What Dog Owners Need to Know About Scented Candles

by | Mar 11, 2018 | Essential Oils

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Due to dangerous ingredients used in making scented candles, burning them releases toxins that may be dangerous to dogs; here are pet-safe alternatives.

I love candles and will often burn them in several rooms in our home (all on the main floor). I never thought about the safety beyond leaving candles unattended. A content creator's Facebook Live opened my eyes to the possibility that burning scented candles and plugins may harm my dogs. In this article, I share why scented candles and plugins are dangerous to dogs and pet safe alternatives to keep your home smelling lovely.

Are Scented Candles Toxic?

According to the National Candle Association, as candles burn, the wax turns to liquid and is drawn up the wick. The heated wax transforms into a gas and breaks down into tiny hydrogen and carbon particles that can be inhaled. It's crucial to be mindful of the wax and wick ingredients, as they can be inhaled by both you and your pets. The following is a list of reasons why scented candles can be harmful to dogs and the ingredients to avoid:

Essential Oils

Many scented candles contain essential oils for fragrance. I use essential oils regularly on and around my dogs, but the essential oils I choose are proven safe for use around dogs. Sadly, when a product becomes popular, some brands will cut corners, producing essential oils that can be toxic to dogs. Essential oils I use on myself or diffuse in our home come from Plant Therapy, Simply Earth, and AnimalEO; the latter of which is the only essential oil brand I'll use on my dogs.

Plant Therapy
Simply Earth
AnimalEO

Chemicals and Fragrances

Buying candles with a strong scent is tempting because they'll cover more area in our home, but these may be the riskiest candles. Scented candles often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals, such as phthalates and formaldehyde, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Inhaling these VOCs can irritate a dog's respiratory system and potentially lead to health issues.

Lead in Candle Wicks

In the past, some candle wicks were made with lead cores to help them burn more evenly. However, lead exposure can be harmful to both humans and animals. While lead wicks are now banned in many countries, it's still advisable to avoid candles with metal wicks or those lacking clear information about wick materials. The safest and most eco-friendly candle wicks are made from natural materials like cotton, hemp, or wood, which burn cleanly.

Allergic Reactions

Dogs can be sensitive or allergic to specific fragrances or chemicals used in scented candles. They may experience skin irritation, itchiness, or nasal congestion when exposed to certain scents or components. According to scientists, a dog's sense of smell is 10,00 to 100,00 times more powerful than that of humans. This is because dogs have significantly more scent receptors than we do. Specifically, for each scent receptor that a human possesses, a dog has approximately 50.

Ingestion Risks

Curious dogs may attempt to chew on or ingest candles, especially if they are attracted to the scent. While this may seem unlikely, having a puppy that puts everything in her mouth made me take this warning seriously. Ingesting candle wax or parts can lead to gastrointestinal issues, blockages, or other complications.

Choosing Pet Safe Scented Candles

To minimize the risks associated with scented candles, it is generally recommended to:

  • Choose candles made from natural, pet-safe ingredients. Avoid paraffin wax and choose soy, coconut, or beeswax candles.
  • Avoid cheap candles with synthetic fragrances or essential oils from unknown sources.
  • Choose candles with cotton, paper, or wooden wicks. Confirm that the wicks haven't been dipped in chemicals.
  • Keep candles out of your dog's reach to prevent accidental ingestion or burns. Never leave candles burning unattended.
  • Use candles in well-ventilated areas to prevent the scent from overwhelming family members.

If you suspect your dog has ingested any candle components or is experiencing adverse reactions after exposure, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Pet Safe Alternatives to Scented Candles

The following is a list of pet-safe alternatives to scented candles that may be toxic to dogs. The candles listed are made with 100% natural plant-based wax without dyes, paraffin, phthalates, formaldehyde, or parabens. These brands use 100% cotton wicks.

Plant Therapy
Simply Earth
AnimalEO

Make Homemade Candles

If you love DIY, making homemade candles can be fun and affordable. If you haven't noticed, pet-safe candles aren't cheap. Here's a basic recipe for making a homemade candle using soy wax or beeswax:

Ingredients for Homemade Candles

You can find these supplies on Amazon or at your local craft store.

Instructions for Making Homemade Candles

  1. Prepare your container: Clean and dry your chosen container or mold thoroughly. Ensure it is heat-resistant and suitable for candle making.
  2. Secure the wick: Attach the wick sustainer or use adhesive to secure the wick at the bottom center of the container. Make sure the wick is centered and straight.
  3. Melt the wax: Melt the soy wax flakes over low to medium heat using a double boiler or a heatproof container placed in a saucepan with water. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid exceeding the recommended melting point for the wax (usually around 120-180°F or 49-82°C).
  4. Add essential oils (optional): Once the wax has melted completely, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax and stir gently to distribute the scent. Be cautious not to add too much fragrance, as it may affect the candle's burn characteristics.
  5. Pour the wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared container, leaving some space at the top. Hold the wick upright to keep it centered and straight.
  6. Secure the wick in place: To keep the wick in place as the wax solidifies, use a popsicle stick or pencil laid across the top of the container, with the wick wrapped around it loosely. This will help keep the wick centered and taut.
  7. Allow it to cool and solidify: Let the candle cool and solidify completely. It may take a few hours or longer, depending on the size of the candle and the ambient temperature.
  8. Trim the wick: Once the candle has hardened, trim the wick to around ¼ inch (0.6 cm) above the wax's surface. This helps promote a clean and even burn.
  9. Enjoy your homemade candle: Light your homemade candle and enjoy the cozy ambiance and lovely scent it provides!

Remember to follow all safety precautions when working with hot wax and open flames. If you're new to candle making, consider researching and following more detailed instructions or tutorials to ensure safe and successful results.

Read More About Scented Candles

Using Essential Oils with Dogs

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13 Comments

  1. Kimberly on July 8, 2019 at 7:42 am

    I’m sorry that you had a bad experience. It’s a myth that essential oils are all dangerous to dogs and that includes lavender. What people don’t realize is that we need to use the highest quality oils with ourselves and our pets, the oils need to be diluted, and it’s best to have guidance. I personally don’t use essential oils on my pets unless they are heavily diluted because of the risk of injury. I do not burn oils with pets – EVER. Burning oils would be a huge hazard. What I do is diffuse oils in water using a diffuser. It is aromatic and adds a scent to the air while also providing calm, like on the Fourth of July.

    I follow the guidance of a book by the veterinarian Dr. Melissa Shelton: https://amzn.to/2YGGmwa

    This book goes over what oils can be used with pets, how to use them, and more.

  2. Kaila Gonzalez on July 8, 2019 at 5:35 am

    all essential oils are bad for pets, including lavender which was not listed. very very harmful, we had a horrible experience with this, please do not tell people to burn oils with pets.

  3. Kimberly on May 16, 2019 at 7:47 am

    Thanks, Trevor. I’ll check them out.

  4. Trevor on May 15, 2019 at 10:40 pm

    You should check out this new company called Pura. All their fragrances are natural ingredients, almost all of them are essential oil based, all of their fragrances are pet friendly and they smell really amazing. They’ve got lists of the chemicals they don’t include on their website and even more in depth explanations on their Instagram page. I’ve been using it for awhile and love, love, love, love it!

    Not to mention the Pura device itself which just puts it over the top for me. Honestly, it’s just amazing and I’m so glad I found it.

    Here is their website:

    ilovepura.com

    And their Instagram: @pura

  5. Kimberly on April 29, 2019 at 9:05 am

    I’m not sure. I’m afraid of the electric candle heaters, worried that they’re a fire hazard, so I avoid them. I have a good habit of blowing out candles, but I tend to leave electronics plugged in forever.

    I prefer using essential oils to fabric softener; I order mine from Plant Therapy https://keepthetailwagging.com/PlantTherapy. I also have a subscription box from Simply Earth https://keepthetailwagging.com/SimplyEarth

  6. Adina Lev on April 26, 2019 at 8:24 am

    What if you use an electric candle heater instead of burning it? Would it still be as toxic? How about fabric softeners heavily diluted and used as a spray?

  7. Kimberly on November 11, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    The toxicity of essential oils depends on how they are used with the pets. I follow Dr. Melissa Shelton and check her to learn if an oil is safe for my dogs and cat: https://amzn.to/2JTPHdh. She is one of the world’s foremost experts on the topic of essentials oils for pets.

  9. Kimberly on August 6, 2018 at 10:52 am

    For my dogs and cat, I make sure to diffuse oils that I know are safe to use around them, I only diffuse a few drops, and I always leave a door open so they can leave. Fortunately, my home is open-concept so the rooms are big and roomy with high ceilings so the oils don’t bother my pets.

  10. Bj on August 6, 2018 at 10:48 am

    you mentioned it’s okay to diffuse certain oils I believe diffusing oils two cats especially I think you want to write about their mucous membranes are three times as sensitive 2 hours they can’t handle any type of essential oils I’m told do you have a different find on that

  11. Kimberly on April 13, 2018 at 9:24 pm

    Thanks Charline! I’ll look into that. I go to Costco a couple times a month.

  12. Charline on April 13, 2018 at 5:07 am

    I bought a TheraPure tower air filter at Costco, on sale for less than $100. It has a UV and ion setting, as well as 3 speeds and a timer. Vacuum the filter vs replacing. I love mine! I bought charcoal prefilter sheets on Amazon.
    As for vinegar, my friend came over and told me my house smelled like a douche. Ha! Now I use Mrs. Meyers; my favorite scent is marigold. Concentrate refill is less than $10.

  13. Heather on March 31, 2018 at 8:23 am

    Wow – thank you so much for all of this information, the 10 Early Warning Signs of Dog Cancer, and more received in your Newsletter this morning.
    There is just so much we don’t know or think about sometimes until it hits home & we loose our beloved pet. – Heather

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