Yup. We love our pets. They have this ability to show us the true meaning of unconditional love. Some of them do, anyway. Heck, even Garfield the cat has been known to show genuine love and affection for Jon every now and then. Of course, this is usually the result of too much lasagna. But I digress…

Sure, pets are awesome in so many ways, and studies have even shown that they promote the secretion of the bonding hormone, oxytocin, in our system and their own! Living with a pet means a better life in a lot of ways. Example? There is a friend already there, right when you get home. A friend who is usually happy and excited to see you, and who will snuggle with you on stormy nights. People with pets are generally happier, and it is no surprise why.

Alas, there are some downsides to pet-ownership, one of them being the wide array of scents which some pets manage to carry around with them. For this reason, pet sprays were invented.

How Pet Spray Eliminates Odors In Pets

The smells which our pets cling to or produce on their own can be pretty foul at times. This could be indicative of several serious conditions. If you have a pet that smells on a regular basis, even after a bath, it could be the result of some kind of infection. In such a case, it is best to get your pet to a veterinarian.

If you have ruled out the existence of a medical condition, it could simply be the result of odors and dirt clinging to your pet’s coat. Happens all the time. In that case, you could use a pet spray to reduce bad scents and prevent smells and grime from getting caught in your pet’s coat.

Does Your Dog Need Pet Spray?

Not all dogs need pet sprays. Some dogs have a tendency to be relatively clean on their own. They might not even like rolling around too much. Some have very short fur, which isn’t as liable to attract anything particularly filthy. Regarding pet sprays, there is a crucial difference. Some sprays are meant to actively combat fleas and ticks, etc., while others are meant as a preventive and refreshing measure.

If your dog is prone to rolling around in all kinds of nastiness, and is not a fan of baths, having a natural pet spray on hand is perfect. It is a solution for those times in-between baths, when you want to take care of offensive odors without making your pet go through the whole ordeal of a bath. (Although using our DIY Dog Shampoo recipe can make bath time so much more fun!)

Check out this review of Pet Pleasant Lavender Pet Spray!

Benefits Of Lavender & Evening Primrose For Dogs

Your dog can love lavender as much as you do.

Lavender and evening primrose oils are essential oils which are highly potent and potentially-harmful when misued, which is why they need to be handled with all due caution and consideration. You should always consult with your vet before using any pet product which has essential oils in it, just to be on the safe side. 

Over time, these two particular oils have shown to possess many health benefits for humans and pets alike. They have a relaxing quality to them, and they also manage to untangle dirt and cover up odors. This makes grooming a much easier process, and it is one of the safest and most natural substances you can use in your home. When properly diluted, they have the capacity to be non-toxic and also be very gentle on your dog’s skin and fur. Those two plants help to nourish the dog’s coat, to moisturize and clean it, and to keep your pet calm and happy.

Is your pet about to greet guests? Are you about to go out and travel somewhere? Spraying some diluted lavender on your dog’s coat about 10-15 minutes before guests arrive/before you leave can help to calm and refresh them.

DIY Natural Lavender Pet Spray Recipe & Guide

There are pet sprays available commercially, but the truth is that it is not a must. You can make your very own natural pet spray right at home. All you need is lavender essential oil, water, and a spray bottle with a ‘mist mode’ option.

In a spray bottle, mix about 250ml of water with just a few drops of lavender oil. Be aware that plastic bottles may have a negative effect on essential oils, so don’t use the same mixture for more than a few months. After that, the oil could become rancid and a lot less effective. Likewise, keep it away from heat and direct sunlight.

Using the DIY mixture is pretty simple. Take the spray bottle, turn the nozzle to ‘mist mode’, cover your pet’s face and eyes (to avoid spray coming into contact with them), and spray lightly. Let the mist settle on your doggy’s coat, and you’re done! This is a pet spray which can be used every day, if needed. As I said, it is safe and gentle, but it’s best to get your vet’s opinion before applying any prouct which includes essential oils, be it commercial or home-made.

Before & After Results Of Lavender Pet Spray

Lavender pet spray can make grooming your dog easier and more enjoyable.

This greatly depends on the dog’s specific breed and temperament. Some dogs and bitches are naturally calm, while others are little spitfires who love to run around and bark their heads off.

The before and after results that I experienced had to do more with the odors and dirt which would stick to my bitch’s fur. I don’t mind combing her every couple of days, but I will say that after a hit of heavily-diluted lavender on her coat, she is a lot more susceptible to the comb, and I have a much easier time grooming her. Literally, combing through the fur is easier. I mean, she doesn’t usually try and squirm away, nor does she usually have tons of gunk in her coat, but still, there is some kind of a difference for sure. And she smells way better. 

Just be careful when you blend to only use a drop or two of each oil. Too much essential oil is not a good thing for pets OR humans, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Toxicity is a real possibility when dosages are used in anything more than very small amounts.  And, as always, if you have any concerns, talk to your doggy doctor.

Conclusion

The ability to provide your furry friends with a way of being cleaner and more refreshed is a great little pet-related life hack. Plus, the fact that it barely costs anything is an added bonus. Many times, pet products cost a lot: food, toys, what have yous. A natural pet spray is actually one of the least expensive products on the market. You don’t even need to have a commercial one, and it can do a lot of good in the short and long term.