stress, try to use hairdryers away from your pet or create a safe space where the noise is less noticeable. Offering treats or distraction during grooming can also help build positive associations.

2. Aerosol Sprays

Aerosol products such as hairsprays, deodorants, and perfumes release a fine mist of chemicals and produce a hissing sound when sprayed. Many animals, including dogs, find the hissing sound reminiscent of snakes and may instinctively feel threatened or alarmed.

Beyond the noise, the airborne chemicals can irritate your dog's sensitive respiratory system, leading to coughing or sneezing. Whenever possible, use aerosol products in well-ventilated rooms and keep your dog away during and after application to limit exposure.

3. Scented Products

Dogs’ sense of smell is extraordinarily sensitive, far stronger than humans’. Strongly scented products like perfumes, bath bombs, body sprays, and scented lotions can overwhelm your dog’s nose and cause discomfort, disorientation, or stress.

Exposure to artificial fragrances and dyes may even provoke allergic reactions or respiratory issues in some dogs. To help protect your furry friend, restrict the use of strongly scented products to specific areas such as the bathroom and avoid lingering scents on your skin and clothes where your dog spends time.

4. Makeup Techniques Like Contouring

Contouring and other makeup techniques change the appearance of your face dramatically. Since dogs identify people mainly through scent and then visual cues, sudden changes in your facial appearance can briefly confuse or alarm your dog.

Your dog may bark or appear puzzled when seeing your face with heavy makeup for the first time, but they usually adjust quickly when they recognise your voice and smell. This reaction is normal, so don’t be concerned if your dog acts unusually at first.

5. Changing Your Perfume or Fragrance

Dogs habituate to the scent of their owners and find comfort in recognising familiar smells, including your usual perfume. Suddenly switching to a new perfume or strongly different fragrance can confuse your dog and may cause stress or anxiety until they get used to the new scent.

To ease this transition, introduce any new fragrance gradually, and be mindful of using excessively strong or overpowering perfumes. Opt for lightly scented or pet-friendly fragrances to minimise distress.

Promoting Responsible Pet Care

Awareness of how common beauty routines affect your dog is part of responsible pet ownership. Avoiding loud noises, irritating chemicals, and overwhelming scents helps maintain your dog’s wellbeing and strengthens your bond.

Always choose pet-safe grooming products and be mindful of your pet’s reactions. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of adverse effects like coughing, sneezing, or skin irritation after exposure to beauty products.