Your Dog's Nose Is a Supercomputer:
9 Facts Most Dog Owners Don't Know
And why we finish with Iv San Bernard (ISB) – especially the alcohol-free, water-based perfumes from The Best line
If you’ve ever wondered why your dog can find a dropped treat in seconds – or why they’re obsessed with sniffing the same patch of grass – here’s the truth: dogs experience the world through their nose first.
Because a dog’s sense of smell is incredibly sensitive, what you put on their coat matters – especially fragrance. That’s one reason we choose Iv San Bernard (ISB) coatcare systems and love their The Best perfumes as a light, refined finishing touch.
A wet nose can improve scent detection.
Moisture helps capture and hold scent particles. Dogs often keep their noses damp naturally to help odors stick long enough to analyze.
The nose also plays a role in cooling.
Dogs don't sweat like humans. Moisture on the nose and mouth area can contribute to evaporative cooling, alongside panting.
Warm or dry does not automatically mean sick.
A dog's nose can be warm or dry after sleep, from indoor heat, during mild dehydration, or from weather. Look at the whole dog: energy, appetite, vomiting/diarrhea, coughing, and comfort.
Dogs can smell in stereo.
Each nostril can sample scent information separately, helping dogs pinpoint where an odor is coming from - like how two eyes support depth perception.
Sniffing is an active technique, not just breathing.
Dogs "pulse" air differently when they sniff. This changes airflow and helps pull odor-rich air toward the nose for better sampling.
Their smell hardware is massive.
Dogs have far more scent receptors than humans and a larger portion of the brain dedicated to smell. That's why tiny traces of odor can feel obvious to them.
Dogs have a second smell system for chemical signals.
Beyond the main nose, dogs have a specialized organ that helps interpret pheromone-like cues. This is one reason scent is such a big part of canine communication.
A dog's nose print is unique.
The pattern of ridges and grooves on the nose is unique enough to be used like a fingerprint.
Because their nose is so powerful, fragrance choices matter.
A strong scent that smells pleasant to us can be overwhelming to dogs. The goal should be "clean and comfortable" first, with fragrance as a subtle finishing touch - never a cover-up.
Why we use Iv San Bernard - especially The Best alcohol-free perfumes
At KLŌS Fine Pet Salon (serving Milton/Crabapple, Alpharetta, and Roswell), we’re skin-first and coat-specific. That approach is exactly why we use Iv San Bernard (ISB): it’s designed as a professional coatcare system, not a one-size-fits-all soap.
When it comes to fragrance, we’re intentional. Dogs live in a scent-first world, so we choose a finishing mist that’s refined, lightweight, and kinder to sensitive noses. ISB’s The Best perfumes are widely described as alcohol-free (often positioned as water-based) and are intended to be gentle for pets – making them a smart option for that fresh, clean finish after the coat is actually clean.
Imported from Florence, Italy, the Atami line by Iv San Bernard is a curated collection of mineral-rich spa bombs made from marine elements, essential oils, and therapeutic plant extracts. These bath treatments are designed to detoxify the skin, relieve itching and inflammation, and support the immune system through the skin—your dog’s largest organ.
With calming scents like Lavender, Orange, Coconut, Green Tea, Hibiscus, and Vanilla, the Atami Spa Bombs don’t just smell good—they feel good. They’re especially loved by our clients with anxious pets, seniors, or dogs with irritated or allergy-prone skin.
The Healing Power of Aromatherapy + Ozone Therapy
At KLŌS, the Atami Spa Bombs are paired with our Ozone HydroSpa, a gentle and oxygen-rich water therapy that increases cellular regeneration, reduces inflammation, and improves blood circulation.
How we apply perfume the right way
- We use it only on a clean, dry coat (never to cover odor from a dirty coat).
- We mist lightly from a distance – a little goes a long way.
- We avoid the face, eyes, nose, mouth, and irritated skin.
- For puppies, seniors, and scent-sensitive dogs, we keep it ultra-light or skip it entirely.
Quick FAQ
Moisture can help capture scent particles more effectively. A wet nose can be normal and useful.
Not always. Nose moisture varies with sleep, environment, and hydration. Look for other symptoms and call your vet if you’re concerned.
Yes. Dogs can sample odor information through both nostrils, which helps them locate the source of a smell.
Because dogs are extremely scent-sensitive. Alcohol-free, water-based formulas are often a gentler choice for a light finishing touch.
In North Fulton, we see a lot of “odor” complaints that aren’t solved by stronger fragrance. They’re solved by better cleansing, coat-specific hydration, and skin barrier support. When the coat and skin are truly healthy, dogs stay cleaner longer – and fragrance becomes a subtle finishing touch, not a cover-up.
Want a personalized recommendation? Share your dog’s breed, coat type (curly, double, drop, wire), and any sensitivity or itching history. We’ll point you toward the right coatcare approach and a The Best scent profile that stays light and comfortable.
Local note for Milton, Alpharetta, and Roswell dog parents
In North Fulton, we see a lot of “odor” complaints that aren’t solved by stronger fragrance. They’re solved by better cleansing, coat-specific hydration, and skin barrier support. When the coat and skin are truly healthy, dogs stay cleaner longer – and fragrance becomes a subtle finishing touch, not a cover-up.
Want a personalized recommendation? Share your dog’s breed, coat type (curly, double, drop, wire), and any sensitivity or itching history. We’ll point you toward the right coatcare approach and a The Best scent profile that stays light and comfortable.