When the time comes to bathe the dog, things can get messy fast. There’s the challenge of working up a lather, the small matter of keeping an ever-escaping hound in one place and then the inevitable shake-down that sends water flying. For some, bath time is a bonding ritual, for others it’s a job to get through as quickly as possible.
But with the arrival of Jo Malone London’s first-ever pet product, created in collaboration with WildWash, dog shampoo has suddenly had a luxurious upgrade. Scented with orange and cedarwood, it's designed to make grooming feel more indulgent for pets and owners, turning a once purely practical task into the kind of pampering experience we can imagine owners happily volunteering for.
Choosing essential oils that benefit a dog’s skin and coat was first on the agenda. ‘We didn’t want the dog to smell like perfume,’ says Celine Roux, global head of fragrance at Jo Malone London. ‘Orange and cedarwood felt right because they are natural, outdoor scents that a dog might encounter in nature. The result is very soft, gentle and subtle.’
That dog-first approach shaped the fragrance too. Jane explains that because a dog’s sense of smell is around twenty times more sensitive than ours, anything overpowering was out. ‘The key is that dogs should still smell like dogs, just cleaner.’
Naturally, it got us thinking about the spaces we create for pets at home. If the grooming routine is having an upgrade, then so should the setting. Interior designer Kelsey Leigh says 'we approach pet-friendly design with the same level of intention as every other aspect of the home.' Her designs have previously included a floor-level pot filler, built-in dog crate with beautiful bedding and a wash station near the back door. 'We believe these details make a home more functional without sacrificing style,' she adds.
In the utility room, having a dedicated dog-washing station ensures muddy paws can be managed practically. A beautifully tiled cove fitted with a shower head and a drain can double as a handy spot for rinsing muddy boots after a walk.
Then there’s a spot to unwind. Interior designer Laura Stephens has incorporated dedicated pet nooks into her schemes, giving dogs somewhere cosy to sleep while still being part of the household, 'ensuring they have a place within the home that feels considered and connected to family life'.
Creating a cosy nook beneath a worktop helps to free up valuable floor space while keeping pets close to the action. Add a comfortable bed and even a curtain, and you’ve created a snug retreat that furry friends can enjoy a little peace and quiet.
As much-loved members of the household, there’s no reason why pets can’t be considered as part of the overall design scheme. Owners no longer have to choose between practicality and style. As Laura puts it, ‘pet owners are no longer willing to compromise between having a beautiful home and one that works for their animals. Instead, they’re looking for design solutions that achieve both.’
So while the shampoo may be the smallest upgrade, it could be just the excuse to inspire a much bigger one.
