Every dog parent wants their furry friend to be happy and comfortable at home. Lighting a scented candle might create a more relaxing space for you, but is your pup as thrilled by the process? Candles might bother dogs when you light them, especially when strong scents, smoke, or chemicals are involved. While not all candles are harmful, it’s worth considering how your choices might affect your dog’s indoor experience.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your candlelight cozy and your pup content.
A dog’s olfactory system is up to 100,000 times stronger than yours. A heavily-scented candle that smells delightful to you might be overwhelming or irritating for your dog. Peppermint, citrus, or eucalyptus are common scents found in candles that may bother them. Some dogs might even sneeze or avoid the room entirely due to the intense aroma. Opting for unscented or lightly scented candles could make a big difference in their comfort.
Burning candles can release smoke and soot particles into the air. While tiny traces of these might go unnoticed by humans, dogs’ lungs can be more sensitive. Continuous exposure to smoke could irritate your pup’s respiratory system, especially if they already deal with allergies, which can be common for doodles. Extinguishing candles properly and keeping the room ventilated reduces potential irritants.
Traditional candles made from paraffin wax release chemicals like benzene and toluene when burned. These aren’t ideal for humans or furry companions. Additionally, synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive dogs, potentially causing headaches, coughing, or nausea. Natural wax candles made from soy or beeswax are better alternatives for pet-friendly households. They burn cleaner and are less likely to emit harmful toxins.
Curiosity and candles aren’t a safe combination. A wagging tail or a passing sniff can knock over a burning candle, creating a fire hazard. Elevated holders can help, but supervision is always essential when candles are lit. If you’re looking for a more pet-safe scenting solution, using fragrance reed diffusers might be a better option. This option provides a subtler scent than a burning candle, but it is also smokeless and does not involve paraffins. Just be sure to place the reed diffusers somewhere safe, as a wagging tail can still knock over these open containers of fragrance oil.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language around lit candles. Sneezing, wheezing, avoiding the room, or pawing at their nose could indicate discomfort. Symptoms like coughing or watery eyes warrant extra caution. If your pup doesn’t feel great, extinguish the candle immediately and ventilate the area.
Your love for your dog means creating a safe space where they can thrive. While candles can add warmth and charm to your home, they may not always be the best option for your pup. Standard candles might bother dogs when you light them, but switching to dog-friendlier alternatives like reed diffusers or natural wax candles could help you keep your space cozy and safe. After all, nothing beats relaxing with your furry best friend by your side and knowing they’re happy and healthy.
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