Ben Carter
Candles are a popular way to create a cosy atmosphere and relax, but for those with pets, they can pose a significant threat to their furry friends' health and well-being. While candles are generally considered safe for animals, certain types of candles and their placement can be harmful. The main concerns are the risk of ingestion, the release of toxic chemicals, and respiratory issues caused by smoke and strong scents. It's important for pet owners to be aware of these dangers and take precautions to ensure their pets' safety.
Are candles bad for animals?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Candles, especially scented candles, often contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. Essential oils, synthetic fragrances, and paraffin wax are some of the common ingredients in candles that are harmful to animals. |
| Health Risks | Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with essential oils can cause mild irritation to poisoning in pets. Symptoms can include watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, stomach upset, liver damage, nervous system damage, and low heart rate. |
| Fire Hazard | Candles pose a fire risk if knocked over or if pets come into direct contact with the flame. |
| Respiratory Issues | Smoke from candles can cause upper respiratory issues such as sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes, especially in pets with existing respiratory conditions like asthma. |
| Allergies | Candles with strong scents can trigger allergies in pets, leading to adverse reactions. |
| Ingestion Hazard | Some dog breeds are prone to ingesting non-food items, including wax. Ingesting wax can cause blockages and toxicity due to harmful chemicals. |
| Alternative Options | Pet-safe candles made from natural waxes like soy, coconut, beeswax, or vegetable wax are safer options. Air diffusers, natural odor neutralizers, and air purifiers are also recommended alternatives. |
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What You'll Learn
Toxicity of essential oils
While candles can be a great way to create a cosy atmosphere or get rid of unwanted odours, some candles contain harmful ingredients and toxic essential oils that can be dangerous for animals.
Essential oils are derived from plants and have been used for hundreds of years. However, just because they are natural does not mean they are completely safe. Essential oils can be poisonous when absorbed through the skin or inhaled, and pets are especially sensitive to these products. Depending on the concentration and formulation, even a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil can be harmful to animals. In addition, essential oils have a low flash point (the temperature at which they become flammable), increasing the risk of accidents, including ignition if they are incorrectly dosed or if the combustion temperature becomes too high. Heat can also alter the chemical composition of some oils, transforming a pleasant scent into an unpleasant odour.
Many scented candles contain essential oils, and ingestion of these candles can cause blockages and toxicity in animals due to the harmful chemicals. In addition to the dangers of ingestion, the delicious smells of scented candles can entice dogs to nibble on candles, wax, or ingest oils. Consuming or absorbing essential oils through the skin and mucous membranes can be harmful to animals.
Some signs that your pet may be negatively affected by candles include watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing. In addition, it is important to note that some dog breeds are more prone to ingesting non-food items, such as Labradors, Spaniels, and Retrievers. If you think your dog has ingested any candle wax or essential oils, call an animal poison control hotline or your vet immediately.
To reduce the risk of harm to your pets, it is recommended to choose candles manufactured from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. You can also try unscented candles, which are much less likely to be toxic to pets. Additionally, always keep candles out of your pet's reach and do not leave them unattended, especially when you have a curious pet.
There are also alternative ways to make your home smell nice without using candles. Air diffusers and air purifiers are great options for pet parents who want to enjoy pleasant scents while maintaining their pet's health. Natural odour neutralizers, such as a baking soda solution, can also effectively disguise unpleasant odours.
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Paraffin wax dangers
Paraffin wax is a common ingredient in candles, often found in commercial brands as it is cheap to produce. However, its use has sparked concerns about potential health risks. Here are some dangers associated with paraffin wax:
Toxic Chemical Release
Studies have found that burning paraffin wax candles releases toxic chemicals such as toluene and benzene. Toluene is a colourless, water-insoluble liquid that is emitted from sources like gasoline fumes and vehicle exhausts. Benzene is also a colourless liquid derived from natural gas and crude oil. Both are known carcinogens, with links to cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia. Exposure to toluene can also cause damage to the central nervous system, resulting in headaches, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia.
Air Pollution
The combustion of paraffin wax, derived from petroleum oil, leads to the release of dangerous pollutants in the air. These pollutants can be harmful when inhaled, causing respiratory issues and exacerbating conditions like asthma in both humans and pets.
Endocrine Disruption
Phthalates, released from burning paraffin candles, have been linked to endocrine system disruption. This can have serious health consequences, including diabetes, birth defects, and cancer.
Allergies and Sensitivities
The synthetic fragrances and soot produced by paraffin candles can trigger allergies and sensitivities in humans and pets. This may result in symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and seizures.
Ingestion Hazards
The enticing scents of paraffin candles may encourage pets to ingest the wax or oils. While this may lead to minor gastrointestinal issues like an upset stomach and diarrhoea, the presence of harmful chemicals can cause more severe toxicity and blockages.
While the National Candle Association refutes claims of paraffin wax being harmful, it is advisable to take precautions. These include ensuring proper ventilation, keeping candles out of pets' reach, and opting for alternative wax types like soy, vegetable, beeswax, or stearin, which are considered safer choices.
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Inhalation of harmful chemicals
While candles can be a great way to relax and create a cosy atmosphere, it's important to be mindful of the potential risks they pose to animals, especially when it comes to inhalation of harmful chemicals.
The scent profiles in candles are detected differently by animals compared to humans, and they can be harmful to animals. Scented candles, for example, often contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. Essential oils, while beneficial to humans, can be detrimental to the health of animals. Depending on the concentration of essential oils in a candle, animals can experience anything from mild irritation to poisoning simply by inhaling them.
Some of the common toxic essential oils found in candles include peppermint, pine, tea tree, wintergreen, cinnamon, citrus, and birch. These oils can cause a range of issues in animals, including stomach upset, liver and nervous system damage, and low heart rate. Additionally, synthetic fragrances and carcinogenic soot from paraffin candles, a common type of wax, can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma in both humans and pets.
To ensure the safety of your pets, it is recommended to opt for candles made from natural waxes such as soy, coconut, beeswax, or vegetable wax. These waxes are safer options as they do not emit harmful toxins and pollutants that paraffin wax does. When choosing a candle, look for those specifically marketed as "pet-friendly" or "pet-safe". These candles typically contain cleaner ingredients, free from parabens, sulfates, or dyes, and are better for the environment.
It is also crucial to keep lit candles out of the reach of pets and to provide proper ventilation in the room. Always monitor your pet's behaviour and watch for any signs of discomfort or negative reactions to the scent, such as watery eyes, sneezing, or coughing. If you suspect your pet may have ingested any candle wax or is showing signs of distress, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately.
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Ingesting candle wax
While candles can be toxic to animals due to the release of artificial chemicals, ingestion of candle wax will generally lead to nothing more than an upset stomach and diarrhoea. However, it is important to note that consuming candle wax in significant quantities can be harmful and cause health issues.
Candle wax is considered non-poisonous, but ingesting large amounts can cause a blockage in the intestines. The faster medical help is given, the better the chances of recovery. If you think your dog has eaten candle wax, call an animal poison control hotline or your vet immediately. In the case of ingestion of small quantities of wax, there is no need to panic as your system can automatically remove it. However, if you are allergic to the dyes and scents in the candle wax or have ingested a large amount, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Paraffin wax, a cheap candle wax often found in commercial brands, can be particularly problematic for the digestive system. In serious cases, it can result in intestinal obstruction, and medical management is required. Natural wax candles are generally less harmful due to their organic ingredients. Nonetheless, the dyes and scents in natural wax candles can still be problematic, and ingestion may require medical attention in some cases.
To minimise the potential risks associated with candle wax ingestion, it is advisable to keep candles out of the reach of animals and to opt for unscented candles made with vegetable wax, soy, or beeswax, as these are considered safer alternatives to paraffin wax. Additionally, providing adequate ventilation and allowing animals the option to leave the room when introducing new scents can help reduce potential irritation or negative reactions.
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Fire hazards
Candles can be a fire hazard for animals, especially when left unattended. Animals, particularly dogs, can accidentally knock over candles, causing fires or burning themselves. This risk is heightened if animals have access to tables or other furniture where candles are burning.
To reduce the risk of fire hazards, it is recommended to keep candles out of an animal's reach and in a well-ventilated area. Wide-based candles placed in a dish of water can also decrease the potential risk of fire.
Additionally, some animals are prone to ingesting non-food items, including wax, which can lead to blockages and toxicity. In such cases, it is important to call an animal poison control hotline or a veterinarian immediately.
While candles pose a potential fire hazard, the greater concern for animals is often the toxic ingredients in scented candles, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. Therefore, when choosing candles to burn around animals, it is crucial to opt for natural wax candles, such as those made from soy, coconut, beeswax, or vegetable wax, and avoid paraffin wax, which releases toxic substances.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles, especially scented candles, often contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. Essential oils, artificial scents, and heavy perfumes can cause underlying health conditions in animals. However, most candles are generally safe to burn while animals are in your house, provided certain precautions are taken.
Candles can pose a burn risk to animals and a fire hazard if knocked over. The scents can also cause stress, airway irritation, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing. In addition, ingestion of candle wax can cause blockages and toxicity due to harmful chemicals.
Pet-safe candles with natural waxes such as soy, coconut, beeswax, and vegetable wax are safer options for both humans and animals. These candles don't contain the same toxins and pollutants found in paraffin wax candles, which can emit carcinogens when burned.
