Iv San Bernard KS Odor Stop Coat, 250 ml is a spray that removes unpleasant odours from the coat and skin of dogs and cats. According to the description, it does not work like a regular deodorant that drowns out smells with a floral scent; instead it destroys bacteria living on the skin and coat and binds the odour molecules they produce. The manufacturer notes that the spray is good at removing "old dog" smell, binds the odour of a female in heat and is suitable for the distinctive smell of ferrets. Ingredients: water, propylene glycol, cyclodextrin, PEG-40 castor oil, trideceth-9, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, hexyl cinnamal and fragrance.
How to use it
Spray it onto the animal's coat — no rinsing is needed. Avoid the eyes, nose and ears and do not let your pet lick the product. It is easiest to spray against the direction of growth and then smooth the coat with your hand or a brush so the product reaches the skin. Use only a small amount on cats and ferrets.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | leave-in odour spray |
| For | dogs, cats, ferrets |
| Active ingredient | cyclodextrin |
| Against | doggy smell, "old dog" smell, heat odour, ferret odour |
| Use | spray onto the coat, do not rinse |
| Volume | 250 ml |
Pros
- Binds odours. Rather than covering them with fragrance.
- No washing needed. Quick freshening between baths.
- For different smells. Old dogs, heat, ferrets.
- Short ingredient list. Given in full.
- For dogs and cats. And ferrets.
- Large bottle. 250 ml lasts a long time.
Cons and what to watch
- No antibacterial ingredient listed. Cyclodextrin binds the odour, while "destroying bacteria" is not supported by the ingredients.
- Contains fragrance. Hexyl cinnamal is a possible allergen.
- Must not be licked. Apply very carefully to cats and ferrets.
- Does not treat the cause. A strong smell can be a sign of illness.
How cyclodextrin works
Cyclodextrin is a ring-shaped molecule with a cavity inside. Odour molecules enter this cavity and are effectively locked in, so the smell is no longer noticeable. Household odour neutralisers use the same principle. Unlike perfume, cyclodextrin adds no scent of its own, so the spray freshens the coat without a strong perfumed trail.
Where doggy smell comes from
A dog's smell comes from skin oils, bacteria and yeast on the skin, damp fur and leftover dirt. It gets stronger after rain, in breeds with a thick undercoat and in older dogs. The spray helps between baths, but if the smell is sharp, sour or appears suddenly, have the vet check the ears, teeth, skin and anal glands. More in doggy smell: how to get rid of it.
Heat odour
The spray binds the smell of a female in heat, which helps at home and on walks. For stronger masking and walks away from males, dedicated products such as Canina Dog Stop Forte are better. No product replaces a lead and supervision. Everything about heat is in a dog in heat: what you need to know.
Ferrets
Ferrets have a characteristic musky smell that many owners want to soften. The manufacturer states directly that the spray is suitable for this. Apply just a little to the fur on the back and make sure the animal does not lick it off. Regular cage cleaning and washing hammocks matter more than any spray.
Paired with a shampoo
In the same KS line Iv San Bernard has an anti-odour shampoo, KS Antismell. The shampoo is for bathing, and the spray for use between baths. If you want to add a scent as well as remove odour, you can apply a pet perfume after the spray, such as GILL'S Vanity.
Storage
Keep the bottle closed at room temperature, away from children. Do not spray near open flames or food.
Who it suits
The spray suits owners of dogs with doggy smell, older dogs, females in heat, and cats and ferrets when the coat needs freshening without a bath. Other products are in the perfumes and deodorants section and the Iv San Bernard section.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard KS Odor Stop Coat is a leave-in cyclodextrin spray that binds odour molecules on the coat and skin of dogs, cats and ferrets instead of masking them. The downsides are that the claimed "destruction of bacteria" is not backed by the ingredients, there is added fragrance, and a strong smell may signal an illness the spray cannot cure.
FAQ
Does the spray need rinsing?
No, it is a leave-in product.
How does it differ from a deodorant?
It binds odour molecules instead of covering them with fragrance.
What is in it?
Water, propylene glycol, cyclodextrin, PEG-40 castor oil, trideceth-9, preservatives, hexyl cinnamal and fragrance.
Does it help with heat odour?
Yes, the manufacturer says so.
Can it be used on ferrets?
Yes, in small amounts.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes, but carefully and without letting them lick it.
What volume is it?
250 ml.
