Brooke Martin
Candles can add a pleasant fragrance to your home, but some candles contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to dogs. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions, irritate existing respiratory problems, and even lead to cancer. Dogs with asthma or other breathing difficulties should not be exposed to candles at all. Candles also pose a fire hazard and can cause burns if left within a dog's reach. If your dog ingests candle wax, it can cause digestive issues and, in rare cases, toxicity due to harmful chemicals. To ensure your dog's safety, opt for unscented candles made from soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax, and always keep candles out of your dog's reach. Flameless candles are another safer alternative, but they should also be kept out of curious paws' reach to avoid ingestion of batteries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemicals | Candles with chemicals such as naphthalene, phthalates, pesticides, and plastic softeners can be harmful to dogs when burned. |
| Toxic Essential Oils | Tea tree oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil are toxic to dogs and can cause health issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and liver failure if ingested. |
| Respiratory Issues | Candles can irritate existing respiratory problems in dogs and cause allergic reactions. |
| Fire and Burn Risk | Candles pose a fire hazard and can cause burns if left within a dog's reach. |
| Ingestion | Dogs may ingest candle wax, which can cause digestive issues and, in large quantities, may lead to constipation or blockage. |
| Flameless Candles | Battery-operated flameless candles are a safer alternative but should still be kept out of a dog's reach to prevent battery ingestion. |
| Safe Alternatives | Unscented candles made from soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax are safer options. |
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What You'll Learn
Toxic chemicals in candles
Candles can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans and dogs.
Paraffin wax is a cheap candle wax often found in commercial brands. It releases several toxic substances harmful to humans and dogs. Paraffin wax candles are also bad for the environment, as they are derived from crude oil, which is toxic and has caused countless environmental disasters.
Beeswax and soy wax are not petroleum-based, so they don't emit benzene or toluene. They burn cleanly with far fewer microparticles, which are associated with breathing problems and lung cancer.
Some candles contain lead-core wicks, which release five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioural problems, learning disabilities, and numerous health problems. Lead wicks were banned by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2003.
Phthalates, also called plasticizers, are used to soften plastics and are found in many household products, including candles. Research suggests exposure to phthalates can cause cancer in pets.
Scented candles have also been found to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) both before and after being lit. Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, irritation to the eyes, nose or throat, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.
To avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, it is recommended to opt for candles made from natural, sustainable materials like beeswax, soy wax, or vegetable wax, which are widely available and come with fewer negatives.
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Candles as a fire hazard
Candles pose a significant fire risk, especially when left unattended. On average, 20 home candle fires are reported each day, and these incidents can have devastating consequences. Negligence with candles can lead to house fires, as illustrated by an incident where a candle left burning on a windowsill on a breezy day ignited a nearby curtain, resulting in flames shooting out of a high-rise apartment building's windows.
The risk of fire increases when candles are burned for extended periods or until the wax is almost entirely consumed. Under these conditions, the glass containers of candles can explode, sending shards of glass and molten wax everywhere. This can occur even when candles are placed on non-flammable surfaces, as the wax itself can catch fire and spill, causing liquid fire. Therefore, it is crucial to follow candle safety guidelines, such as blowing out candles when leaving a room or before going to bed.
To minimize the fire hazard, it is recommended to use battery-operated flameless candles, which can closely resemble traditional candles in appearance, scent, and warmth. These flameless alternatives provide a safer option, especially for pet owners, as they eliminate the risk of curious pets knocking over or accidentally burning themselves on open flames.
Additionally, candle safety extends beyond fire hazards. Candles, particularly scented ones, can contain harmful chemicals and toxic substances that can be dangerous for both humans and dogs. These chemicals can cause respiratory issues and, in the long term, increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, when choosing candles, opt for unscented varieties made from natural materials like soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax, which are less likely to contain toxic ingredients.
In summary, candles present a fire hazard that should not be underestimated. To ensure safety, it is essential to practice vigilance and adhere to candle safety guidelines. By opting for flameless alternatives or natural, unscented candles, you can reduce the risk of fire and create a safer environment for both yourself and your furry companions.
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Essential oils and fragrances
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, distilled into potent chemical compounds. They are often advertised as "natural" and therefore safe, but this is not always the case. Essential oils can be toxic to dogs, and some oils can be toxic from both ingestion and skin exposure.
Some essential oils that are toxic to dogs include cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang-ylang. Even oils that are not outright toxic, such as lavender or chamomile, can cause gastrointestinal upset if licked off a dog's skin.
It is important to keep in mind that different dogs may have different tolerances to essential oils. If you want to use essential oils in your home, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian first and to always use them sparingly. Oils should be diluted, usually by adding them to a neutral carrier oil, and never applied directly to a dog's skin or coat.
If you suspect your dog has ingested essential oils or is having a reaction to a diffuser, seek veterinary care immediately. Signs that your dog may have been poisoned by essential oils include watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and gastrointestinal issues.
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Paraffin and other waxes
Paraffin is a cheap candle wax often found in commercial candle brands. It releases several toxic substances harmful to both humans and dogs. Paraffin candles, along with those that use a lead wick or release synthetic oil and fragrances, can be poisonous to dogs.
Paraffin candles can aggravate existing respiratory illnesses like asthma in dogs due to harmful toxins such as naphthalene or phthalates. Naphthalene, which is also used as a pesticide or plastic softener, can cause breathing problems for dogs and even increase the risk of cancer. Phthalates, which are also called plasticizers, are used to soften plastics and are found in hundreds of household products, including candles. Research suggests that exposure to phthalates can cause cancer in pets and issues with sexual function, fertility, or development.
However, some sources claim that paraffin wax is non-toxic and will usually soften and pass safely through a dog's digestive system. While wax is not poisonous to dogs, it can still lead to constipation. If a dog swallows a large enough chunk of wax, it might have trouble being digested.
If you want to avoid the potential risks of paraffin wax, you can opt for candles made from soy, coconut, vegetable, or beeswax. These waxes are considered much safer than paraffin wax and are less likely to be toxic to dogs.
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Inhalation and ingestion risks
Some candles contain chemicals that, when burned, can be harmful to dogs and humans to inhale. Dogs with asthma or other breathing difficulties should not be exposed to candles at all. Burning candles can release smoke, fumes, and certain essential oils that can irritate a dog's eyes, nose, and throat, causing respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, and breathing difficulties.
Certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil, can be toxic if inhaled in large quantities and can cause serious health issues in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and even liver failure if ingested. Other toxic chemicals found in candles include naphthalene, which breaks down in ways that can affect a dog's lungs and eyes, and phthalates, which have been linked to cancer in pets.
In terms of ingestion risks, some dog breeds are more prone to ingesting non-food items and may try to eat a candle. While common candle waxes such as soy, paraffin, and beeswax are generally non-toxic and will usually pass safely through a dog's digestive system, ingesting a large enough chunk of wax may cause digestive discomfort or constipation. In rare cases, wax can cause intestinal blockage or toxicity due to the harmful chemicals in scented candles. If a dog swallows the wick or any metal parts of the candle, this could also be dangerous.
If you suspect your dog has ingested candle wax or any toxic substances, it is important to call an animal poison control hotline or your vet immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles can be bad for dogs for several reasons. Firstly, some candles contain harmful chemicals that can be released when burned, which can be bad for dogs to breathe in. Secondly, candles can pose a fire or burn risk to dogs, especially if left unattended. Finally, if a dog eats candle wax, it could lead to digestive issues such as constipation or, in more serious cases, intestinal blockage.
Candles made with paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil can be harmful to dogs. These candles can release toxic fumes that can irritate a dog's eyes, nose, and throat, and cause respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, and breathing difficulties.
Yes, there are a few alternatives to traditional candles that are safer for dogs. Flameless candles, air diffusers, and natural odor neutralizers, such as a baking soda solution, can create a pleasant atmosphere without the risk of harmful fumes or fire hazards.
