Are Candles Safe To Use Around Pets? Here's What We Know

Unwinding by lighting your favorite candle and relaxing with your pets might actually cause you more stress than serenity. When it comes to burning candles around your animal companions, there are many risks to consider. Candles pose a clear fire hazard, especially amongst curious cats. If they decide to explore a lit candle, cats can get hard-to-remove wax stuck in their fur and, more severely, burn themselves. 

Candles, especially on low surfaces, can also cause issues with canines, with dogs also getting hard-to-get out candle wax stuck in their hair and potential burns on their paws that may require home remedies or professional treatment. Beyond these obvious dangers, many candles contain chemicals and essential oils that can be harmful to the canines and felines in your life. Essential oils that are toxic to both cats and dogs include tea tree, peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus, among others, so it's important to read candle ingredients carefully.

However, just because some candles are risky for your pets doesn't mean you need to cut them out of your life for good. If kept out of reach and closely monitored, certain candles can be okay around dogs and cats. Because many scented candles contain essential oils that could be toxic to your pet, the unscented variety are the best bet when it comes to your furry friends, according to GoodRx Health. Along with opting out of scent, choosing a candle made of natural ingredients, such as beeswax, can prevent your pets from being exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals.

Even when using a candle that seems to have safe ingredients, dogs and cats might still have a reaction due to their heightened sense of smell. Sneezing or coughing are signs your pup or kitty could be affected by a candle. If your pet is already prone to respiratory issues, burning candles can also worsen these problems. While these effects are only mild, it's important to watch for more serious signs your pet might be experiencing.

If your dog or cat vomits, appears lethargic, experiences difficulty walking or breathing, exhibits muscle tremors, or has a burn, you should contact your vet right away, as these could be signs of essential oil poisoning. While candles with essential oils are dangerous to all pets, they can be especially harmful to cats. Many essential oils metabolize through the liver, and cats do not have the necessary enzymes to metabolize them properly.

If you'd rather not risk your pet getting burned by a candle but still want the option to use scent in your home, there are other options out there. Even though many essential oils are toxic to animals, PetMD states that some are safe to use around dogs, making diffusers a potentiel candle swap for households with canines. However, in a separate article, it recommends not using essential oils around cats (including in diffusers) due to their increased sensitivity to them.

While some experts say essential oils shouldn't be used around cats at all, others, such as those interviewed by Outward Hound, say that it's fine to use pet-safe oils in moderation around both kitties and pooches. However, due to a cat's strong sense of smell, they might still be sensitive to essential oils that are considered safe. If planning on using essential oils in your home, it's best to do your research and find the best way to go about doing so safely for you and your pets.

While candle ingredients may sometimes be unclear or hard to find, a diffuser allows you to control the amount of essential oils you are emitting and make sure they are pet-friendly. Or, if candles are less about scent and more about ambience for you, flameless candles are a safer way to create this effect while preventing your pet from getting injured, burned, or inhaling potentially dangerous oils. In the end, it's important to do your research and consult a vet when using any candle or candle alternative.