Are Scented Candles Toxic to Dogs?

Are Scented Candles Safe For Dogs? Put your hands up if you love the moment a candle lights up. Be it the fragrance itself, the aesthetic appeal, or even the ambiance such a candle creates. It’s in these snugly moments that we easily forget about possible effects on our furry companions, leaving us wondering if candles are harmful to dogs.

Keeping the candle itself outside tail-wagging reach goes without saying, but did you ever stop to think about how the wick, wax, and fragrance themselves might affect your dog’s health? We didn’t either!

Are Candles Bad For Dogs?

In short, yes. Candles do present some potential dangers to our canine friends. Unfortunately, there isn’t much regulation regarding candles, and companies do not have to list the ingredients that go into making them. This really means that not all candles are created the same in regard to being safe for our pets. The primary problems here are the possible toxins found in certain waxes and fragrances, which can be irritants to both human and canine respiratory systems. Now, it is imperative that we choose candles with natural ingredients, as much as possible, to ensure our pets do not have to go through exposure to unsafe chemicals.

Are Citronella Candles Safe for Dogs?

Citronella candles are hugely popular because they are useful against mosquitoes. The question again comes up: “Are citronella candles safe for dogs?” Though citronella oil is derived from plants, hence natural, it still might be a problem for dogs by inhalation in enormous amounts or after direct contact with the skin. While citronella candles are relatively safe to burn outdoors for shorter periods, it’s always best to keep them apart from dogs to avoid possible irritation or breathing problems.

What Candle Wax Is Safe for Dogs?

Generally speaking, soy, beeswax, and coconut wax are considered safer than paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum refining, simply for the reason that they burn more cleanly and emit fewer toxins. Candles made from such natural waxes can minimise the potential exposure to hazardous chemicals for your dog.

Are Wax Melts Safe for Dogs?

Wax melts made from natural waxes and not artificial fragrances or dyes are generally quite safe for pet owners. However, it’s always best to use them in well-ventilated areas and place the wax warmer out of reach of curious noses and paws.

Are Yankee Candles Safe for Dogs?

While Yankee Candle is made basically from paraffin wax, which may hold artificial fragrances, they accord wholly to rigid security measures. However, for dog owners who take into consideration the air quality and possible allergies that would trigger, then opting for candles made from natural waxes and scents might be a safer step, as previously discussed.

Candle Ingredients To Avoid:

Lead: a component existing in some of the wicks, potentially disrupting the central nervous system. Symptoms that your dog’s affected include chomping at the jaw and in-coordination.

Paraffin Wax: Common in candles, releases carcinogens when burned. This will, in the long run, cause nausea and headaches if inhaled.

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Toxins such as Acetaldehyde, Formaldehyde, and Acrolein: Compromise air quality.

Benzene and Toluene: Known carcinogens, affect the quality of the air and the central nervous system.

Apart from all these, avoid synthetic fragrances and colours.

Dog Friendly Candle Alternatives

Luckily, there are safer alternatives: candles made of either beeswax, coconut wax, natural soy, or vegetable-based wax, candle wicks made from lead-free materials (100% natural cotton, paper, wood), candle fragrance by way of natural essential oils—remember to do your research on the scents, as some are known to be toxic to dogs, such as clove oil. Other candle options include electric candles and candles scented with essential oils. Opt for candles scented with natural essential oils, we recommend researching the scents as oils like clove can be harmful for dogs.

Our favourite would be candles that are natural, organic, and healthy. Here’s a rundown of some of our fave ‘straight from the UK and US’ natural candles.

Dog Friendly Candles In The UK

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HappyPawsCandleCo

HappyPawsCandleCo offers candles crafted with rapeseed wax and pure essential oils. Their Clary Sage candle smells herbaceous, slightly floral; perfect for those who are searching for an entirely natural, earthy smell. From the wicks to even the packaging, all materials are eco-friendly, ensuring that eco-conscious pet owners will have a guilt-free indulgence.

Pyourly Candles

The Pyourly Jasmine & Lily Scented Aromatherapy Candle is a perfect blend of tranquility and pet-friendly luxury. Crafted from a special mix of natural waxes including soy, beeswax, and rapeseed, it guarantees a clean burn for up to 40 hours, filling any room with its soothing floral scent, whether lit or unlit. This candle not only purifies the air but also ensures a safe environment for pets, making it an ideal choice for pet owners seeking a serene ambiance.

Henbury Moon England

Embrace the luxury of a 100% vegan soy wax candle, free from paraffin and parabens. Henbury Moon’s offering combines an exotic blend of bergamot, lotus flower, rose, vanilla, and sandalwood, creating a rich, layered fragrance. The wood wick adds a comforting crackle, akin to a fireside, while the chic pale pink glass jar adds a touch of elegance to any room.

KIKO Candles

KIKO Candles are more than just candles; they’re an experience designed to bring joy and comfort. Featuring handcrafted wooden wicks, these candles produce a soothing crackle, filling your space with warmth and a robust scent. The amber jar and sleek black lid add a modern touch to any decor. Opt for a cotton wick for a longer burn time, ensuring your home is enveloped in fragrance down to the last drop.

Y-Ming

Perfect for the traveller or those who love to accessorize their homes, Y-Ming’s mini travel candles are a delight. Made from soy wax with a 100% cotton lead-free wick, these candles offer up to 30 hours of burn time. Available in dog-safe fragrances like gardenia, jasmine, French vanilla, and lavender, they’re presented in beautifully designed tins that serve as charming home accessories post-use.

Neom Organics 

Neom’s commitment to 100% natural fragrances for wellbeing is encapsulated in their best-selling scent. With 24 essential oils, including lavender, jasmine, and Brazilian rosewood, it’s designed to relax and rejuvenate. The high-quality scent promises to fill your home, ensuring a therapeutic experience with a generous 50 hours of burn time.

DOG-ABOUT-TOWN

Dedicated to creating a fresh and inviting home, DOG-ABOUT-TOWN candles combine 100% natural soy wax with a blend of premium fragrances and essential oils. The amber glass jars not only look stylish but protect the candle’s botanicals from sunlight. Each scent is chosen for its anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and odour-neutralising properties, offering a heavenly fragrance that also combats pet smells. Click here to read our interview with DOG-ABOUT-TOWN.

Dog Friendly Candles In The US

Sand and Paws

Designed for pet-loving homes, the Sand + Paws “Clean Waves” candle freshens your space while neutralizing odors. Made with cotton lead-free wicks and essential oils, it offers a refreshing scent and a clean burn. The reusable glass jar with a carved wooden lid adds a stylish touch, blending fragrance with function.

Westcoast Candle Co

Marrying the love for pets and fragrant homes, “Bergamot Sunrise” offers a refreshing morning breeze of white tea, bergamot, and mandarin. These clean-burning, pet-friendly candles not only light up your space but actively combat pet odours, creating a fresh and welcoming environment. A portion of every purchase supports local pets in need, adding a layer of compassion to your candle choice.

Rockafella Scents

Rockafella Scents’ dedication to pet safety and aromatic bliss shines through their soy wax candles. The Rose Geranium scent, following the beloved Vanilla Cedarwood, offers not just a delightful fragrance but also benefits like pest repellence and stress reduction for dogs. It’s an ideal choice for pet owners seeking a harmonious and fragrant home atmosphere.

Do You Have Any Dog Friendly Scented Candles?

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