Are Candles Bad For Dogs

Candles that are safe for dogs

Pumpkin scented candles, apple scented candles, cinnamon scents. There is a lot to love about the smells of fall. The cool breezes of autumn are being replaced with the warmth of flames brought on by our fall favorites. But what effect do these aromas have on our canine companions? Scented candles, air fresheners and the plethora of other smelly items that we surround ourselves with every day, may pose a health risk for dogs. Let’s sort out which products can be harmful, as well as determine how we can safely incorporate the heavenly scents of the season into our home environments.

It’s a problem that dogs can smell the chemicals in household deodorizers, candles, and cleaning solutions. The problem comes when our dogs are being exposed to these products. Many air fresheners are poisonous to dogs and they can react to them just by smelling them. A reaction can be subtle and may even be mistaken for the dog simply being tired, or getting old. In other cases, it can be serious and could lead to the dog dying. 

Are candles safe for dogs

Are candles safe for dogs 

Are scented candles and fresheners safe for pets? While we may enjoy the seemingly never-ending array of fragrances, some scents can be toxic to our pets. The short answer is yes, they are safe if you enjoy that extra scent in your home. However, you should avoid candles made with lead wicks and buy child-resistant candle holders. This keeps curious canines and children away from the flames. If you notice your dog sneezing, coughing, itching relentlessly, wheezing or excessively watery eyes, it could be an allergic reaction to a candle. Also like us humans, dogs can develop respiratory problems over time. And it’s even easier for them to do so because their nose and mouth are closer to the source of the smell than ours 

If you or someone in your home has allergies, try using essential oils or unscented candles. Essential oils are very concentrated liquid compounds typically made from plants. Some of them are used to give candles strong, delicious scents. Unfortunately, essential oils can be toxic to dogs. Wintergreen, tea tree, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, cinnamon and citrus essential oils have been known to cause liver and nervous system damage in canines. Ingestion is the most common way dogs are poisoned by essential oils. Although essential oils can be toxic to dogs, there are some oils that have known health benefits for your pup. Most candles aren’t regulated so you cant be sure what toxins are being released in the air. Dogs can be allergic to things just like humans can. There are a few ingredients that you should look out for when buying a candle with dogs in the house.

Ingredients to avoid

Paraffin wax

  • Paraffin wax, one of the main ingredients in candle manufacturing and an alternative to beeswax, is a by-product of petroleum. If you inhale too much paraffin it can cause headaches and nausea. Paraffin wax also releases a lot of carcinogens when burned. 

Lead

  • Chomping at the jaw and loss of coordination are all possible symptoms of metal toxicity in dogs. These symptoms occur from the metal core of a burned-out candle. Most candles have a lead/tin core that is burned to create flame. The metal releases vapors when it’s heated which could be coated with other chemicals to the smoke more bearable to inhale. Vapors then go into your dog’s airways and central nervous system, which can affect their behavior.

Benzene

  • Candle flames produce large amounts of soot when the candle burns. Common soot is made up of things like carbon and partially burned hydrocarbons. Some candles also have metal, solvent, or oil-derived additives which can contribute to soot production. When these burn, they produce a variety of compounds such as mesothelioma-causing metals like asbestos, radon gas and benzene.

Acetaldehyde, Formaldehyde, and Acrolein

  • Acetaldehyde, Formaldehyde and Acrolein are those nasty toxins that reduce the air quality we breathe. Moreover, candle smoke contains a number of these chemicals which may endanger your health and your dogs. Be especially weary if you or your pup have asthma.

Candles that are safe for dogs

Candles that are safe for dogs

One thing that should be addressed is how to get rid of pet odors like those such as pet urine. While it may nice to be surrounded by the smells of cleanliness and holiday cheer, there are some safer ways to do this within your home. Candles are one of the most common sources of natural fragrance in homes during the holidays, but they can produce harmful smoke or even spontaneous combustion if they’re too close to other flammable items, such as Christmas trees and decorations. Approved candles have a warning label on them and it’s incredibly important that each candle you buy has this warning because the consequences of failing to follow these instructions can be fatal. When making your selection of candles, look for those that are made from natural ingredients such as soy, beeswax and bluecorn. You should also make sure the candles are free from artificial fragrances. A wick made from cotton is cleaner to burn than those that have metal wires in the center which may emit heavy metals into the environment.

Milkhouse Candles

The Milkhouse Candles are a perfect choice when looking for quality dog candles that are safe for all seasons! These candles are paraffin-free, and made with premium soy-based wax infused with beeswax. This formula creates a fragrance powerhouse that will fill up your room – without filling up your lungs.

Plus, after enjoying up to 65 hours of burn time, these reusable glass containers can be used for spices, office supplies, or even a beautiful plant when the candle is gone. Because we’re not just all about smelling great, we’re about being eco-conscious

Pet House – One Fur All Candle 

Now you can enjoy the sweet scent of Pet House Candles and provide comfort and relief for your best friend with the Pet Candle Collection from One Fur All. Made from 100% natural soy wax and cotton wicks, these American-made candles are not only safe, but super effective at removing unpleasant smells and creating an inviting atmosphere that welcomes your guests

Wild Beautiful Free Candles 

These candles for dogs are great for many reasons, starting with the fact that they’re non-toxic and made from coconut oil so they’re perfect if you have a nut allergy in your home. They burn for approximately 45 hours and come in several fresh scents. The vanilla lavender definitely makes for a more peaceful sleep for humans and dogs alike! They pour their candles in a 24K gold stamped glass that can be reused after you finish burning the candle completely. 

YMing Candles 

Made of soy wax, YMing candles are 100% all-natural and safe for your dog. These mini travel candles come with a lead-free wick and burn for about 30 hours. Organic jasmine, gardenia, lavender and french vanilla fragrances offer relaxation to both humans and dogs and can freshen up any room in a house. These candles can be used as small home decor items once you have finished burning them. You will love everything about YMing candles – design, fragrance, packaging and everything else. 

Mrs. Meyer’s Soy Candle 

Mrs Meyer’s wax candles are a good choice for when you want to relax and enjoy a candle without worrying about how it will affect your dog. They make their wax from soy which dogs aren’t inclined to eat, and the scent comes from plants without any hazardous chemicals. This makes the candles a good choice for those who want to light a candle around their pet without having to worry about toxicity.

Are candles safe for dogs

Conclusion 

Many of us love candles and light them up during special occasions to set the right mood or celebrate together. Candles are great for entertaining guests, relaxing after a stressful day at the office or just keeping things alight when there is a power outage. The only thing is, not all candles are made equal. There are some that can actually be harmful to your health and that of your dog.

When most people are asking if candles are safe for their dogs and they simply want to know if dogs can be around scented candles. That’s a logical question as we told you before but it also depends on the kind of candle you plan to use. You should never use direct or open flame candles as they may contain toxic substances that can cause different types of health issues. We advise, if you have pets at home, you should choose all-natural candles like the ones listed above. 

Sources: 

https://www.articleinsider.com/dog-beds

https://dogfriendlyscene.co.uk/are-scented-candles-bad-for-dogs/

https://www.petbutler.com/blog-candles-essential-oils-safe-pets/

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