Are Scented Candles Pet Friendly? We asked a Vet.

As pet parents, we want our homes to smell amazing, but the health of our furry friends always comes first. We often get asked questions like, "Are candles safe for dogs?" or "What about room sprays and cats?" and "Can scented products trigger allergies in pets?"

To give you the absolute best scientifically backed advice, we sat down with a veterinary expert.

Meet Renee Fleming, BSc, DVM, cVMA, CVPP, a veterinarian at the Guelph Animal Hospital and the co owner of Dogtopia of Guelph. Below, Dr Fleming breaks down everything you need to know about pet friendly candles, toxic ingredients to avoid, and how to create a healthy, beautifully scented home for the whole family.

1. Are Scented Soy Candles Safe for Dogs, Cats, and Birds?

Many traditional candles are made from paraffin wax, which can release harmful toxins and soot into the air. However, switching to natural alternatives makes a massive difference.

Dr Fleming: "Scented soy candles do not cause any health concerns for dogs, cats, birds, or other pets! The concerns that can exist, particularly with certain essential oils, generally relate to concentrated oil ingestion or direct topical application. When burned normally in the air, natural soy candles are a safe choice for pet households."

Key Note: Look for non toxic candles for pets made from 100 percent natural soy wax and clean burning fragrances to protect the sensitive respiratory system of your pet.

2. How to Tell if Your Pet is Sensitive to Scents

Animals have a significantly stronger sense of smell than humans. While a scent might be pleasant to you, it could overwhelm a puppy or kitten.

Dr Fleming: "If pets are comfortable in their surroundings, they will typically relax where they are and not relocate. However, I always encourage you to burn a candle or use an oil diffuser in a larger, well ventilated room. That goes for any scented product."

Signs of scent sensitivity or respiratory irritation in pets to watch for:

• Sneezing or coughing
• Watery eyes or nose
• Pacing, whining, or trying to leave the room
• Lethargy or unusual breathing patterns

If you notice any of these signs, extinguish the candle and open a window to fresh air.

3. Can You Use Scented Room Sprays on Pet Bedding?

If you are dealing with standard pet odours, a quick spray can be tempting. But is pet safe room spray a reality?

Dr Fleming: "Oil fragrances, reed diffusers, scented candles, and scented room sprays, when used in the surrounding environment, are safe. I actually love using The Scented Market Room Spray on my sofa and pet beds for a quick refresher! However, I would strictly avoid using any scented sprays directly on your pet's fur or skin."

4. Crucial Pet Safety Tips for Burning Candles

While the wax and fragrance materials in clean candles are safe to breathe, the physical hazards of an open flame or wet wax are the biggest risks to your pets.

• Keep Out of Reach: Always place lit candles on high, sturdy surfaces where a wagging tail cannot knock them over or a curious cat cannot swipe at the flame.
• Never Leave a Flame Unattended: Curiosity can get the best of pets. Never leave a burning candle in a room alone with an animal.
• Watch the Hot Wax: "With candles, the biggest safety concerns are accidental ingestion or spills," warns Dr Fleming. "Hot wax will burn your pet's mouth, paws, or body."
• Secure Sprays and Diffusers: Keep room sprays and reed diffuser liquids tucked safely away in cupboards so your puppy or dog does not chew on the bottles.

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

If your pet accidentally ingests candle wax, chews a diffuser reed, or knocks hot wax onto themselves, act quickly.

Dr Fleming recommends:

1. Call your local veterinary clinic or an after hours emergency pet hospital immediately.
2. Gather any information you have about the product, including the ingredients list, the type of wax, and the fragrance oils used.
3. You can also contact a dedicated poison control hotline for immediate guidance while you travel to the clinic.

"Overall, if you have any concerns about your pet health and candles, your vet is the best place for advice," says Dr Fleming. "Chances are it will not be the scented product that has caused the issue, but it is always better to be safe."

Shop Our Vet-Approved, Pet Friendly Products 🐶✨

At The Scented Market, we formulate our products with clean, simple ingredients. Our candles are hand poured using 100 percent natural soy wax, lead free cotton wicks, and phthalate free, paraben free fragrance oils,making them a safer, cleaner choice for your home and your furry best friends.

Our products were also Dozer-approved!