Are Candles Bad for Dogs? Pet Safety Tips

Candles can add warmth, ambiance, and relaxing scents to your home—but if you’re a dog owner, you might be wondering whether they’re safe to use around your furry friend. While many candles seem harmless, some contain ingredients or produce fumes that could pose health risks to pets. From artificial fragrances to open flames, it’s important to know what to look out for to keep your dog safe.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential dangers of candles for dogs and share practical tips to help you enjoy your favorite candles without putting your pet at risk.

Understanding the Risks of Candles for Dogs

Candles may set a calming mood, but they can also pose hidden dangers for your dog. Many scented candles contain essential oils and synthetic chemicals that may be toxic to pets, potentially causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or breathing issues if inhaled or ingested.

Paraffin wax candles are especially concerning—they release toxins when burned, which can negatively affect both you and your dog’s respiratory health. Dogs are naturally curious, and an unattended flame or an enticing scent might draw them too close, leading to burns, paw injuries, or even accidental wax ingestion, which can result in digestive blockages.

To reduce risks:

• Keep candles out of reach and never leave them unattended.

• Choose pet-safe options, like unscented soy or beeswax candles, which burn cleaner and are less likely to irritate your dog.

• Avoid candles with strong artificial fragrances or essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, and citrus, which are known to be harmful to pets.

By being mindful of what you light and where you place it, you can enjoy the cozy glow of candles while keeping your dog safe and healthy.

Identifying Toxic Ingredients in Candles

Understanding the risks is only the first step—knowing which ingredients to avoid is key to protecting your dog from potential harm.

Many scented candles contain essential oils that are toxic to dogs, including:

• Tea tree

• Citrus (like lemon or orange)

• Pine

• Wintergreen

• Eucalyptus

When inhaled or accidentally ingested, these oils can cause serious health issues such as drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or even liver damage in severe cases.

Additionally, paraffin wax, a common ingredient in mass-produced candles, releases benzene and toluene—chemicals linked to respiratory irritation. This can be especially problematic for dogs with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Dogs may also be tempted to chew on candles, risking gastrointestinal blockages, especially if they swallow wicks, metal tabs, or large chunks of wax.

To keep your pup safe:

• Read labels carefully, and avoid candles with questionable or unclear ingredients.

• Stick to natural waxes like soy or beeswax, and choose products labeled as pet-safe or non-toxic.

Being ingredient-aware helps you create a safer, healthier home for your dog—without giving up the comfort of your favorite candles.

Recognizing Signs of Candle-Related Toxicity in Dogs

Have you ever seen your dog coughing, sneezing, or developing watery eyes after lighting a candle? These may be early warning signs of candle-related toxicity.

Scented candles often contain essential oils that can irritate your dog’s respiratory system—especially if they already have breathing issues. Common signs to watch for include:

• Coughing or wheezing

• Labored breathing

• Runny nose or eyes

• Unusual lethargy or restlessness

If your dog ingests candle wax, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Loss of appetite

More severe symptoms—such as tremors, lameness, or depression—may signal essential oil poisoning and require immediate veterinary attention.

To reduce these risks, consider switching to beeswax or soy candles, which burn cleaner and contain fewer potentially harmful ingredients. Always observe your dog’s behavior around candles and take action at the first sign of discomfort.

By staying alert to these symptoms, you can enjoy the ambiance of candles while keeping your pet safe and healthy.

Safe Candle Practices for Dog Owners

Candles can bring warmth and comfort to your home, but if you have a dog, it’s important to use them with care. Here are some smart and simple practices to help you enjoy candles safely around your furry friend:

• Choose Natural Waxes
  Opt for candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax. These burn cleaner and are less likely to release harmful toxins into the air.

• Avoid Harmful Scents
  Stick to unscented candles or those specifically labeled “pet-safe.” Many essential oils commonly used in scented candles—like tea tree, citrus, or eucalyptus—can irritate or even poison dogs.

• Keep Candles Out of Reach
  Always place candles high and secure, far from wagging tails or curious noses. This helps prevent burns, spills, or accidental ingestion.

• Never Leave Candles Unattended
  Supervision is key. A knocked-over candle can quickly become a fire hazard or cause injury if your dog gets too close.

• Consider Flameless Alternatives
  Battery-operated candles mimic the cozy glow of real ones without any of the risks. They’re a great option for pet-friendly ambiance.

• Ensure Good Ventilation
  When using candles, make sure the room is well-ventilated to help disperse any lingering fumes or smoke.

With just a few adjustments, you can enjoy your favorite candles while creating a safe, calming environment for your dog.

Exploring Dog-Friendly Candle Alternatives

If you're looking to create a cozy, inviting space without putting your dog at risk, consider switching to pet-safe candle alternatives.

• Flameless candles offer the warm glow of real candles without the dangers of open flames or harmful fumes. They're a safe, low-maintenance option for any pet-friendly home.

• When using real candles, opt for those made from natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax, which burn cleaner and are less likely to release toxins into the air.

• Choose unscented options or those made with pet-safe essential oils like lavender or chamomile. Avoid candles with oils such as tea tree, citrus, eucalyptus, or pine, which can be harmful to dogs—especially in paraffin-based products.

• For a flame-free way to keep your home fresh, try natural odor neutralizers like baking soda solutions or vinegar-based sprays.

• Consider adding an air purifier to improve overall air quality and eliminate odors without the need for synthetic fragrances.

These simple swaps help maintain a comfortable, welcoming home while prioritizing your dog’s safety and well-being.

Responding to Candle-Related Emergencies

In the unfortunate event of a candle-related emergency involving your dog, quick and decisive action is crucial. If candle ingestion occurs, monitor for symptoms like gastrointestinal blockage.

Should signs your dog is unwell persist for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian immediately. Candles contain harmful substances, so if you suspect ingestion of toxic substances, contact a pet poison hotline, such as the ASPCA at 1-888-426-4435.

For burns, cool the area under running water for 10 minutes and seek immediate veterinary attention to prevent infection.

Always have a primary aid kit for pets ready, with supplies for minor burns and guidance on professional care. Make certain candles are used safely to avoid emergencies and protect your furry friend.