Outdoor Coat Spray

A dog who has spent the afternoon in long grass comes home smelling of it. Not dirty exactly, just of everywhere they have been, which becomes obvious the moment they settle against you on the sofa.

What it is. A light finishing spray for the coat, built around an essential-oil blend rather than a wash: lemongrass, geranium and cedarwood, with wild rosemary and buchu grown at the Cape. Purified water and vegetable glycerin carry it, and polysorbate 20 keeps the oils dispersed so the spray lands evenly instead of beading.

What it does. It lays a light botanical veil over the coat and leaves it there. Misted before you head out, it goes onto a clean dry coat and holds through the walk. Misted again on the way home, it freshens a coat that has picked up the smell of the field. Because it is a spritz and not a shampoo, nothing is stripped and there is no wet dog to dry afterwards, which matters in the stretch of the year when a coat is already being washed more than it should be.

The botanicals. Lemongrass and geranium carry most of the scent; cedarwood sits underneath and gives it warmth and length. Wild rosemary (Eriocephalus africanus) and buchu (Agathosma betulina) are both Cape natives, sustainably harvested and ethically sourced in South Africa. Free from parabens, sulfates and artificial fragrance.

How to use it. Shake well. Holding the bottle six to eight inches away, mist lightly over the coat, avoiding the face and eyes. To freshen the face and ears, spray onto your hands and smooth it over instead. Reapply as often as you like.

Good for. Trail dogs, field dogs, farmers' market mornings, and the stretch between baths when a dog has been living outdoors.

Safety. For dogs only, external use only. This is an essential-oil formula, so a little care is worth taking. Avoid the eyes and muzzle. Not suitable for cats, who process essential oils differently. Not for puppies under 12 weeks, or for pregnant or nursing dogs, without veterinary advice. Patch-test a small area before the first full use, and discontinue if irritation occurs.