Candles and essential oils are popular home décor items, but they may not always be safe for your pet. While candles are generally considered safe to use around pets, it is important to remember that all animals have unique sensitivities to smells and chemicals.
In addition, some essential oils have been linked to a number of health problems in pets. This guide will help you determine whether or not candles and essential oils are safe for your pet so that you can enjoy the benefits without posing a risk to your furry friend.
Candles
Candles are generally considered to be safe around most pets as long as they are used responsibly. However, it is important to exercise caution when burning candles around animals, as a sudden burst of flame could scare or even harm your pet.
It is also important to keep an eye on the candle while it is burning, making sure that it doesn’t get too close to flammable objects like curtains or furniture.
The scents used in premium candles are typically safe for most pets, but some studies show that some products release synthetic fragrances that can aggravate existing respiratory illnesses.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, some scented candles can release harmful toxins into the air, which may be harmful to pets. These toxins can include benzene, toluene, and xylene, all of which are known to cause health problems in pets.
It is best to exercise caution when burning candles around pets, and to avoid candles used with paraffin wax. Beeswax, soy wax, or vegetable-based wax candles are generally regarded as safer candle alternatives for pets.
If you follow the proper safety guidelines and monitor your pet closely while the candle is lit, you can enjoy the benefits of these beautiful home décor items without worrying about harming your furry friend.
Essential Oils
In contrast to the safety of candles, essential oils are much more controversial when it comes to pet safety. Many essential oils can be extremely harmful to animals and should not be used around pets.
Although essential oils offer humans many benefits, they pose health risks to pets. For instance, some studies have shown that certain essential oils can cause liver damage in cats and dogs.
Other common essential oils like lavender oil and tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested by pets, so it is important to keep these products out of reach or avoid using them altogether when you have animals at home.
Furthermore, some essential oils may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in pets, such as a rash or hives.
When using essential oils around pets, it is critical to follow safety guidelines closely. Always make sure that you store the bottles of oil in a place where they will not be accidentally knocked over or chewed on by your pet.
If you want to use essential oils around your pet, make sure that the product is specifically formulated for animal use and consult with your veterinarian before using it.
Perfumes and Fragrances
Like essential oils, perfumes and fragrances can also be harmful to pets. Perfumes and colognes often contain chemicals that are known to cause health problems in animals.
In addition, many scented products have a strong odor that may make your pet feel sick or uncomfortable.
If you want to use perfumes or fragrances around pets, it is best to opt for less-strong products and keep them out of reach. You should also take care not to spray the perfume close to your pet, as the spray can easily irritate their eyes and nose.
If your pet shows any signs of distress or illness after coming into contact with these products, make sure to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Top Safety Tips for Using Scented Products Around Pets
Overall, it is best to avoid using candles, essential oils, and fragrances around pets whenever possible. But if you live in a small home and are looking to use candles or essential oils around your pet, there are a few key tips that you should keep in mind.
First, it is important to exercise caution and be mindful of the safety guidelines for using these products around pets. For instance, never leave burning candles unattended, since this could pose a serious risk of fire or burns to your pet.
Try to keep your room ventilated while the candle is burning, and make sure that your pet is safely away from the flame.
You should also avoid using scented candles that contain paraffin wax, as these products may release harmful chemicals into the air and cause health problems in pets.
Always keep products safely out of reach and exercise caution when applying them to your skin, as some oils can be irritating or harmful if applied directly to the skin.
If you have any concerns, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian before using any scented products around pets, especially if you are concerned about their health or want to use essential oils for therapeutic purposes.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your premium fragrances safely around your pets and reap all of the amazing benefits that these products have to offer.
Bio
Linda Clark is the resident aromatherapist at Scent Selective who fell in love with natural perfumes for their many medical and spiritual benefits. From Edinburgh, UK Linda helps by evaluating various natural ingredients and providing detailed reviews on how people of all different ages can benefit from them.