Scented Candles and Pets: What to Know
· 2 min read
Lots of pet owners love candles, and most can enjoy them with a few sensible habits. Animals have far more sensitive noses than we do, and curious paws and tails don't mix well with an open flame. Here's what to keep in mind.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. If your pet has breathing problems, allergies or other health conditions, ask your vet before burning any scented product around them.
The main risks
The flame
The biggest everyday risk is simple: a cat jumping onto a shelf or a dog's tail sweeping a coffee table. Burns and knocked-over candles are far more common than anything to do with the scent.
Strong fragrance in a small space
Pets breathe the same air at a much smaller size, often closer to the floor and for longer. A strong scent in a closed room can bother them, especially cats.
Some essential oils
Certain concentrated essential oils are known to be harmful to pets, particularly cats, if they're licked, absorbed through the skin or inhaled in large amounts. Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint and some citrus oils are often mentioned. The amount released by a candle burning in a ventilated room is very different from direct contact with an oil, but it's a good reason to be careful.
Birds
Birds have very sensitive lungs. If you keep birds, avoid burning candles or anything scented in the same room.
Sensible habits
- Keep candles out of reach. High shelves away from where cats jump, never on the floor or a low table a dog can reach.
- Never leave a candle burning in an empty room, and never with pets shut in with it.
- Ventilate. Crack a window or leave a door open so the scent doesn't build up.
- Go lighter. Clean, soft scents are easier on a sensitive nose than heavy, sweet ones.
- Leave them an escape route. Let pets leave the room if they want to.
- Watch for signs like sneezing, watery eyes, coughing or avoiding the room. If you see them, blow the candle out, air the room and talk to your vet.
Does the wax matter?
Yes. Soy wax burns cleaner and with less soot than paraffin, which is better for everyone in the room, people and pets included. There's more on this in soy wax vs paraffin. Philotree candles use pure soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks and IFRA-certified fragrance.
The short version
Most pets are fine around a candle in a well-ventilated room, kept out of reach and never left unattended. If your pet is unwell, very young or very old, or you keep birds, ask your vet first.
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