Strange behaviour for a smell

Yesterday we bought a new air freshener and I sprayed the house. The dogs were on the kitchen eating their dinner. Floyd our staffy came in and started running around tail between his legs scared from the smell. I know it was the smell because we sprayed our car boot where they sit during travelling and he jumped out straight away after I put him in. Since then he afraid from the car trying to run away. Why is that? He don't like that smell? Our other dog is fine with it.

It could be that the scent is upsetting your dog. If it's strong it may actually cause discomfort for him, similar to when a particularly strong smell can create a burning sensation in our noses. With a dog, whose senses are that much stronger than our own, it could be more uncomfortable than it would be for us.

Was he around when you sprayed it? If so, it could be the noise of it.

You could try getting rid of the air freshener and seeing how that affects him. Dogs can have some strange fears sometimes.

He wasn't around it just the smell. We will try another one then.

Id change it for another one, seems like this one is unsettling him

I have found mine sensitive to synthetic smells such as air fresher - whereas using a natural oil burner or candle dosent bother them.