Dolce & Gabbana, the renowned Italian fashion house, is stirring up controversy in both the fashion and pet worlds with the launch of Fefé—a luxurious perfume designed specifically for dogs. Priced at NIS 450 per bottle, this new product raises critical questions: Is this a natural evolution in the world of luxury pet fashion, or has it gone too far? While fashion enthusiasts are thrilled, veterinarians and dog owners express concern. Does your dog really need an Italian luxury scent?
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The fashion world is currently abuzz, but this time, the excitement isn't about a stunning dress or a high-end handbag. Instead, it's all about a product meant for our four-legged friends. Dolce & Gabbana has surprised everyone by launching "Pepe," a unique dog perfume with a surprising price tag of €99 (about NIS 450) for a 100 ml bottle.
Named after Domenico Dolce's poodle, the perfume is alcohol-free and approved for use on animals. The company claims the product underwent a rigorous approval process and meets high safety standards, similar to those for human cosmetics. According to Dolce & Gabbana, all dog owners who have tried the product report that the fragrance is "gentle and well-received by their pets."
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However, not everyone is convinced that perfuming dogs is a good idea. Many veterinarians are concerned about the potential impact of the perfume on dogs' highly developed sense of smell. Dr. Federico Cuccia, a veterinarian from Rome, explains: "Dogs identify themselves and their environment through scents. Altering their natural scent could confuse them and disrupt their natural communication."
Moreover, there is concern that using perfumes might mask odors that could indicate health issues. "Smell can be an important indicator of various medical conditions," Dr. Cuccia told CBS News. "Covering up natural odors could make it harder to detect health problems early."
Despite the criticism, the pet perfume market is steadily growing. According to research by Quince Markets Insights, the market is expected to grow from $1.44 billion in 2024 to $2.26 billion by 2034. Many dog groomers support the use of perfumes, arguing that they add a touch of luxury and pleasantness to the grooming experience.
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Eliuf Reloba Tano, an experienced dog groomer, also explained to CBS: "Our dogs are part of the family. A light perfume can enhance the pleasant experience of petting and cuddling them." Many customers agree, like Mariarita Ricciardi, who says: "I support anything that can improve the quality of fur and add a pleasant fragrance."
However, some pet owners are strongly opposed to the idea. Francesca Castelli, a dog owner from Rome, writes: "This seems like excessive anthropomorphism to me. Our dogs are perfect as they are, without the need for artificial enhancements."
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In the end, the decision to perfume your dog or not remains with the owners. But there’s no doubt that the launch of Dolce & Gabbana's Fefé has sparked a fascinating debate on the boundary between fashion, grooming, and health in the pet world. Is this the next big trend in pampering dogs, or has it gone too far? Only time will tell.