What if dogs, too, had the right to wear perfumes… for healing?

When we think of perfumery, we immediately picture fragrances designed for humans. But sometimes, the most beautiful ideas come to us in unexpected ways. That’s exactly what happened to me recently during an inspiring encounter at the Colmar fair.

A Meeting That Changes Everything

“You create elixirs for humans… why not make some for dogs or pets? Not to make them smell nice, but to help them feel joy again, or to calm down, for example.”

This suggestion came from Maria Jesus, a professional I was fortunate to meet at the Colmar fair. She works daily with abandoned, abused, and emotionally wounded dogs. Her method? Rehabilitation through the five senses, with special focus on the sense of smell — the most developed sense in our canine companions.

An Extraordinary Olfactory World

Did you know? A dog has up to 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to our mere 5 to 6 million. To put it simply: dogs smell better than we see!
This extraordinary ability makes their sense of smell a true gateway to emotional well-being.

Fragrances with Therapeutic Power

Some natural scents go far beyond mere perfume — they act as emotional healing agents for our four-legged friends:

• True lavender deeply soothes, reduces stress, and can even calm anxious barking
• Roman chamomile eases fears and brings gentleness
• Neroli comforts and helps release trauma
• Cedarwood and sandalwood provide grounding and a sense of security

A Respectful Approach

The idea is absolutely not to impose a fragrance on the animal. On the contrary, we offer a scent… and they choose. The fragrance then becomes a reassuring anchor — a positive marker that supports their healing process.

A Subtle Medicine

This is part of a holistic approach to animal well-being. Scents become a language — a way to communicate with these sensitive beings who have sometimes endured so much.
They create emotional bridges where words cannot reach.

For an anxious dog who has been abandoned, a calming fragrance can become a stable landmark in a world that feels threatening. For a traumatized animal, certain smells can evoke safety and trust.

Toward a New Therapeutic Line?

What if this were the beginning of a new adventure? A range of olfactory elixirs specially designed to support dogs on their journey of inner healing.
Not just simple perfumes, but subtle compositions that speak directly to their soul.

Imagine one day offering your four-legged companion emotional support tailored to their specific needs — joy, calm, confidence, security… all through what they know and understand best: scents.

This encounter with Maria Jesus at the Colmar fair opened up a world of possibilities I had never considered before. Perfumery can transcend mere aesthetic pleasure and become a true tool for healing — even for our most loyal companions.

What about you? What other natural fragrances do you think could help dogs in their emotional well-being? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments!