Are Scented Candles Bad for Dogs? How to Keep Your Pup Safe

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While scented candles can set the mood and add a pleasing scent to your home, they can also be dangerous for your pet.

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 others can build up in the body (of both dogs and humans) over time, increasing cancer risk.

Before lighting candles around your dog, learn which chemicals to avoid and pet safety tips for burning candles around curious canines.

Are all candles bad for dogs?

All types of candles - especially the scented ones - can pose risks to your dog.

Some candles should be avoided because they contain chemicals that, when burned, can be bad for you and your pup to breathe in. But if your dog has asthma or other breathing difficulties, they shouldn't be exposed to candles at all.

Candles can also pose a fire or burn risk. So you shouldn't leave your dog alone with any type of lit candle within paw's reach.

Are scented candles toxic for dogs?

Yes, some scented candles can be poisonous to pets. This is mostly because candles are scented using essential oils. And many essential oils are toxic to dogs.

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances made using the most fragrant parts of plants. They're often toxic to dogs because the concentration of the oil is so high. In addition, essential oils (and similarly scented candles) may be mixed with other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

What scents are toxic to dogs?

You'll want to avoid candles that contain the following essential oil scents, which are all toxic to dogs:

• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

• Wintergreen and wintergreen birch

• Ylang-ylang

• Pine

• Cinnamon

• Pennyroyal

• Citrus (D-limonene), including bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, and orange

• Sweet birch

• Peppermint

• Clove

• Eucalyptus

• Sassafras

• Cedar

• Sage

Keep in mind that this isn't a comprehensive list of scents that can be harmful to dogs. To check if a scent poses a potential risk, you can search for it by name on the Pet Poison Helpline's website.

Do candles contain other harmful ingredients?

Yes, in addition to essential oils, many candles contain harmful toxins. Naphthalene and phthalates are two common ones.

Naphthalene

Naphthalene, a substance made from crude oil or coal tar, is used as an insecticide and pest repellent. It is also used to make plastics, resins, fuels, and dyes. Products that contain naphthalene are solids that turn into toxic gas. This is why they are effective at killing insects and keeping some animals away.

When naphthalene breaks down, it can affect a dog's lungs and eyes. It can also cause cancer, according to animal studies cited by the World Health Organization.

There hasn't been research on naphthalene in candles specifically. But we do know what can happens when a dog inhales mothballs that contain naphthalene:

• Digestive tract irritation

• Liver damage

• Kidney damage

• Blood cell damage

• Swelling of the brain

• Seizures

• Coma

• Respiratory tract damage

• Death

Phthalates

Phthalates, also called plasticizers, are used to soften plastics. These chemicals are in hundreds of household products, including candles, soaps, and makeup, and plastic packaging.

Some research suggests exposure to phthalates can cause cancer in pets. Other research indicates that several phthalates can cause issues with sexual function, fertility, and development.

Phthalates must be listed as an ingredient on product labels, unless they're added as part of the fragrance. In this case, current law allows them to be labeled only as a "fragrance," even if they make up 20% or more of the product.

Signs your dog is having a bad reaction to candles

Just like with humans, fragrances and scented oils can trigger an allergic reaction or irritate existing breathing problems in dogs.

Signs your dog may be having a negative reaction to a candle include:

• Watery eyes

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Itching

• Wheezing

As mentioned, the essential oils in many scented candles can be poisonous to your pup. Essential oil poisoning can cause symptoms such as:

• Vomiting

• Tremors

• Breathing issues

• Drooling

• Low blood pressure

• Gastrointestinal tract ulcers

• Low heart rate

• Low body temperature

• Seizures

• Paralysis in the hind legs

• Skin irritation

• Liver failure

• Kidney failure

What should you do if your dog eats a candle?

If your dog eats a candle or part of a candle, it could get stuck in their gastrointestinal tract. At best, that could lead to an upset stomach. However, it's possible that your dog could develop an intestinal blockage if the candle cannot pass on its own. In that case, they would potentially need surgery to remove it.

If your dog eats a scented candle, they may also be exposed to a toxic fragrance or essential oil. So it's best to contact your veterinarian or call a pet poison hotline immediately for advice. Here are two hotline options (both of which charge a fee for consultation):

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:1-888-426-4435

• Pet Poison Helpline:1-855-764-7661

What should you do if your dog burns itself on a candle?

Burns from candles can be serious because of the potential for infection and other complications.

You can treat a burn immediately by placing the burned area in cool water or saline solution (a mixture of salt and purified water). You can also spray the area with one of the liquids. Then, take your dog to your vet or an emergency animal hospital as soon as possible.

Treating a burn can be complicated and may involve giving your dog pain medication and antibiotics. Your vet will provide further direction after evaluating your pup's injury.

How can you safely burn candles around dogs?

All is not lost if your idea of the perfect evening at home involves chilling with candles and your canine. Just keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Never leave lit candles unattended. Dogs can mistakenly knock them over with the wag of a tail or a curious snout.

• Choose unscented candles. While this is the safest approach, if you must burn scented candles, read the ingredients carefully and look for ones labeled "dog safe."

• Keep candles out of your dog's reach. Place them on high surfaces where they cannot accidentally burn fur.

• Look for candles made of vegetable wax, soy, or beeswax. These candles are less likely to contain harmful chemicals.

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