Ben Carter
Candles can be a great way to set a mood or make your home smell nice, but are they safe to use around dogs? The short answer is: it depends. While most candles are not toxic to dogs if ingested, certain essential oils and fragrances can be harmful. Additionally, dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so it's important to be mindful of how strong fragrances may overwhelm them. To keep your dog safe, choose candles made with natural ingredients and essential oils, and avoid those with synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax, which emits toxic chemicals when burned. Always supervise your dog when candles are lit, and make sure they can't reach the flame to avoid burns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Candles can overwhelm a dog's senses and cause toxicity. |
| Types of wax | Soy, paraffin, beeswax, coconut, and vegetable wax are non-toxic. |
| Toxic wax | Paraffin wax emits toxic chemicals when burning. |
| Alternative | Flameless candles are a safer alternative. |
| Toxic substances | Naphthalene, phthalates, fragrances, scented oils, and essential oils. |
| Symptoms of toxicity | Sneezing, struggling to breathe, drooling, diarrhoea, lethargy, and red eyes. |
| Action in case of ingestion | Contact a veterinarian or a pet poison hotline. |
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What You'll Learn
Dog-friendly candle companies exist
While scented candles can be safe for dogs, it is important to be cautious about the presence of certain essential oils that may not be dog-friendly. Additionally, it is crucial to prevent dogs from ingesting candles, as this could lead to digestive discomfort. Common candle waxes like soy, paraffin, and beeswax are non-toxic and usually pass safely through a dog's digestive system.
To address these concerns, several companies offer dog-friendly candles made with pet-safe ingredients. Companion Candles, for instance, is a woman-founded business that uses a coconut-soy wax blend, ensuring the candles are pet-friendly. Their candles also feature a wood wick that crackles, providing a pleasant auditory experience without producing soot. Pet Safe Candles is another company dedicated to creating non-toxic candles for pets, using only the highest-quality ingredients. They offer a range of fragrance options, including floral, fruity, earthy, and unscented varieties.
West Coast Candle Company also offers a selection of pet-friendly candles, including the "Best Dog Mom Candle" and the "Sandy Paws Candle." These candles are likely to be safe for dogs, but it is always advisable to monitor your dog's reaction to any new candle and ensure they cannot access it directly.
Harlem Candle Company offers luxury candles with beneficial scents like bergamot, lavender, and ginger. While these candles may be suitable for dogs, it is important to be cautious about any potential essential oils in the ingredients.
Overall, dog-friendly candle companies do exist, and they prioritize the use of non-toxic, pet-safe ingredients. However, it is still essential to be vigilant about the potential presence of harmful essential oils and to prevent your dog from ingesting any candle wax.
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Toxic candle ingredients to avoid
While candles can create a cosy atmosphere and make your home smell wonderful, some candles contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Here are some toxic candle ingredients to avoid:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based product derived from crude oil. The extraction process is energy-intensive and can cause environmental disasters. Paraffin wax candles release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned, contributing to indoor air pollution. They may also emit carcinogenic chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, which have been linked to cancer and respiratory issues.
Synthetic Scents and Dyes
Synthetic fragrances and dyes are often added to candles to enhance their aroma and appearance. However, these artificial additives can release toxic chemicals when burned. Petroleum is the source of 95% of the chemicals used in synthetic perfumes and scented candles, including benzene derivatives. Candle dyes may also contain toluene derivatives and benzidine-based dyes, which have been associated with urothelial cancer development.
Metal Wicks
Mass-produced candles often have metal cores in their wicks to keep them straight. However, these metal wicks can contribute to toxic emissions when lit. Choose candles with wicks made from natural materials such as 100% cotton or wood to avoid potential health risks.
Palm Oil
While palm oil is a natural ingredient, it is often sourced unsustainably, leading to deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats for endangered species. Look for candles made with alternative plant-based waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, which are renewable and less likely to contain harmful additives.
Carcinogenic Chemicals
Some candles may release carcinogenic chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene. These chemicals have been identified in candle fumes and can pose serious health risks. Exposure to these toxins has been linked to various health issues, including vertigo, headaches, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
It is important to carefully consider the ingredients and choose candles made from natural, non-toxic materials to ensure the safety of your family and pets.
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Safe candle waxes for dogs
While candles can be a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, it's important to take some precautions if you have a dog. Dogs have an incredibly strong sense of smell, with up to 300 million olfactory receptors compared to just 6 million in humans. This means that certain candle scents can be overwhelming for dogs, and in some cases, harmful.
The good news is that there are candle waxes that are generally considered safe for dogs. These include soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, and vegetable-based waxes. These waxes are non-toxic and less likely to cause digestive issues if ingested by your dog. Soy wax, in particular, is known to be the softest and pose the least amount of risk. Additionally, coconut wax is not only safe for dogs but also better for their respiratory systems.
When choosing a candle wax, it's important to avoid paraffin wax, which is commonly found in mass-produced candles. Paraffin wax emits carcinogens when burned and can be harmful to both you and your dog. Instead, opt for organic and natural wax options like those mentioned above.
It's also worth considering the type of wick in your candle. Candle wicks secured with metal can be dangerous if ingested by your dog, so look for candles with unbleached, 100% cotton wicks or wood wicks. These wicks are safer for your dog and provide a more natural burning experience.
While these waxes are generally considered safe, it's always important to monitor your dog's behaviour and health. If you notice any signs of digestive discomfort, such as diarrhoea or constipation, or more serious symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, contact your veterinarian. Additionally, if your dog has existing respiratory issues like asthma, it's best to stick to unscented candles or flameless, battery-operated options to avoid triggering any allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
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Safe candle scents for dogs
While candles are generally safe for dogs, some candles contain harmful ingredients and toxic essential oils that are not suitable for dogs to be around. The most common candle waxes, including soy, paraffin, and beeswax, are typically considered non-toxic and generally pass harmlessly through a dog's digestive system if ingested. However, paraffin may build up in the respiratory system of dogs and overwhelm their scent glands.
If you're worried about your dog being overwhelmed by a candle's aroma, place it in a well-ventilated area of your house and keep an eye on your dog to see if they act strangely or want to leave the room after you light the candle. It is good practice to not leave candles unattended, especially when you have a dog, as dogs have a knack for climbing and jumping when curious.
Some essential oils, like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil, can cause serious health issues in dogs if ingested, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and even liver failure. However, not all oils are toxic to dogs, and some oils are used for therapeutic purposes, such as lavender, chamomile, and ginger oils. Candles made with these essential oils could have aromatherapy benefits for your dog.
Vanilla, Fresh Bamboo, and Honeydew Melon are some other candle scents that are considered dog-friendly.
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Candle storage and safety tips
While candles are generally considered safe for dogs, there are some potential risks to be aware of when it comes to candle storage and safety. Here are some tips to ensure the well-being of your furry friend while still enjoying your favourite scented candles:
Choose the Right Wax
Opt for natural waxes like beeswax, vegetable waxes, or soy wax. These waxes are considered non-toxic and are generally gentle on a dog's digestive system if ingested. Soy-based candles, in particular, are regarded as the gentlest option. Avoid paraffin wax, which is made from petrol, oil, or coal and emits toxic chemicals when burning.
Be Mindful of Essential Oils
Some essential oils can be harmful to dogs if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through their skin. Look for candles made with natural fragrances derived from herbs, fruits, or flora, and properly diluted, high-quality essential oils. Avoid candles with strong fragrances that can irritate your dog's sensitive nose. If in doubt, opt for unscented candles or flameless alternatives.
Safe Storage and Placement
Store your candles safely out of your dog's reach, ideally in a drawer or closed cabinet. Keep candles away from your dog, and place them on a high shelf or in an area your dog cannot access. Do not leave candles unattended, and always extinguish them when leaving the room.
Monitor Your Dog's Behaviour
Watch for any signs of discomfort or toxicity, such as sneezing, difficulty breathing, drooling, diarrhoea, lethargy, or red eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, remove the candle from your dog's environment and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
Regular Candle Care
Trim your candle wicks regularly to maintain a clean-burning flame and minimise smoke and soot production. Use a candle snuffer for the same purpose. If you have a wild or energetic dog, opt for flameless or electric candle alternatives to avoid any risks associated with open flames.
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Frequently asked questions
Many scented candles contain poisonous substances that are also used as pesticides or plastic softeners. Some of these chemicals can cause breathing problems for dogs and even lead to cancer. However, most common candle waxes such as soy, paraffin, and beeswax are non-toxic and will usually pass safely through a dog's digestive system.
If your dog eats a candle, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately. Monitor your dog's health and behaviour for a few days until the wax passes through. If your dog ate a large chunk of wax, it might have trouble being digested.
Yes, there are some dog-friendly candles available. Look for candles made with natural ingredients and pet-safe, diluted essential oils. For example, candles made with beeswax, vegetable wax, or soy wax are considered to be less harmful to dogs.
